Solar trickle Charge

[philipsinewe]

I would like to install/attach a small solar trickle charger that can be placed on the ground outside my storage building to trickle charge the batteries. Anyone ever done that?

How is it hooked up, etc?

[lewster]

Originally Posted by philipsinewe

I would like to install/attach a small solar trickle charger that can be placed on the ground outside my storage building to trickle charge the batteries. Anyone ever done that?

How is it hooked up, etc?

Hi Phil,

Welcome!

Many have done this and one of the systems that I have recommended to many folks is the 15 watt system from BatteryMinder. This is a complete system that comes with the 15 watt solar panel, solar charge controller and all required wiring and battery attachments.

It is definitely worth a look! http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...8565_200328565

[philipsinewe]

Thanks:

So, if you are a dual battery, how is this hooked up?

[lsbrodsky]

No doubt your batteries are in parallel, meaning the positives are connected together and the negatives are connected together. So, it does not matter as long as you connect the positive of your solar charger to a positive and the same for the negative.

Larry

[mefly2]

Originally Posted by lewster

Hi Phil,

Welcome!

Many have done this and one of the systems that I have recommended to many folks is the 15 watt system from BatteryMinder. This is a complete system that comes with the 15 watt solar panel, solar charge controller and all required wiring and battery attachments.

It is definitely worth a look! http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...8565_200328565

Looks good; is it similar to the Zamp unit as well?

[68 Overlander]

The Zamp is going to be a much more capable system than the Battery minder and will actually charge and maintain should you need a real charge. Our experience with the Battery minders is that they will maintain, but struggle to really fully charge unless conditions are perfect and the small 15 Watt panel is well, is what it is. There really is nothing batter than an American manufactured Zamp product but by all means, compare and contrast them. Compare them both for sure but if you get a Zamp, you really have a portable solar charger you can take with you for other times or applications.

[philipsinewe]

Seems to me that I could wire the solar charger so you just plug it into the trailer with the 7 way plug. That would work, correct? Using the 12 volt and ground connection in a new male connector.

[dznf0g]

Phil,
At your latitude, I think 15W is very marginal to keep two batteries charged up in the winter. I had a 15 watt system and it had a very hard time maintaining the batts in the extended gray days of winter.

I upgraded to a rooftop 100 watt panel (in parallel with a 160 watt Zamp portable, when needed), so I don't use a "trickle" system anymore. I would recommend a minimum of 25 watts...and would prefer 50 watts.

[alano]

Originally Posted by philipsinewe

Seems to me that I could wire the solar charger so you just plug it into the trailer with the 7 way plug. That would work, correct? Using the 12 volt and ground connection in a new male connector.

Yes, you could connect your solar charger to a male 7-way plug.