Solar Newbie Question

[OverlandKyle]

Hello...

I need some help trying to actualize what it is that i'm envisioning.

I drive a Toyota 4Runner with an ARB 50 fridge in the rear and a 24F Battery in the stock location

I have plans of installing a group 31 battery tray and battery in the near future.

I currently use a Solarland 90W plug n play solar suitcase when parked but would like to permanently mount a solar panel to my roof rack as I have the space for it and never put anything up there. I'm looking at something like this, a 120W kit for RVs https://www.solarblvd.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_272&products_id=2748

Now my question is.... I've been doing a fair amount of reading and all of the information I've been able to glean have been focused on those who have dual batteries or house batteries. I will only be having one battery onboard ( I have a XP-10 jump for emergencies). I would like to have the solar panel on the roof connected to the battery and charging it while parked and the ignition is off automatically

Is there a need for an isolator or some kind of switching device in addition to the charge controller to prevent any issues between two different sources at the same time ( Solar, alternator)

I can find answers all day long with more than one battery but what about just ONE battery?

educate this newbie for me!... the suitcase was easy as it was only connected while parked and deployed!

Kyle

 

[Arclight]

If you use a single battery for everything (this is what I have, along with a folding 100W panel), then I would also recommend getting a low-voltage disconnect. This will protect you if you leave lights/radios/etc on all night:

http://www.prioritystart.com/

I got mine on Amazon.

 

[OverlandKyle]

If you use a single battery for everything (this is what I have, along with a folding 100W panel), then I would also recommend getting a low-voltage disconnect. This will protect you if you leave lights/radios/etc on all night:

http://www.prioritystart.com/

I got mine on Amazon.

Thanks!... I'll look into that.... I just want to clarify that its okay to leave the solar kit connected to the battery full time while driving around ( battery being charged by alternator) without any ill effects.

 

[Arclight]

Thanks!... I'll look into that.... I just want to clarify that its okay to leave the solar kit connected to the battery full time while driving around ( battery being charged by alternator) without any ill effects.

Yes. Just make sure that your solar panel has a charge controller between it and the battery. The charge controller watches the voltage of the load/battery connected to it, and only supplies power as needed. The alternator will likely keep the battery voltage above the threshold for it to do anything if the engine is running.