Solar Charger

[Hudson54]

What solar panel setup would be good to keep my battery charged?
There seems to be so many options out there that make it confusing.

I have a 17' Jayco Kiwi with one 12 volt deep cycle battery that doesn't get a lot of use so when it's sitting I'd like to keep it topped off.

Thanks for any info.

[time2roll]

If you come back from camping with a low battery one of those 5w maintainers is not enough for a proper recharge.

[wintersun]

You need very little in the way of output from a panel to keep the battery charged. Check out the ones designed for use on power boats to keep their batteries charged. They are easy to setup and durable and lightweight. Focus on amps and not Watts, same as with a battery trickle charger where 2 amps is plenty. Important that the controller is designed for use with your type of battery and for keeping the battery on a maintenance mode.

[pianotuna]

Hi,

80 watts is fine. You may wish to buy a controller that would allow for future expansion of the system.

[Snowman9000]

smkettner wrote:
Drive out to Norco and pick up

80w panel $104

Controller $42

mount it to the roof away from shade items and you are all set.

Agree!

You could even start out by leaning the panel against the TT, on the ground. Mount the controller near the battery but not "with" the battery. In a protected, hopefully shaded spot.

[time2roll]

Drive out to Norco and pick up

80w panel $104

Controller $42

mount it to the roof away from shade items and you are all set.

[path1]

I sort of asked that just a little bit ago. I never knew there was so much to it. Many good folks on here with lots of experience. Here is that post that might help you. http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/28068980.cfm