Solar charger for winter storage

Doryman · Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2015 3:15 pm Post subject: Solar charger for winter storage

For part of the year I have my Tom Cat in a storage lot that does not have electric power available. When in storage I run a couple of dehumidifiers (60W light bulb & fan) plus I need to keep the battery topped off. I'd like to get something like the Coleman unit discussed in this thread http://www.c-brats.com/viewtopic.php?t=19787 but i want a complete set-and-forget solution that includes any necessary controllers, etc. Any specific recommendations (manufacturer & product, where to buy) would be appreciated.

Warren

journey on · Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2015 3:30 pm Post subject:

Do a search on the internet. When I was looking for a charger for the Ford truck, I ordered on from a Chinese importer in Hacienda Heights off e-bay that consisted of the panel (25 watts) and a charge controller (13.6 VDC.) Has worked well.

I don't order directly from China, because when I did that, my credit card was stolen according to the credit union, and had to be replaced.

Boris

thataway · Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2015 9:09 pm Post subject:

Warren, if you have 110 volt power, why go with a solar charger? There are a number of both good battery chargers, which will maintain a battery, or maintenance chargers. If you don't have 110 volts, and need to use a solar charger, to power the fan, and the 60 watt bulb, then you are dealing with something entirely different--and will need a controller, plus a larger panel.

I have used the very small solar chargers for as much as a year on both my van and the C Dory to keep the batteries topped of, and were fine. Sunforce has been around a long time, and that is the one I used. For the PNW, you have low sunlight, year around, so at least a 7 watt unit would work.

BrentB · Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2015 9:25 pm Post subject:

Sunforce and Coleman have solutions

Check their web pages