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08-09-2018, 04:47 PM #1
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Portable Solar Panels - Leave plugged in?
Hubby bought me the Furion 95W Solar Panel Suitcase for use with my new camper. I have 2 12V batteries and will be dry camping almost exclusively. Do I just leave the Solar plugged in all the time to keep the batteries topped or will that cause damage to them?
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08-09-2018, 05:34 PM #2
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Your charge controller will allow you to leave the panel plugged in.
I put mine away at night.
The charge controller is not water proof, so do not leave it out in the rain.
Don't forget to re-angle the solar panel towards the sun once or twice during the day for maximum amperage from the sunlight.
And do not allow even a square inch of shadow to fall anywhere on the solar panel, or it will significantly lower the power output.
Have a fun campout.Larry & Jeannie
Petoskey, MI
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08-10-2018, 07:59 AM #3
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We leave our solar plugged in, as mentioned you do need a charge controller. Our charge controller is mounted on the back wall of the front storage compartment .We also use a cable and lock on the panel to make it harder to walk away with. I see you're in the UP, when you move your panel around be sure your hands are clean so you don't leave the smell of food on your panel. Story below is why
We were camped in the UP on Emily Lake SFCG (just south of Twin Lakes) and bears have a habit of site surfing for food late at night there. While in bed for the night we heard a bear making noise and even joked about it. We figured he was mad because the supplied trash can was empty. We always pack trash away while in bear areas so were not concerned. We woke up to our solar panel smashed in hunderds of pieces. Best guess is a pissed off bear and maybe it had food scent on it. Since then we try and be aware and wash hands before moving the panel around .In the middle of nothing on a long holiday weekend, no way were we going to find a replacement so recharged of our tow vehicle running.Marcy & Gary
2014 Grand Design - Reflection 303RLS
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Michigan
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08-10-2018, 05:41 PM #4
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Thanks, would not have thought of that. Lots of other critters, coons and such could mess around with it too if it smells inviting. No point in taking a chance for damage. I believe my charge controller is part of the unit. I have the Furrion 95W Solar Suitcase.
2018 Reflection 220 RK Fifth Wheel
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08-13-2018, 06:31 PM #5
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08-13-2018, 07:05 PM #6
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I have a 80W Zamp portable panel that I won at the 2017 Grand Design Rally in Southern Oregon. I put it on the roof of our rig in the summer to keep the batteries topped off while we are not camping. Rig is in the driveway and the free electricity is a good thing. If it's real hot, I'll run the roof vents to exhaust some of the heat.
I think the solar panel controller charges the batteries better then the Momentum's converter.Backpacker and tent camper all my life, including BSA as a kid and adult.
Motorcycle trips across the USA with a tent - 1978 to Present.
02-10-2005 - 2002 F350 SWD PSD and 2003 Citation 10'8S mostly for Crater Lake Ski Patrol.
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FULL TIME RV'er Nov 2021
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09-09-2018, 09:52 PM #7
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You need a charge controller and shouldn't keep it plugged in all the time.
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09-10-2018, 10:45 AM #8
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Don't forget to wire up the trailer solar plug to the batteries. I believe the wiring it there but not tied into the battery's when units come new. Also check that the fuse holder has a fuse in it. I know my trailer solar plug is not wired in. Check the specifications on the controller. Some can be left plugged in all the time if they automatically cut back on the charge rate if the battery is full.
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