Solar trickle chargers

I'd like to get one to top up the batteries since we will be mostly dry camping. I've just started my research on them and was wondering what folks are using for their charging setups. I have 2x12v batteries. Thanks

 

Harbor Freight sells a solar collector for about $15. Some folks hook it directly to a battery and are happy with it. However, if it is left untended too long, apparently it can damage the battery. I don't recall what it puts out--it might be inadequate for your use. I think HF sells a regulator that might work with a larger collector.

I designed and built a regulator to use with the small one on my emergency generator. Seems to work well so far. Not sure I would recommend anyone copy my design; It has been in use only a few months and I haven't paid a lot of attention to the battery.

 

i used a Goal Zero solar trickle charger, it has built in voltage control so no over charging. i never measured it but it let my fridge run 24/7 for multiple days, without it on a fully charged battery the fridge shuts off for low voltage protection after 2.5 days.


I would look into at least a portable 30-50w solar setup, as the trickle chargers are good for maintaining a fully charged battery, not really for recharging.

 

Great thanks guys! I wasn't sure really sure what to get but I do now. We will be mostly dry camping so keeping the fridge going is crucial.

 

also, if they make an insulation bag/wrap/cover/etc.. for your fridge i would invest in one so the temps are maintained longer and the fridge does not need to run as often. saving a bit more of the battery charge.

 

Cheap panels put out between 0 and OMG amounts of voltage depending on how the sun is hitting them. You want a regulator.

A solar panel will push out your recharge date by quite a bit depending on the weather but you'll still want to make sure you start out with a full charge before you leave home.

 

The cheap panel I used put out about 24v maximum, with a high enough impedance that the total current it could supply was no problem. As I recall, it was on the order of 30 or 40 mA when connected to a 12V battery. For short term applications, that is no problem. I read of an individual (A Florida snowbird) who left one connected without a regulator for several months and returned to a destroyed battery. Other folks have used them without regulators for shorter terms with no problems. That said, I prefer to use a regulator.