Solar Panel Effectiveness Thru Tinted Glass
I would like to hook up my 5-watt solar panel (and charge controller) to my batteries to keep them charged when stored during the relatively mild western Washington winters. I would like to place the ...
Forum Discussion
It amuses me to see recommendations for 100 watt or more for just stored battery maintenance. You only need the equivalent of a trickle charger and you can get a 15w panel with controller for about the same price. I suspect tinted glass will reduce effectiveness somewhat so I am not sure a 5w panel will work, but be sure to use the battery disconnect to eliminate most parasitic draw.
I would say to just put it in place and monitor your battery for a while to see if it will do the job. If not, go for a 15w or so.
I would say to just put it in place and monitor your battery for a while to see if it will do the job. If not, go for a 15w or so.
