what size of panel would I need to charge an engine battery Forums

bandaid

Basically, I have a separate on-off switch for my leisure batteries and engine battery. I have also got a tracker system, and soon I'll have a Strikeback security unit.

so, I'm presuming that

A- I'm going to have to leave the engine battery turned on at the isolator switch.

B- I need to have the battery charged,

so, ( eventually he gets to the question,) what size solar panel would achieve this please?

thanks

Adrian

Vennwood

The simple answer is get the largest size you can afford. There are a couple of conditions to think about and that is that if isolated you can only charge one battery bank at a time so bear this in mind when you decide how wire it up.

Also remember that in winter (at least in UK) flat panels are pretty poor so again the bigger the better, unless you go for something like the Alden Phenix system. I would go for at leadt a 100w or higher panel and if possible go for 2 x 100+

Pete

bandaid

Thank you kind sir,

research is no about to begin. Smile

UncleNorm

Hi Adrian! I saw mention of Solar Panel and Strikeback.

If you order your Strikeback alarm system through OutdoorBits, then VanBitz will fit a Battery Master for FREE.

The idea of the BM is to allow any excess charge of the leisure battery to top-up the vehicle battery. You've read about those batteries that flatten in two weeks?

If I work it out right, your solar panel, if big enough, keeps your leisure battery topped up, and your engine battery too!

Is that too simplistic? I like the idea though. I shall continue to watch this topic.

bandaid

Thanks Uncle,

I#ll save this thread to my " saved threads box" ( got to keep file names simple I think Rolling Eyes

). I like this fit and forget sort of kit.

I always maintain the KISS principle.

JQL

Bandaid,

I had a BatteryMaster fitted by VanBitz and it keeps the engine batteries (2) charged up. The Solar system charges the Leisure Batteries (2) and the excess automatically go to the Engine Batteries if they need it (i.e. it turns itself off when they are full).

I use between 35 - 40 amps a day (Laptop, Satellite, Internet, LCD TV, etc) and a 135w Kyocera Solar panel which is on a tilting frame married to a Steca 3030 controller will usually recharge the batteries by lunchtime in the UK (except when its p!ss!ng it down).

Having used the solar system for a while I would recommend getting the Alden Sunpower Phenix (

Spacerunner

I would think that one of those folding suitcase type panels would be enough if connected directly to the engine battery. They can be laid on the dash, and they come with various connectors including crocodile clips and ciggy lighter plug.

I think the panels are rated at about 13 watts.

bandaid

Thanks everyone, I read the article, and realised my knowledge is woeful on this subject.

I had hoped that I could get a quick fix on it, but, really, I go to do loads of research and include everything else as stated in the article.

doesnt help that I dont understand leccy stuff, other than it
A - bites

B - is very expensive if you screw up.

Adrian

pedrob1

Hi Bandaid i have two 75w panels linked together [150watts] charging 3 110 amp batteries [330amp hour] and lying flat on roof they are fully charged in the uk every day by lunch time even on a overcast day may be an hour later but if you have only one lesuire and your engine battery a 85w panel would be ample

stickey

Hi,
When you have your Strikeback fitted have the battery master fitted at the same time and also talk to the nice man who is fitting your strike back about what he recommends. If you only need to keep the starter battery topped up you will probably be ok with one that sits on the dash and plugs into the fag lighter, assuming of course that your fag lighter works with the ignition off (mine does) I have the Strikeback on my van and have no problems using this setupRegards,
Chris.
PS Could your alarms etc. be wired in on the live side of the isolators?