Solar for charging auxilary battery

[JonS]

Is anyone using solar to charge auxilary battery for running things like a fridge/freezer for extended stays in one spot? I anticipate possibly spending days in one location and not using vehicle at the location as I'll be fishing all day.

 

[Martyn]

We run solar panels and controllers that charge the AGM deep cycle batteries in our trailers. If you go to our web site and look at the solar section it gives you an idea of what we do http://www.adventuretrailers.com/12volt_solar.html

It's really best to run an energy consumption evaluation to see what's best for you. Sometime solar is not the economical answer to what you need, an 80 watt panel and controller runs around $520.00 installed. You may do better with a dual battery system.

Tips on evaluating your needs are on the web page. If you need more help just let me know.

 

[1leglance]

even with a dual battery system I have thought about at least adding a small trickle charger that goes on the dash...I know it isn't much but at least it is a trickle and I will feel better.
Any thoughts?
thanks,
1leglance

 

[DaktariEd]

I just started using a solar panel my last trip out. Seemed to work just fine.

Tomorrow I'll be installing it on the roof of my Maggiolina Airland tent so I don't have to setup/take-down each time.

I'll post more on that as it progresses...

:sombrero:

 

[JonS]

Martyn, thanks. Basically I'm going to get to a spot and possibly not leave for anywhere from a few days to a week or more. Besides the fridge/freezer I'll need to charge batteries for running my fishfinder/gps. I use 4.5 amp gel cells and I get about 14 hours out of one battery. My backups are more frugal. A color Fishfinder, which I can run for 3 days on the gel cell and then I have a handheld color gps that runs on 2 AA rechargables. I get a day per 2 batteries. The AAs I charge with an 8 battery fast charger that charges them off the cigarette lighter in a few hours.

 

[cpg]

Is anyone using solar to charge auxilary battery for running things like a fridge/freezer for extended stays in one spot? I anticipate possibly spending days in one location and not using vehicle at the location as I'll be fishing all day.

use one and love it.

 

[JonS]

use one and love it.

What are you using? I'd appreciate more info, thanks.