Solar battery charging?

[arlon]

Anyone using solar panels to charge house batteries in their van?
I always have 2 batteries on board but draining them has always been a concern for me when I'm camping off the grid. I've considered solar chargers and figured if nothing else, they could provide some emergency charging if I did manage to kill everything. I might be uncomfortable for a few hours but at least I should be able to get my van started. Permanent mount or something portable I could just set up near the van seem like a good plan to me. I'm totally clueless about using solar anything other than for sun burning..

 

[JHa6av8r]

I have a FWC camper with a 90 W solar panel on the roof with a SunSaver charge controller for two 75 ah AGM batteries. The main draw is a 2-way compressor fridge. Because I can't angle the the panel to the sun, it's not as efficient as it could be. I portable solar panel that you could angle to get optimum sun angle should keep your batteries charged for as long as you want to be off grid.

 

[mikracer]

Several people on this forum have purchased this unit....
http://www.solarblvd.com/Solar-Pane....html?osCsid=a03767b720d5500fd664547b26f45846

Its a complete package and includes a carrying case. I've been thinking of getting this unit as well for my dual battery house setup. They also make a 120 watt and 160 watt.

 

[arlon]

That's more like what I'm looking for. I don't have to build anything, I can just set it up and put juice in the battery. Thanks.

 

[Toolman]

this is what i'm looking into adding to the system. However it seems since I did my research 4 years ago on the topic, things have changed so there may be a better version out there now

http://www.amazon.com/Energy-Del-Sol-FPM-68-Recreational/dp/B0038WOX4G

 

[arlon]

68 watts for $700 or 120 watts for $190? I just ordered the $190 version. I think portable is perfect for my needs. I can also use it to help keep house battery charged in our little travel trailer when we use it. It's nice to have a system I can just clip onto what ever needs some added power.

 

[mikracer]

When you get your setup, will you post up to confirm that the 120 kit comes with a carrying bag?

 

[Abitibi]

Hopefully it's not a problem posting this link but there's a very similar thread on the SMB forum with good info and links for kits…
http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=12734

Cheers,
Mr. D

 

[arlon]

When you get your setup, will you post up to confirm that the 120 kit comes with a carrying bag?

BBT delivered the solar kit last night but I was so busy watching Klondike on Discovery I didn't even open the box. Box was bigger and heavier than I expected though.. Try to get it out of the box this evening to at least get an idea of what I have.

Had to run by the house for lunch so snagged a quick pic. This thing is just bigger and heavier than I imagined. I see why the smaller ones are more popular. This will take up the space of a lawn chair in my van. A delicate lawn chair.. I think there is room inside the nylon cover to add some side protection like a sheet of aluminum or some formica, hardboard.. Something.