Community Forums

oscarvan · 03-20-2019, 09:42 PM

There are hybrid starter/deep cycle batteries BTW. Not the BEST for either, but not the worst either.

Ramona · 03-20-2019, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crasher

What oscarvan said. When I have our coach parked without shore power, the voltage will read 13.3 volts while solar charging, but 2-3 hours after the charging stops it will settle to 12.7 volts or 100% SOC. I have everything turn off, so in the morning it is still at 12.7 volts with 900 amps of storage and 620 watts of solar. With two house batteries, you are probable close to 225 amps of storage capacity. If they were @ 50% or 12.1 volts with no load, then a 100 watt solar panel could add 35 amps on a good day. That would get the batteries up to about 65%. If your capacity is 225 amps, then a 100 watt solar panel can replace 15% of the used capacity. All measurements need to be taken after the batteries have set for a couple hours after use or charge.

Okay sounds like that to really know where I am with the batts, I need to make sure they are fully charged—like after long drive or being plugged in to shore for awhile—then see what 100w solar panels can maintain over a period of days.
Here's my spec BTW 2x:
Interstate Marine/ Deep Cycle
Part number SRM-24
Cranking Amps 690 @328º
Reserve Capacity 140
550 CCA
690 MCA
140 RC

Ramona · 03-20-2019, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oscarvan

If you truly want to play the solar boon docking game by the numbers you need a battery condition monitor. You can control what you can measure.

Oh no, we're just trying to keep the batteries going while parked w/o shore power for 2 weeks between trips. We just boondock once in awhile for 1 night here and there.

Crasher · 03-20-2019, 10:14 PM

Yes, the best way to check how well the solar panel is working is to start with a "Known" 100% SOC. If your coach does not already have one, you should be able to add a battery monitor (State of Charge). That will tell you what has been removed and what has been added along with the actual % of charge. It takes the guesswork out of battery management.

Ramona · 03-20-2019, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crasher

Yes, the best way to check how well the solar panel is working is to start with a "Known" 100% SOC. If your coach does not already have one, you should be able to add a battery monitor (State of Charge). That will tell you what has been removed and what has been added along with the actual % of charge. It takes the guesswork out of battery management.

Yes, but right now don't know how to add a battery monitor. I'm sure learning a lot and may be able to figure it out sometime but I dunno...

Crasher · 03-20-2019, 10:48 PM

Depending on what inverter and remote you have, a monitor might just be an addon option. Check it out. It's easy to install.

Ramona · 03-20-2019, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crasher

Depending on what inverter and remote you have, a monitor might just be an addon option. Check it out. It's easy to install.

1000W ProWatt SW Sine Wave Inverter. Don't know what you mean by "remote".

Crasher · 03-21-2019, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ramona

1000W ProWatt SW Sine Wave Inverter. Don't know what you mean by "remote".

I'm not familiar with your inverter. The remote is a small panel in the cabin that allows you to operate the inverter. You might not have that.

757driver · 03-21-2019, 11:49 AM

I would be more concerned as to the long term damage being done to the house batteries that are not getting back to 100% SOC (for weeks) while you are using 12v in storage, than cycling the chassis batteries a little more.