Need Solar Help..I've Looked

[Maximus Ram]

through the search function and can't find my answer, so I am asking here..

The last time we took the PopUp out the battery was dead..I thought it charged , but nope...so , I am looking at these

from Harbor Freight...is it worth the $$ for an inexpensive maintanence charger ?
I see more expensive ones, but they seem to be the same.

I would also like to install a battery check module , too...which one is a good, economical unit for a PoP-Up ?


Thanks for any info..

Matt

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

through the search function and can't find my answer, so I am asking here..

The last time we took the PopUp out the battery was dead..I thought it charged , but nope...so , I am looking at these

from Harbor Freight...is it worth the $$ for an inexpensive maintanence charger ?
I see more expensive ones, but they seem to be the same.

I would also like to install a battery check module , too...which one is a good, economical unit for a PoP-Up ?


Thanks for any info..

Matt

Matt you want to keep the battery fully charged without overchargeing. A controller is needed to do this. I use the Batteryminder 15W solar set up for multiple batteries they offer a smaller set up for 1 or 2 batteries, o both come with a battery check gauge.

 

[Maximus Ram]

Well, I was just given a 5 watt icp panel...so I guess the next step would be to get a controller and a battery moniter like in the pics on the link post for battery tender.....
how can I tell if the panel is functional ? can I attach a volt meter to it while its in ther sun ?

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Well, I was just given a 5 watt icp panel...so I guess the next step would be to get a controller and a battery moniter like in the pics on the link post for battery tender.....
how can I tell if the panel is functional ? can I attach a volt meter to it while its in ther sun ?

Panel in the sun and you can read voltage. Not uncommon for open circuit voltage to be above 14 volts.

 

[Maximus Ram]

OK..I'll have to give it a go tomorrow..lost my sun for the day.:sunny:

 

[wrcsixeight]

I had that panel for a while before I broke it while trying to move it 5 times a day. I think it would put out about 17 volts open circuit IIRC.

I was using it to offset my usage, but it was next to useless for that. I kept having issues with the connections at the panel, and would have to test for voltage each time I touched the wires/ moved the panel/ looked at it funny.

You do not need a charge controller. 5 watts cannot overcharge a battery.

The cheapest 'battery check module' is Harbor freight's 3 to 7 dollar centech voltmeter. You want to see 12.6 or higher on a fully charged rested battery.