Forum Discussion

starlord's avatar
starlord
Explorer
Aug 26, 2014

Solar and tt storage

Can I hook a solar charger up to the tt while it is in storage to keep the battery charged? If so, how big would I need to go to keep enough charge to open slide outs and such if I needed to? I know I used a very small one to try to keep a battery on a van charged once and it didn't work very well. Thanks for any response.

12 Replies

  • HI,

    My motorhome consumes about 35 amp hours per day to run just the CO meter, propane detector, and refrigerator. That is about what my 120 watt solar panel will put out in one day.

    SunElec.com they sell panels at a reasonable price.

    I would recommend 100 - 150 watt panels because they are not huge, and also because they do not make a tiny amount of power. They should fit between the sidewall and roof vents, and probably leave a 12- 14" wide space to walk down the center of the roof for maintenance.

    You can make roof mounts from 2" angle aluminum, and cut off 6" then drill 3 holes 3/16" for #10 screws into the roof (with lots of rubber roof sealant) and 5/16" hole for a 1/4-20 bolt into the panel framework.

    I ran the wired down the back of my refrigerator. You can buy grey romex that is direct burial and sun resistant #10 wire. It is fine to carry 10 amps.

    Fred.

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,336 PostsLatest Activity: Nov 19, 2025