Solar Charger

I buy some stuff from Harbor Freight but solar gear isn't one of them. If your intention is to have an auxiliary charger for a single (or possibly dual) battery system, when not plugged into the grid, 45-50w is in range. Solar Blvd has this 55w monocrystalline module on sale for $55. You could couple that with an inexpensive PWM controller for around $30. The total system weight would be in the range of 30-40 lbs., easily totable. Shop around for modules that are being sold nearby because shipping the large flat modules can get expensive.

Good luck with the solar charger, it is a great way to maintain your batteries.

What size and how many batteries? How much will you discharge the batteries?

45 watts should be fine for maintaining battery charge but could be hard pressed to recharge one that is much discharged. At 14.4 volts you'll only get about 3 amps.

If you just want to keep the battery from discharging during storage you will be fine.

An inexpensive PWM controller will keep it from overcharging the batteries.

If you think that you might add panels later you might as well make sure the wire that you install now will be adequate for more current.

I'm sure you will get a lot more comments here. There are some very knowledgeable people on this board.

Hi,

All solar systems should have a charge controller. The Harbor Freight unit is quite expensive per watt. It may be better to look at other more economical systems.