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Old 08-19-2016, 02:39 PM   #1
Kev
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Solar Panels

I am looking into a solar panel for my chassis batteries when in storage. I am trying to keep it simple and want to place a solar panel on the dashboard and run the wires behind the stairs to the batteries. I was looking for any input on what size and type of solar panel I will need to accomplish this.

Thanks,
Kev

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Old 08-20-2016, 05:32 AM   #2
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Kev,

If you do a google search using "car battery solar trickle charger", you will find a bunch of premade solar chargers designed to do just what you want. The prices look very reasonable. I'm thinking one of these would save you a bunch of trouble designing your own system.

Ken


https://www.google.com/search?q=car+...rickle+charger

Here's a bunch on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...rickle+charger
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Old 08-20-2016, 05:43 AM   #3
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Someday your windshield may be your battery charger.

This fully transparent solar cell could make every window and screen a power source (updated) | ExtremeTech

This thread regarding panels behind glass is probably worth reading in regards to what size you may need.

http://forum.solar-electric.com/disc...e-behind-glass

Ken
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Old 08-20-2016, 06:28 PM   #4
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Thanks Ken looks like some good options.
Kev
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Old 08-22-2016, 07:25 PM   #5
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Kev,
I purchased a 15w Battery Tender. It comes with a quick disconnect that I connected to the house batteries and run the cord in the door and lay it on the dash when in storage. Seems to be working and it takes just a few minutes to connect and disconnect. For the chassis battery, I used a Battery Tender 5w with alligator clips. you can purchase extension cables if you need them.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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Old 08-22-2016, 11:09 PM   #6
Kev
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Originally Posted by brucev View Post
Kev,
I purchased a 15w Battery Tender. It comes with a quick disconnect that I connected to the house batteries and run the cord in the door and lay it on the dash when in storage. Seems to be working and it takes just a few minutes to connect and disconnect. For the chassis battery, I used a Battery Tender 5w with alligator clips. you can purchase extension cables if you need them.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Thanks I have a bunch of them for my motorcycles. When the coach is in the driveway I have it connected to the coach. I was looking more for something to keep the batteries charged when in storage with no available power.
Kev
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Old 08-23-2016, 01:25 PM   #7
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Originally Posted by Kev View Post
Thanks I have a bunch of them for my motorcycles. When the coach is in the driveway I have it connected to the coach. I was looking more for something to keep the batteries charged when in storage with no available power.
Kev
Check my post again and check the links. They are solar panels made by Battery Tender.
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Old 08-23-2016, 02:15 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by brucev View Post
Check my post again and check the links. They are solar panels made by Battery Tender.
Ok got it thanks.

Kev
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