Using a portable solar panel

[dalehelman]

I am looking for recommended way to attach a 200 watt portable solar panel. To our 2007 RT25 Classic. We used it previously on our RV by just attaching the DC leads from the controller directly to the house batteries. Will this work on our RT? Is there better way?

 

[GaylesFaerie]

Attaching the leads directly to the batteries will work, but poorly. Perhaps even ruinously. Standard recommendations for solar panel charging on boats is to have a Smart Charger Solar Controller (MPPT) between the panel and the batteries to provide the appropriate charging voltage depending on the battery condition which will dictate if it needs a bulk, absorption or float voltage. Otherwise you will blast one voltage into the battery (ies) which can cause damage. The wiring also needs to be properly fused. On my boat, there is an inline fuse on the hot lead from the panel to the controller (close to the controller) and one again on the hot lead close to the battery connection. Here is a link if you want to learn up from a professional about solar:

https://www.pysystems.ca/search/?q=solar

Gary

 

[fishheadbarandgrill]

A 200W solar panel without being regulated by a controller will kill your batteries.

 

[YukonRon]

Check the specifications on the portable solar panel. Some portable RV panels have a controller built in, so it is meant to easily attach to the battery. This might be the case with yours if you have been using it that way successfully. Find out what you have first, you don't want to use it with no controller, or two controllers.

 

[dalehelman]

As stated the portable unit has its own controller.

 

[knotflying]

As long as you have a controller it will work. Connecting the panel directly will ruin the batteries.

 

[Ralf H]

Hi Dale,

Agreed with the consensus that a charge controller is essential in making this work. Connections will depend on the controller you buy, so just make sure to read the manual and it should work just fine. Just keep in mind that a solar panel is not a panacea, and keep your expectations on what it can deliver reasonable. Make sure you understand what output the panel you choose will be able to deliver so you know what performance you will be able to expect.

Cheers,

Ralf