Solar Panel for Battery

[pitbull]

Hi there ya all

Looking for some advice on the watt capacity solar panel I should buy. I want to keep the chassis battery up while the MH is sitting for long periods of time.

Does anyone know the best place to purchase one at a good price?

Thanks in advance

Pitbull

[Sofakleez]

Motor homes are now coming out with a 5 watt solar panel included so I'm guessing that would be sufficient. I bought one and the only problem with it was it didn't have a long enough cord to get the panel where it needed to be. Check that out before you buy. I wound up jury rigging an extension cord (kind of an odd plug for the cord).

Solar Panel

[pitbull]

Thanks Sofakleez> I have seen some 5 watt units that are about $30 bucks. The only problem I see with it was that there was no fuse in the connectors.

I quess I could add one.

Any suggestions?

Pitbull

[TonyDi]

My motorhome came with a 5 watt solar charger and it has always kept the batteris charged. If you are concerned about one you're looking at that is not fused you can add an in line fuse

[Conquest102]

You can get one from Harbor freight. If you want simple they have a small one that plugs into cigarette lighter with fuse. It doesn't put out a lot of power. I have used one in my van for the last 3 years with no issues.

[Gary RVRoamer]

5W at 15+ volts (charging voltage) is 0.34 amps (340 milliamps). That's probably enough to replace a days self-discharge losses if the panel gets 3-4 hours of direct sunlight.