Permanent Solar vehicle charger, Hood

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Wolvee

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Does anyone make a small solar panel that is a smart battery charger/maintainer? I'm adding a second battery and I'd like to design and install everything at once.

I'd like to permanently install it in the hood.
 

Robert OB 33/48

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Hello Wolvee,

In the Hood? Well, you need a very large solar panel to charge a good semi traction battery. So I did the panel on the roof.


This is an 80 watt solar panel. And I guess you need at least a 30 watt one to keep the battery charged. But if you do so, go for the extra Wattage. If possible (money wise) I will upgrade my Van's Solar charger up to at least 100 Watt, preferable to 150 Watt.
That will be just a bit more money, but will do much more for you.

Greetings from Robert
 
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SonOfNeptune

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Goal Zero makes a battery system. I just picked up 2 of their 90w solar panels... FYI they also have refurbished gear as well at a 50% discount. I just learned that when I bought the panels...
 

roamingtimber

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Does anyone make a small solar panel that is a smart battery charger/maintainer? I'm adding a second battery and I'd like to design and install everything at once.

I'd like to permanently install it in the hood.
There is a thread on a solar trickle charger on the forum, somewhere. I just looked real quick but I could t find it. I know it's here somewhere though.
 

Turnbull_Ox

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sorry to resurrect an old thread, but I felt compelled to inform you that most mid 2000 Volkswagen vehicles came with a small solar panel trickle charger. I used to manage an auto salvage yard, and speaking from experience you can probably get one for next to nothing.
 
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justin marsh

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I like to use a portable solar panel so when your rig is set up at camp in the shade you can shade you can move the solar panel out into the sun. The set I use 180W with a smart charger built on.