Recommendations for solar setup

[Shiltsy]

I have a Lance 825 truck camper that will be stored outside without electrical access starting this spring. I'd like to setup a solar system that will charge the batteries while in storage. I have all LED interior lights, no TV, no electric coffee maker, no AC, etc, so when I boondock I can easily make the battery last for 3-4 days. Space on the roof is limited because of a Thule cargo carrier and vents, so I'm really just looking for the most efficient panel that will keep my single 12 volt deep cycle charged during storage.

Love to hear your suggestions. I'm not afraid to spend some money for the right system including a controller.

Thanks!

[pianotuna]

Here is a simple flow chart.

Budget-->Energy Audit-->Battery bank size-->number of watts-->PWM or MPPT. What ever type of controller is chosen, make sure it has adjustable set points and a temperature probe that is on the battery.

One rule of thumb is between 60 and 150 watts of panels per 100 amp-hours of storage. The smaller the battery bank the higher the wattage needed (per 100 amp-hours). Here is a link to the rather special spreadsheet which includes an energy audit, that N8GS has created to help size solar battery charging systems!

Solar Spread Sheet N8GS

For a nice explanation of solar, try this link:

Golden rules of solar

[bedrocker]

wholesale solar.com

[2oldman]

So this is strictly a trickle-charge setup? Probably easier just to disconnect the battery.