#Solar panel to charge 12v battery how to
#Solar panel to charge 12v battery free

>You might run a 1 amp light for 4 hours at night, so that's 4 amps. The current draw is measured in amps, or amp hours and can be found in product specifications. Next, add up the current draw of the accessories you will run over 24 hours. First, is to understand one simple theory calculation, Watts = Amps x Volts But how many watts? How do we work it all out? For this, it's worth putting some calculation into your power requirements. What size solar panel do I need to charge a 12 volt battery? It's also worth considering a solar panel at the planning stage of your electrical system as many DC chargers for managing extra batteries include a multi-point power tracking regulator for your solar setup. So check this before your purchase a regulator you don't need. Many solar panels come with a regulator in the box, or even integrated into their design. These normally run around 97% efficiency and means more power from the same panel! A basic PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) regulator runs at 70% efficiency which will limit the charging voltage to a healthy level for the battery, while a more advanced MPPT (Multi-point power tracking) regulator will convert that excess voltage to a higher charge current. Therefore, you need a regulator on everything but the maintenance charge solar panels. Too good, in fact! The voltage produced by these solar panels is enough to ruin a 12-volt battery very quickly.

Solar Panels - Keep your batteries charged without your vehicle running with a solar setup.Īnyone of the three fixed, folding and blanket solar panels will do an excellent job.

Deep Cycle Batteries - If you're planning a dual battery setup, you're going to need a deep cycle battery that's designed to be drained.

Battery Boxes - Keep your deep cycle battery stored away in a battery box for peace of mind.

DC to DC Charger - Better yet, a DC to DC Charger with a Solar input is a great way to charge your battery using solar and the vehicles alternator in one handy compact unit.

VSR Kits - If you have a battery installed for solar use, wy not have the vehicle charge it while you drive with a Voltage Sensitive Relay.

Lay it out on the car bonnet, across a rock, or maybe the top of your trailer and follow the sun throughout the day. While they typically cost a little more for the same wattage you'll enjoy a significant saving on space and weight. Enter the solar blanket, an alternative to the folding solar panel which is far more compact. Of course, you'll have to move the panel regularly to follow the sun – and it's a rather heavy and bulky item to pack away. You can park your vehicle or trailer in the shade and place the panel in the sun – angling it on the stand for maximum performance. Optimum solar performance occurs when the panel is angled toward the sun, making the next option – a folding solar panel – slightly more effective than the fixed panel. Of course, solar panels need sunlight to function, so parking the shade is not an option. This could be the roof of a caravan or camper – or even a vehicle. A fixed solar panel is great if you have a large surface on which to permanently mount it. However leave this type of panel connected to your battery when not in use – and so long as there's sunshine – your battery will remain topped up and ready to go.

What works for you will depend on how much power you need for maintenance or bulk charging and if you need a fixed, mounted solution or a compact solution that folds away.Ī maintenance charging solar panel is inexpensive, but not designed to charge a camping setup. Fixed, folding, blanket or maintenance charge varieties being the most common. Solar panels come in a few different styles and sizes.

#Solar panel to charge 12v battery how to

Learn how to wire in a dual battery system.

#Solar panel to charge 12v battery free

But what if you want to stay put for longer? For silent, free energy from the sun – Solar Power is the solution for you. A good dual battery system will power the avid camper for a day or two without running their vehicle.