Portable solar panel for camping??

[BEL]

I have a 40w folding solar panel from Can Tire. Just hook up to my 12v batteries, works well. My question is: a friend is looking at buying the same thing. He has 6v batteries. Does that make a difference. I think not. BEL

[bat119]

No difference 6+6 = 12 volts

[nd4spd]

it'll be the same because his batteries are wired in series to create 12VDC. with a 40 watt panel you need to have a solar controller on it or you will wreck your batteries.

for the connections. positive on one battery and negative on the other battery from the panel.

If you need a picture, send me you cell or email and I can send you a picture.

[BEL]

It does have a controller on it. Thanks. Barry

[Suzukisam]

Canadian tire has their 50 watt panel 65% off this week

[BEL]

I see the 40w I have is 44% off. Good timing. BEL

[bat119]

Just so you know about solar charging power

Watts divided by volts = amps charging

44/12= 3.67 amps charging under ideal conditions divide this in half for sun angle, clouds etc.
An average 12 volt battery has about 50 usable amps it would take about 27.4 hours of daylight to recharge a discharged battery.

The good news is you only need put back in what you use if its just a few lights a solar panel will keep up, if you plan on watching TV look at something bigger.

[birdee]

Originally Posted by bat119

Just so you know about solar charging power

Watts divided by volts = amps charging

44/12= 3.67 amps charging under ideal conditions divide this in half for sun angle, clouds etc.
An average 12 volt battery has about 50 usable amps it would take about 27.4 hours of daylight to recharge a discharged battery.

The good news is you only need put back in what you use if its just a few lights a solar panel will keep up, if you plan on watching TV look at something bigger.

well you are sort of correct
the panel is a 40w at 19.7 volts and 2.03 amps output
they come with a cheap pwm charge controller that clips the volts
to charge volts of 14.5 and 2.03 amps the amps stay the same.
now if he upgraded to a mppt charge controller ($300 for a cheaper 10 amp one )w/v=a 40w at 14.5 = 2.72 amps

[Homesteader]

Originally Posted by birdee

well you are sort of correct
the panel is a 40w at 19.7 volts and 2.03 amps output
they come with a cheap pwm charge controller that clips the volts
to charge volts of 14.5 and 2.03 amps the amps stay the same.
now if he upgraded to a mppt charge controller ($300 for a cheaper 10 amp one )w/v=a 40w at 14.5 = 2.72 amps

So would one of these be acceptable to leave connected to maintain a battery that is not in use throughout the year? Or would/could it possibly overcharge a battery, and ruin it?

Thanks. I was looking at getting something like this to keep my quads, and tractor topped up over the winter.

[BEL]

The controller prevents overcharging so it should work. Thanks Bat. You explained that well. We dont watch TV only use a few lights and the radio. The unit we have works well at keeping the power up. BEL

[tony d]

have a look at these
http://www.armadasolar.ca/