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09-06-2021, 08:18 AM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2021
Posts: 6
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Portable Solar Panel
Anyone have any ideas for purchasing a 20 Amp small portable solar panel and controller for a 2020 Rockwood Mini Lite with Solar on the side. I need it to keep batteries up while in covered storage. Thanks
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09-06-2021, 10:06 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: IL
Posts: 1,295
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Covered storage and solar are not something I automatically think would work well together...
Rich Phillips
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09-06-2021, 10:19 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Gainesville, FL
Posts: 4,549
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Quote:
Originally Posted by richp
Covered storage and solar are not something I automatically think would work well together...
Rich Phillips
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Hence the interest in a portable panel? I gather the OP is looking for a trickle charger as a battery maintainer.
__________________
TV: 2021 Ford F-150 4WD XLT Crew w/ 3.5L EB & HDPP, payload: 2,416#.
RV: 2020 Rockwood Mini-Lite 2507S, Propride 3P hitch w/ 1400# spring bars
Camping nights: 2021, 52; 2022, 99; 2023, 88; 2024, TBD (Est: 80+)
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09-06-2021, 10:47 AM
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#4
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Site Team
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 15,265
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A 20A panel is large and overkill for trickle charging. If you mean 20W that is way too small. I would Get a 100W panel and controller
__________________
2015 Freedom Express 248RBS
TV 2015 Silverado HD2500 Duramax
TST Tire Monitors
Honda 2000I + Companion
2 100W solar panels
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09-07-2021, 08:02 AM
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#5
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Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2021
Posts: 6
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There are lots of portable suitcase models that you can move the solar panel to open sky that you plugin to the solar on the side. I only need one with a 10 ft. cord. Trying to find which one people are using.
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09-07-2021, 08:09 AM
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#6
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Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2021
Posts: 6
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Yes, 100 W is most likely what I need. Guess why I put 20 amp is because the plugin on the Solar on the Side says rated for 20 amp. Trying to find which one people are buying. Thanks
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09-07-2021, 09:49 AM
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#7
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Member
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 63
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I have the Renogy suitcase and it works really well. I did buy the longer cords so I could move it around since we are often in the trees.
__________________
2019 E-Pro 19FD/2019 Ram 1500 with Tow Package
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09-07-2021, 02:13 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: IL
Posts: 1,295
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Ah, but securing a detached panel in storage?
Rich
__________________
Rich Phillips
2019 K-2500 Duramax Crew Cab
2014 Silverback 33RL
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09-07-2021, 05:13 PM
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#9
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Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2021
Posts: 6
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I would not travel with the panel. Only need it for storage at home.
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09-07-2021, 05:48 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2021
Location: Central coast Calif.
Posts: 715
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Take the battery out and charge it at home.
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09-07-2021, 05:49 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Gainesville, FL
Posts: 4,549
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Quote:
Originally Posted by allatoona
I would not travel with the panel. Only need it for storage at home.
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For many readers, "storage" means a rented public facility. Hence the concern about the security of the panel. In your case, it's your back yard. Considering that, how about attaching the solar panel to the roof of whatever's covering the trailer and run the wires down a pole near the plug on the side. It would be more convenient and maybe offer lower risk of breakage.
__________________
TV: 2021 Ford F-150 4WD XLT Crew w/ 3.5L EB & HDPP, payload: 2,416#.
RV: 2020 Rockwood Mini-Lite 2507S, Propride 3P hitch w/ 1400# spring bars
Camping nights: 2021, 52; 2022, 99; 2023, 88; 2024, TBD (Est: 80+)
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09-07-2021, 05:56 PM
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#12
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Site Team
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 15,265
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If you plan to have the panel a distance from the battery, I would recommend a straight panel( portable OK) without built in controller. Then get a controller and mount near battery. The controller can handle the voltage drop between the panel and the controller. If the controller is part of the panel, the voltage drop will effect the charging capability.
__________________
2015 Freedom Express 248RBS
TV 2015 Silverado HD2500 Duramax
TST Tire Monitors
Honda 2000I + Companion
2 100W solar panels
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09-08-2021, 06:26 PM
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#13
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Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2021
Posts: 6
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The more I look at this, it might be just as easy and cost effective to just buy a portable generator or power station and top the batteries off every couple of weeks. Its only in the summer when I am not using it regularly.
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09-08-2021, 07:16 PM
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#14
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Site Team
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 15,265
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If this is simply to keep the batteries charged at home, Why not simply run a long extension cord to run a battery maintainer.
__________________
2015 Freedom Express 248RBS
TV 2015 Silverado HD2500 Duramax
TST Tire Monitors
Honda 2000I + Companion
2 100W solar panels
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09-09-2021, 07:56 AM
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#15
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Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2021
Posts: 6
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Its in a storage facility right now, I have a hookup at home but no cover. I had been thinking about building a shed but not right now.
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09-10-2021, 03:31 PM
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#16
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Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2021
Posts: 5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chriscowles
For many readers, "storage" means a rented public facility. Hence the concern about the security of the panel. In your case, it's your back yard. Considering that, how about attaching the solar panel to the roof of whatever's covering the trailer and run the wires down a pole near the plug on the side. It would be more convenient and maybe offer lower risk of breakage.
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And a dedicated 100W panel mounted on the roof plus PWM controller is likely cheaper than a portable panel!
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