Permanent Solar vehicle charger, Hood

[Wolvee]

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]

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

 

[SonOfNeptune]

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]

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]

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.

 

[justin marsh]

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.

 

[Ontario Overland]

I added a 100w panel on my roof. Works great to keep the fridge running and charge my phone, tablet and camera batteries.