New to RV and RV solar...

[Robspana]

Rigged up a Zamp Solar battery tender kit...

So far so good....
Thoughts and advice please...
Thanks

[computerguy]

With a panel that small no controller really needed. But it looks like a package deal so no harm done by the controller. It won't really charge much but will help to maintain a small battery.
Welcome to the solar world.

[okcnewbie]

Looks like your kit should keep your already charged up batteries topped off in between trips.

If you want to spend some more money and know what's going on with the solar, converter and even the alternator than get yourself a good meter/shunt. This way if you ever want to get into solar for boondocking you'll have a head start.

https://www.solar-electric.com/trtmbamosy1.html

[Robspana]

Originally Posted by okcnewbie

Looks like your kit should keep your already charged up batteries topped off in between trips.

If you want to spend some more money and know what's going on with the solar, converter and even the alternator than get yourself a good meter/shunt. This way if you ever want to get into solar for boondocking you'll have a head start.

https://www.solar-electric.com/trtmbamosy1.html

Yeah, that was my goal for now, just to maintain the battery without running electric...

Eventually I want to get deeper into it, with more research and more money....

[baphenatem]

I take it that the battery is right behind the propane tanks? If so, things should be fine. If the battery is at some distance it's likely to be undercharged. Now about that rough sawn mount...I think I hear banjos playing in the distance![emoji13]

[Robspana]

Originally Posted by computerguy

With a panel that small no controller really needed. But it looks like a package deal so no harm done by the controller. It won't really charge much but will help to maintain a small battery.
Welcome to the solar world.

Question, the charge controller shows the battery as full, and the battery level only shows the battery at 3/4 full. Now it rained a few days in a row and my battery drained so I had to charge it with electric.
Is something wrong with the controller, or is the panel too small? It's a 20w panel.

I unplugged the controller and just plugged the panel directly into the battery...

[baphenatem]

Originally Posted by Robspana

Question, the charge controller shows the battery as full, and the battery level only shows the battery at 3/4 full. Now it rained a few days in a row and my battery drained so I had to charge it with electric.

Is something wrong with the controller, or is the panel too small? It's a 20w panel.



I unplugged the controller and just plugged the panel directly into the battery...

Is that one of those panels with the built-in charge controller? If not, what type of charge controller do you have and where is it located? Also, what size and type of battery does your rig have, i.e. sealed or flooded battery? Does your rig have a battery disconnect? What is the wiring size and distance from the solar panel to the battery?

Sorry to ask so many questions, but they are all factors in trying to diagnose your problem.

[4x4]

Your 20w panel is way too small. Figure if you got 50% for 8 hours that would only be 80 watts. That's about enough to run a single halogen hockey disk lightbulb for the night. Any other power usage will deplete your battery. You could try one of those portable 160 or 200 watt units which would help you extend your stay without having to run a generator everyday. It all depends upon how much energy you use during the day and night.

[leadman]

I found the best way to extend the battery usage was to replace all of my incandescent light bulbs with LEDs. I had tested 3 of the 1141 bulbs in my MH and they used about 4.5 or 5 amps (been a few years back). Five of the new LED lights drew less that .6 amps. Several RVer I told about this and they followed thru reported an amazing change in how long the batteries will supply power.
Your panel will probably be too small to charge the batteries when camping but you can make changes now that you have an understanding of how solar works.

[Robspana]

Originally Posted by 4x4

Your 20w panel is way too small. Figure if you got 50% for 8 hours that would only be 80 watts. That's about enough to run a single halogen hockey disk lightbulb for the night. Any other power usage will deplete your battery. You could try one of those portable 160 or 200 watt units which would help you extend your stay without having to run a generator everyday. It all depends upon how much energy you use during the day and night.

The 20w was just to maintain the battery while the TT is sitting in my driveway, I do want to eventually get a 200w portable...

I did notice that since disconnecting the charge controller the battery is getting fully charged. I wonder if the charge controller is bad?

[baphenatem]

Originally Posted by Robspana

The 20w was just to maintain the battery while the TT is sitting in my driveway, I do want to eventually get a 200w portable...

I did notice that since disconnecting the charge controller the battery is getting fully charged. I wonder if the charge controller is bad?

It may not be that it's bad, but rather that it is set up for sealed batteries and is located some distance away from your battery. In any case you shouldn't have an issue with the direct connection, but keep an eye on the water levels in your batteries, if you have wet cell batteries.

[okcnewbie]

Originally Posted by Robspana

..... I wonder if the charge controller is bad?

I highly suggest that you get two meters; A handheld DMM (multimeter) and just as importantly a quality battery meter/shunt.