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Old 09-06-2021, 08:18 AM   #1
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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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Old 09-06-2021, 10:06 AM   #2
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Covered storage and solar are not something I automatically think would work well together...

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Old 09-06-2021, 10:19 AM   #3
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Covered storage and solar are not something I automatically think would work well together...

Rich Phillips
Hence the interest in a portable panel? I gather the OP is looking for a trickle charger as a battery maintainer.
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Old 09-06-2021, 10:47 AM   #4
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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
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Old 09-07-2021, 08:02 AM   #5
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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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Old 09-07-2021, 08:09 AM   #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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Old 09-07-2021, 09:49 AM   #7
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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.
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Old 09-07-2021, 02:13 PM   #8
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Ah, but securing a detached panel in storage?


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Old 09-07-2021, 05:13 PM   #9
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I would not travel with the panel. Only need it for storage at home.
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Old 09-07-2021, 05:48 PM   #10
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Take the battery out and charge it at home.
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Old 09-07-2021, 05:49 PM   #11
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I would not travel with the panel. Only need it for storage at home.
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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Old 09-07-2021, 05:56 PM   #12
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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.
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Old 09-08-2021, 06:26 PM   #13
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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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Old 09-08-2021, 07:16 PM   #14
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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.
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Old 09-09-2021, 07:56 AM   #15
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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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Old 09-10-2021, 03:31 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chriscowles View Post
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.
And a dedicated 100W panel mounted on the roof plus PWM controller is likely cheaper than a portable panel!
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