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Community Alumni's avatar
Community Alumni
Mar 25, 2014

Using different batteries and solar chargers questions

My new TT came with one deep cycle Interstate Battery (Model SRM-24) and I want to add a second battery. Is it okay to use a different brand battery with the existing one, and do I have to match the reserve capacity on both?

I plan on getting a solar panel to keep the battery/batteries topped off while the TT is stored. I want to get the largest solar panel possible without having to use a controller. I have seen a few small solar panels on the net intended to keep batteries topped off but they don't seem to put out enough juice.

Recommendations on what panels to get and where to get them are welcome.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions and advice.

23 Replies

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  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    Mar 25, 2014
    The battery should be disconnected - physically. 500 ma per battery would be fine if days are 12 hours, and there is nary a cloud and the temperature don't rise.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Mar 25, 2014
    15 or 20 watts should be fine with 2 batteries. But I recommend 50 watts and a low cost controller.
  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    Mar 25, 2014
    Imagine a car with a selection of engines that can be only set at "Full Throttle".

    A 450 horsepower engine is going to be very excitin.................

    A ten horsepower engine will definitely prevent what would happen with the 450 horsepower engine, if the car moves at all.

    So you finally settle on a 29-1/3 horsepower engine that works perfect, until you come to a hill or downhill grade.

    Such is the task of finding "just the right panel that does not require the use of a controller".

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