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Do Solar Battery Chargers Really Work? Yes They Do.
When you are experiencing issues with keeping an automotive battery charged a solar battery charger can be an excellent option. These chargers use the sun’s rays to create voltage to charge, or maintain, a battery. Watch the video down below and let Paul explain what a solar battery charger can do for you.
Can You Leave a Solar Battery Charger On All The Time?
Yes. The solar battery tender will produce a trickle charge that will either slowly (and we do stress slowly) charge the battery or keep the battery fully charged (topped off). Using this all the time will not hurt your automotive battery.
Can You Over Charge a Car Battery With a Solar Charger?
As a general rule, a solar panel that has a charge controller will NOT overcharge the battery. The charge rate depends on the solar panel voltage, the output current, and the battery voltage. Overcharging is eliminated by using a solar charge controller. A 10 amp solar battery charger does not produce enough current that would damage the battery.
How Long Does It Take To Charge a Car Battery With a Solar Battery Charger?
Great question. The solar battery chargers we sell are 10 amps. It would take 10 hours in direct sunlight to charge from 0 volts. These are great to keep your automotive battery charged and ready for use.
How Much Does a Solar Battery Charger Cost?
Generally, a quality solar battery charger will run from 40. 60 dollars for a 10 amp model. The more amps you purchase, the larger the solar cell, and the larger the price. For automotive purposes in just keeping a battery ready for use, the 10 amp model is perfect.
Soak up the Sun: The 5 Best Solar Battery Chargers for Boats
It’s a tale as old as (modern) time. You’re in the middle of a favorite show and you get that low-battery warning. We’ve all been there.
It’s no fun when your electronic devices lose power. It’s bad enough when you’re at home and have to stay attached to the wall. It’s a different story when you’re off-the-grid and anchored out on your boat.
From chartplotters, GPS, VHF radios and cell phones to fish finders, stereos and blenders (can’t leave out the blender), you need electronic devices on a boat for safety, information, entertainment and what-not. And that means a power source of some sort.
This is where solar panels and solar battery chargers for boats come into play.
Charging everything up at home or in the marina is always a great idea. But what if you’re out on the high seas? Or high lake, for that matter.
Read on to find out how handy and efficient boat solar battery chargers can be.
What Is a Solar Battery Charger for a Boat?
A solar battery charger for a boat has two basic parts that work together. The solar panel collects energy from the sun. This energy then goes to the charge controller, which regulates, stores and distributes it.
All of that collected energy is then deposited into your battery bank (think of it as your very own bank teller, of sorts). Then, when you need it, you simply attach it to your electronic device.
If the battery is completely empty, the charge controller puts as much energy as possible into it until it reaches a full charge. At this point, it goes into float mode, which maintains the power level automatically.
The charge controller is a great piece of gear as it improves the charge quality and prevents the battery from overcharging and from loose connections.
From wind generators and solar panels to boat solar battery chargers, renewable energy is a free (after the initial purchase of the capturing equipment) and a Smart way to go about boating.
Let’s discuss more about solar battery chargers and how they can provide power and peace of mind for days (and nights) out on the sailboat, liveaboard trawler, pontoon boat or sport fishing boat. Even kayakers can benefit from small solar panel battery chargers.
Featured Boat Care Product
Check Price on Amazon. Better Boat’s deck cleaner is a non-slip formula designed to quickly and efficiently break down dirt and grime on fiberglass and painted decks. Pair it with deck brush heads and extension poles for an easy application.
Features of Solar Battery Charger Systems
Charge Controller
Also known as a regulator, the charge controller is what puts the energy into your battery. It’s very possible to have a solar panel without one. But you’ll want to make sure you choose a panel that comes with a charge controller.
Charge controllers are necessary if the panel is more than five watts. The best thing about the charge controller is that it can store the energy for later use. A solar panel alone needs sunlight to work.
Solar Panels
The solar panel is the part that collects the energy from the sun. You’ve likely seen them on house rooftops. They’re becoming more and more prevalent on boats.
Pulse Width Modulation
Pulse width modulation (PWM) is the temperature compensation that protects the battery from things like overcharging and frequent charging. This is a must-have safety and efficiency feature. You don’t want to have to go out and buy new batteries every Monday.
Self-regulation
Self-regulating boat solar battery chargers don’t have a built-in controller. Every boater is different, of course, but anything built-in is a positive feature in my opinion.
Plastic and Aluminum Construction
Plastic and aluminum mean less breakage and more weather resistance. Wind, sun and saltwater (and water in general) can be rough on any piece of boating gear as well as anchors, ratchet straps and dock lines.
Types of Solar Battery Chargers for Boats
- Trickle Chargers provide a very low level of output by continuously releasing a small amount of power to charge the battery as you use it
- Float Chargers are similar to the trickle charger, but they prevent overcharging (this type is my pick for the best all-around solar battery charger)
The 5 Best Solar Battery Chargers for Boats
So, we’ve come to the conclusion that solar battery chargers are a great investment for liveaboards, recreational boat and even fishing kayaks and jet skis.
Let’s take a look at some examples for purchasing options.
Eco Worthy Portable Folding Solar Charger and Panel
The Eco Worthy Folding Solar Panel comes pre-wired and pre-installed with a 15 Amp PWM solar charge controller that protects from overcharging and reverse connections. The high-efficiency monocrystalline solar cell is made of lightweight aluminum.
Its suitcase-style design makes it easy to transport. When you get where you’re going, just unfold and set it up.
The charge controller has waterproof integrated junction boxes, and there’s a corrosion-resistant frame on the panel.
This is a nice mid-sized panel and solar battery charger. Best part? All that pre-wiring and pre-installing makes it ready to use right out of the box.
- Size: 30.7 x 22.1 x 5.1
- Charger Type: Float Charger
- Panel Type: Monocrystalline
HQST Solar Battery Charger and Panel
The HQST provides quiet power production for 12 and 24-volts in marine and other outdoor and off-the-grid environments. It has a 30A PWM LCD charge controller with LCD display, 20-foot adapter cables and a set of Z-brackets for mounting.
It can charge a 50Ah battery from 50% in three hours (depending on the sunlight, of course). Pre-drilled holes make the panel easy to install. You can expand your solar system by connecting other panels for even more energy output.
- Size: 40 x 27 x 1.5
- Charger Type: Trickle Charger
- Panel Type: Polycrystalline
POWISER Solar Battery Charger and Panel
The POWISER 3.3W is an easy-to-connect and use trickle charger. It has polycrystalline high-efficiency solar cells with thin amorphous panels that allow it to be used in any weather.
Compact in size, it’s perfect for jet skis and small boats. It even comes with suction cups to attach to your boat’s window. I really like the compact size and shape of this solar panel and battery charger.
- Size: 14 x 8.5 x 0.8
- Charger Type: Trickle Charger
- Panel Type: Polycrystalline
SOLPERK 12V Solar Battery Charger and Panel
The SOLPERK 12V Solar Panel is a trickle charger. It charges and maintains 12V batteries like Wet, Gel, MF and many more. The automatic charging and maintenance controller provides protection against short circuits, open circuits, reverse and overcharging.
It’s lightweight and easy to install on jet skis and small boats. The best thing about the SOLPERK? It has thin film amorphous solar cells that allow it to work on cloudy days. Win/Win!
- Size: 21.3 x 18.2 x 1.2
- Charger Type: Trickle Charger
- Panel Type: Amorphous solar cells
Sunway Solar Solar Battery Charger
Small and compact, the Sunway Solar Battery Trickle Charger slowly charges and maintains battery power levels in Wet, Gel, Deep Cycle and AGM batteries. A built-in diode protects against reverse charging.
Crystalline panels have clear PV glass and ABS plastic housing for efficiency and durability. The long rectangular shape of the Sunway makes it a good choice for mounting on a dash or bow of the boat.
The charger maintainer has a cigarette lighter adapter and alligator battery terminal clips.
Cleaning Solar Panels
As with any boating accessory, cleaning and general maintenance are needed for solar panels. Luckily, it’s not too hard. Rainfall is a handy thing to have in this case. For more in-depth cleaning, here are a few tips.
- Use a soft brush to swipe away any caked-on dirt, grime and the inevitable bird droppings. You may need an extension rod for this job.
- Next, get out that garden hose and spray away. A boat hose nozzle with an adjustable water stream is an excellent tool to have. You don’t want to shoot your panels with a heavy stream of water.
- A microfiber sponge or cloth is helpful if there are still stains and dirt to scrap away.
- Using soap is not suggested as it can leave a residue that will attract dirt. Try a small amount of Better Boat Boat Soap to see how it does with your particular solar panels. It’s 100% biodegradable and designed to rinse clean and residue free.
As you can see, you have a lot of choices when it comes to keeping batteries charged out on the water. Hopefully, this has shed some light (pun intended) on your boat solar battery charger questions.
May the wind be at your back and your batteries always be full.
Soak up the Sun: The 5 Best Solar Battery Chargers for Boats
It’s a tale as old as (modern) time. You’re in the middle of a favorite show and you get that low-battery warning. We’ve all been there.
It’s no fun when your electronic devices lose power. It’s bad enough when you’re at home and have to stay attached to the wall. It’s a different story when you’re off-the-grid and anchored out on your boat.
From chartplotters, GPS, VHF radios and cell phones to fish finders, stereos and blenders (can’t leave out the blender), you need electronic devices on a boat for safety, information, entertainment and what-not. And that means a power source of some sort.
This is where solar panels and solar battery chargers for boats come into play.
Charging everything up at home or in the marina is always a great idea. But what if you’re out on the high seas? Or high lake, for that matter.
Read on to find out how handy and efficient boat solar battery chargers can be.
What Is a Solar Battery Charger for a Boat?
A solar battery charger for a boat has two basic parts that work together. The solar panel collects energy from the sun. This energy then goes to the charge controller, which regulates, stores and distributes it.
All of that collected energy is then deposited into your battery bank (think of it as your very own bank teller, of sorts). Then, when you need it, you simply attach it to your electronic device.
If the battery is completely empty, the charge controller puts as much energy as possible into it until it reaches a full charge. At this point, it goes into float mode, which maintains the power level automatically.
The charge controller is a great piece of gear as it improves the charge quality and prevents the battery from overcharging and from loose connections.
From wind generators and solar panels to boat solar battery chargers, renewable energy is a free (after the initial purchase of the capturing equipment) and a Smart way to go about boating.
Let’s discuss more about solar battery chargers and how they can provide power and peace of mind for days (and nights) out on the sailboat, liveaboard trawler, pontoon boat or sport fishing boat. Even kayakers can benefit from small solar panel battery chargers.
Featured Boat Care Product
Check Price on Amazon. Better Boat’s deck cleaner is a non-slip formula designed to quickly and efficiently break down dirt and grime on fiberglass and painted decks. Pair it with deck brush heads and extension poles for an easy application.
Features of Solar Battery Charger Systems
Charge Controller
Also known as a regulator, the charge controller is what puts the energy into your battery. It’s very possible to have a solar panel without one. But you’ll want to make sure you choose a panel that comes with a charge controller.
Charge controllers are necessary if the panel is more than five watts. The best thing about the charge controller is that it can store the energy for later use. A solar panel alone needs sunlight to work.
Solar Panels
The solar panel is the part that collects the energy from the sun. You’ve likely seen them on house rooftops. They’re becoming more and more prevalent on boats.
Pulse Width Modulation
Pulse width modulation (PWM) is the temperature compensation that protects the battery from things like overcharging and frequent charging. This is a must-have safety and efficiency feature. You don’t want to have to go out and buy new batteries every Monday.
Self-regulation
Self-regulating boat solar battery chargers don’t have a built-in controller. Every boater is different, of course, but anything built-in is a positive feature in my opinion.
Plastic and Aluminum Construction
Plastic and aluminum mean less breakage and more weather resistance. Wind, sun and saltwater (and water in general) can be rough on any piece of boating gear as well as anchors, ratchet straps and dock lines.
Types of Solar Battery Chargers for Boats
- Trickle Chargers provide a very low level of output by continuously releasing a small amount of power to charge the battery as you use it
- Float Chargers are similar to the trickle charger, but they prevent overcharging (this type is my pick for the best all-around solar battery charger)
The 5 Best Solar Battery Chargers for Boats
So, we’ve come to the conclusion that solar battery chargers are a great investment for liveaboards, recreational boat and even fishing kayaks and jet skis.
Let’s take a look at some examples for purchasing options.
Eco Worthy Portable Folding Solar Charger and Panel
The Eco Worthy Folding Solar Panel comes pre-wired and pre-installed with a 15 Amp PWM solar charge controller that protects from overcharging and reverse connections. The high-efficiency monocrystalline solar cell is made of lightweight aluminum.
Its suitcase-style design makes it easy to transport. When you get where you’re going, just unfold and set it up.
The charge controller has waterproof integrated junction boxes, and there’s a corrosion-resistant frame on the panel.
This is a nice mid-sized panel and solar battery charger. Best part? All that pre-wiring and pre-installing makes it ready to use right out of the box.
- Size: 30.7 x 22.1 x 5.1
- Charger Type: Float Charger
- Panel Type: Monocrystalline
HQST Solar Battery Charger and Panel
The HQST provides quiet power production for 12 and 24-volts in marine and other outdoor and off-the-grid environments. It has a 30A PWM LCD charge controller with LCD display, 20-foot adapter cables and a set of Z-brackets for mounting.
It can charge a 50Ah battery from 50% in three hours (depending on the sunlight, of course). Pre-drilled holes make the panel easy to install. You can expand your solar system by connecting other panels for even more energy output.
- Size: 40 x 27 x 1.5
- Charger Type: Trickle Charger
- Panel Type: Polycrystalline
POWISER Solar Battery Charger and Panel
The POWISER 3.3W is an easy-to-connect and use trickle charger. It has polycrystalline high-efficiency solar cells with thin amorphous panels that allow it to be used in any weather.
Compact in size, it’s perfect for jet skis and small boats. It even comes with suction cups to attach to your boat’s window. I really like the compact size and shape of this solar panel and battery charger.
- Size: 14 x 8.5 x 0.8
- Charger Type: Trickle Charger
- Panel Type: Polycrystalline
SOLPERK 12V Solar Battery Charger and Panel
The SOLPERK 12V Solar Panel is a trickle charger. It charges and maintains 12V batteries like Wet, Gel, MF and many more. The automatic charging and maintenance controller provides protection against short circuits, open circuits, reverse and overcharging.
It’s lightweight and easy to install on jet skis and small boats. The best thing about the SOLPERK? It has thin film amorphous solar cells that allow it to work on cloudy days. Win/Win!
- Size: 21.3 x 18.2 x 1.2
- Charger Type: Trickle Charger
- Panel Type: Amorphous solar cells
Sunway Solar Solar Battery Charger
Small and compact, the Sunway Solar Battery Trickle Charger slowly charges and maintains battery power levels in Wet, Gel, Deep Cycle and AGM batteries. A built-in diode protects against reverse charging.
Crystalline panels have clear PV glass and ABS plastic housing for efficiency and durability. The long rectangular shape of the Sunway makes it a good choice for mounting on a dash or bow of the boat.
The charger maintainer has a cigarette lighter adapter and alligator battery terminal clips.
Cleaning Solar Panels
As with any boating accessory, cleaning and general maintenance are needed for solar panels. Luckily, it’s not too hard. Rainfall is a handy thing to have in this case. For more in-depth cleaning, here are a few tips.
- Use a soft brush to swipe away any caked-on dirt, grime and the inevitable bird droppings. You may need an extension rod for this job.
- Next, get out that garden hose and spray away. A boat hose nozzle with an adjustable water stream is an excellent tool to have. You don’t want to shoot your panels with a heavy stream of water.
- A microfiber sponge or cloth is helpful if there are still stains and dirt to scrap away.
- Using soap is not suggested as it can leave a residue that will attract dirt. Try a small amount of Better Boat Boat Soap to see how it does with your particular solar panels. It’s 100% biodegradable and designed to rinse clean and residue free.
As you can see, you have a lot of choices when it comes to keeping batteries charged out on the water. Hopefully, this has shed some light (pun intended) on your boat solar battery charger questions.
May the wind be at your back and your batteries always be full.
The Beginner’s Complete Guide to RV Solar Battery Chargers
RV solar battery chargers are a great way to power your recreational vehicle’s electrical system while on the go. These systems rely on a combination of components to convert the sun’s energy into usable electricity. In this article, we will discuss the different components of an RV solar system and how they work together to provide you with reliable energy. From the solar panels that capture the sun’s energy to the charge controllers that regulate the flow of electricity, we will explore each component in detail and explain how they fit into the overall system.
I am an electrical engineer, RV Tech, and solar installer. I have written this article to cover the basics of RV solar battery charging systems. Whether you’re a seasoned RVer or just considering adding solar to your RV, this article will provide you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your solar setup.
What Is an RV Solar Battery Charger?
An RV solar battery charger is a system that charges your RV batteries with solar power. In fact, this refers to practically any RV solar system you hear about. At their core, every single system has one basic function: to charge your RV batteries.
Unless you plug into a power source (i.e. shore power or generator), your RV batteries supply all the power to your RV. Without a battery charger, your fridge, furnace, lights, and any other electronics will not work. All RVs have chargers that run when plugged into shore power or run a generator. When disconnected from shore power, many people seek to utilize the sun’s energy to charge their RV batteries practically anywhere.
Of course, RV solar systems can come in a variety of sizes, created for specific uses. There are three primary ways you can set up such a solar battery-charging system:
RV Solar Battery Tenders
Have you ever got to your RV (or car) after it sat for a long time and the battery was dead? For vehicles sitting outside, the sun is an amazing source of energy that anyone can harness to help make batteries last longer. RV solar battery tenders “tend” your batteries, which means keeping them charged and healthy even when you’re away from the RV. These systems do not provide enough power for running appliances, just enough to keep the battery from draining when not in use.
Portable Solar Panel Kits
You can hook up your RV batteries to a Portable Solar Panel kit to charge. Portable solar panel kits are commonly sized in the 50-200 watt range. These kits can meet basic electrical needs. These are all-in-one solutions that do not require any special installation or knowledge.
Large RV Solar Systems
Large RV solar systems rely on a combination of solar panels, charge controllers, batteries, and inverters installed in the RV to convert the sun’s energy into usable electricity. Of course, like other solar systems, the large versions still charge your batteries. However, they can also serve as primary power sources. Large systems are not for the novice and are built into the vehicle. Its required to have an understanding of electricity to safely install a larger RV solar power system. Its is possible, however to learn what’s required to know to safely install a system yourself. Here on our website, we have many articles covering these types of systems including some examples.
What Can RV Solar Battery Chargers Do?
Depending on the type of RV solar battery charger system you go with, you can achieve several different results. over, your end goal will vary based on your RVing style and power needs and will help determine which system you’ll need.
Trickle Charge: 10-50 Watt Chargers
Ordinarily, batteries discharge a bit, even without usage. A battery charger can be used to trickle charge, topping off the battery at a small rate to make sure the battery is kept full. Depending on the battery type, if it is discharged too deeply, it can significantly damage it and lessen its life. All three types of solar chargers mentioned above can trickle charge batteries. This keeps them healthy and lasting as long as possible when you’re not using the RV.
Provide Power for Light Use: 50-100 Watt Chargers
With a small solar battery charger, you can expect to use the battery lightly while the solar makes up the power you use, keeping the battery full. For example, solar does not work at night. So, the battery will provide you with power overnight and then the solar system will charge the battery back up the next day. “Light use” means powering energy-efficient lights, charging a cell phone or camera batteries, and running small electronics. Portable solar panels or a small system are great for this application. Unfortunately, TVs or computers can not be run on these systems and require a generator for use.
Medium Power Use: 100-600 Watt Chargers
With medium-sized RV solar battery charger systems, you can expect to run your RV’s lights and DC appliances, like the furnace, water heater, and fridge. You can even run a smaller inverter for some light AC applications, like running a computer or TV. Often, these systems are paired with a generator but will significantly lessen generator runtime.
Power Everything: 600 – 4000 Watt chargers
Unlike the previous systems, this one includes running an inverter, which converts the power to AC. Like in your home, you can run computers, TVs and other high-power appliances. The limit to how much you can power is based on the size of the RV’s roof, the space and weight limits of the RV, as well as cost restrictions. With a large enough system, it’s possible to even run the air conditioner or charge an electric car. Generators are also rarely needed with a well-designed large solar system, as the solar makes up most of the energy needs.
These large systems are very useful when camping away from electrical providers. They give you enough energy to boondock in the wilderness or stealth camp in the city without the need for a generator. If you are trying to figure out how much solar power you need, we put together a detailed article and calculator to help you determine the right amount of solar, so you don’t waste money.
How Do RV Solar Battery Chargers Work?
All RV solar systems are off-grid RV solar chargers. This means their primary function is to charge a battery. Furthermore, solar battery chargers consist of a minimum of two parts, the solar panels, and a solar charge controller. Solar panels collect power, and the charge controller modulates the power to properly charge the battery.
Solar Panels: Solar panels are what collect energy from the sun and convert it into electricity. There are a few different types of solar panels, but most are made of silicon crystals encased in glass. Additionally, it is possible to get flexible or foldable solar panels for portability.
Solar Charge Controller: Once the solar panels have generated electricity, the electricity needs to be converted into something the battery can accept. Batteries require a very specific voltage and current to properly charge. The charge controller (per its name) controls the charge for the battery, prevent overcharging, and maintains battery health.
Charge controllers can be independent units (in larger systems) or are sometimes built directly into the solar panels (in small, portable setups). The charge controllers will also stop charging the batteries when they are full to prevent damage.
The RV can use power directly from the charge controller and the battery at the same time. Also, the batteries will store additional solar charge for use at night or when there is not enough sun to power the RV, like on cloudy days.
Charge controllers watch both the voltage of the batteries and solar panels to match the power. If the battery is full, it will sense when you are using the battery and provide the power from the solar, so the battery does not drain.
There are a few different types of solar charge controllers and lots more to learn about them, so I highly suggest you dive into these components in our article all about RV solar charge controllers.
RV Battery Type Considerations
Since we now know that RV solar systems are all battery chargers, let’s take a look at the different types of batteries that can be used in RV’s.
Lead-Acid Batteries
For the longest time, lead-acid batteries were the only feasible energy storage device for cars and RV’s. These batteries use a chemical reaction between an acid electrolyte and metal (lead) to store and release electrons to be used. There are two main subsets of these types of batteries: flooded and AGM. Let’s briefly take a look at these two types.
Flooded Lead-Acid: These are the most common type of batteries and are what most cars use to start their engines. To make sure their electrolyte is kept full, flooded lead-acid batteries need to be maintained regularly. Additionally, they release corrosive and flammable gasses when charging and need to be kept in ventilated spaces where you will not breathe the fumes.
AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat): AGM are lead-acid batteries with the added benefit of not needing any maintenance. What’s more, they do not release toxic gases, so AGM can be installed in enclosed spaces or in living quarters. However, they are more expensive than flooded lead-acid batteries.
Generally, lead-acid batteries are relatively cheap but have very specific charging needs to keep them healthy. With regular use, a set of lead-acid batteries will last around 1-3 years for most RVers. One very important thing to note about lead-acid batteries is you can only discharge them partially each time you use them. Otherwise, they get damaged from deep discharges. It is also very important to charge them each day fully. Unfortunately, this frequently does not happen with a solar charger, so a generator may need to be used. Flooded cells also need regular equalization that boosts the voltage to balance out the cells.
Overall I never recommend using lead acid batteries with solar systems because they are not a good match for solar generation compared to lithium batteries.
Lithium Batteries
Lithium-based batteries are the newest technology for energy storage in an RV and have major benefits over lead-acid. These batteries will typically last 5 to 10 times longer than lead-acid and can store about 4 times more power for the same amount of weight. Equally important, they do not have rigorous charging requirements, can be discharged as low as needed, and do not need to be recharged every day.
These are by far the best type of batteries for use in a solar charger system. However, they cost more upfront. Luckily, one lithium battery can usually replace 4 lead acids, and will last much much longer! These batteries will cost less and save you headaches in the long run. We recommend Battle Born Batteries for their high quality and excellent customer service.
PRO TIP – Read why we have chosen Battle Born Batteries for our RV’s 3 times in a row in our article about the real reason we used Battle Born batteries.
Battery Energy Ratings: Deep cycle batteries for RVs are rated in amp hours for capacity. This rating is based on how many amps the battery should be able to discharge in one hour. However, comparing battery capacity is not apples to apples. This is because a lithium battery can provide all of its power, while a lead-acid will only give you 50-60% of its rating if you stop discharging them sooner to prolong their life.
What Are Advantages of an RV Solar Battery Charger
There are many advantages to having an RV solar battery charger and taking free energy from the sun.
- RV solar battery chargers work just about everywhere there is sunlight!
- They can help to provide power in places where standard electricity isn’t readily available.
- They help to protect lead-acid and AGM batteries by topping off the voltage. These types of batteries will self-discharge, even without use, and need to have a charger on them for longevity. A dead battery is particularly bad in cold weather as dead lead-acid batteries can freeze up and be destroyed. Likewise, lithium batteries should be stored with a good charge when it’s cold.
- Many are very lightweight and can be carried anywhere. Some small setups have a panel that can even be strapped to a backpack, so you can use your solar battery charger to provide power away from the RV, too.
- If camping without hookups, RV solar battery chargers provide silent power, versus the sound of a generator.
What Are the Disadvantages To RV Solar Chargers
As with any system, there can be some drawbacks and limitations. Here are some considerations to keep in mind when thinking of getting an RV solar battery charger:
- They must have sunlight to work. Using a trickle charger in a garage won’t be possible (unless you have a long extension cord!).
- Solar won’t charge your batteries overnight or if it’s a cloudy or rainy day. Climate and time of year have a big effect on solar charging.
- RV Solar battery chargers can be expensive, depending on what size you go with. They also cost more when compared to a plug-in battery charger.
- The smaller chargers can be slow to charge your batteries. However, large solar systems can be faster.
Get Started With RV Solar Battery Charging
Personally, we are big fans of utilizing solar energy to power our adventures and lifestyle. We hope you’re now more comfortable taking some steps into the world of RV solar battery charging.
If you’re interested in charging your smaller electronic devices with portable solar panels, check out our Portable Solar Panels blog for more information on this option.
Last but not least, you may want to look into our Ultimate Off-Grid Solar System article. Or, watch this YouTube video, especially if you are interested in building a large RV solar system to enjoy off-grid boondocking and run everything in your rig.
Start Your Solar Journey!
Thinking about adding solar to your RV? Start here with our solar calculator to get an idea of what might be right for you!
About Mortons on the Move
Tom Caitlin Morton of Mortons on the Move gave up the stationary life for one where they are constantly on the move. They are full-time travelers, television hosts, and digital media producers. They left their jobs, sold their house and possessions, and hit the road in September 2015 in their full-time “home on wheels”. Since then they have traveled the US, Canada, and even internationally by RV. Now, they are Discovery Channel PBS TV Co-stars of The RVers, producers of “Go North” on Amazon Prime, co-founders and instructors of RV Masterclass, and contributing authors for Hwy.co and an Arizona travel guide.
The Beginner’s Complete Guide to RV Solar Battery Chargers
RV solar battery chargers are a great way to power your recreational vehicle’s electrical system while on the go. These systems rely on a combination of components to convert the sun’s energy into usable electricity. In this article, we will discuss the different components of an RV solar system and how they work together to provide you with reliable energy. From the solar panels that capture the sun’s energy to the charge controllers that regulate the flow of electricity, we will explore each component in detail and explain how they fit into the overall system.
I am an electrical engineer, RV Tech, and solar installer. I have written this article to cover the basics of RV solar battery charging systems. Whether you’re a seasoned RVer or just considering adding solar to your RV, this article will provide you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your solar setup.
What Is an RV Solar Battery Charger?
An RV solar battery charger is a system that charges your RV batteries with solar power. In fact, this refers to practically any RV solar system you hear about. At their core, every single system has one basic function: to charge your RV batteries.
Unless you plug into a power source (i.e. shore power or generator), your RV batteries supply all the power to your RV. Without a battery charger, your fridge, furnace, lights, and any other electronics will not work. All RVs have chargers that run when plugged into shore power or run a generator. When disconnected from shore power, many people seek to utilize the sun’s energy to charge their RV batteries practically anywhere.
Of course, RV solar systems can come in a variety of sizes, created for specific uses. There are three primary ways you can set up such a solar battery-charging system:
RV Solar Battery Tenders
Have you ever got to your RV (or car) after it sat for a long time and the battery was dead? For vehicles sitting outside, the sun is an amazing source of energy that anyone can harness to help make batteries last longer. RV solar battery tenders “tend” your batteries, which means keeping them charged and healthy even when you’re away from the RV. These systems do not provide enough power for running appliances, just enough to keep the battery from draining when not in use.
Portable Solar Panel Kits
You can hook up your RV batteries to a Portable Solar Panel kit to charge. Portable solar panel kits are commonly sized in the 50-200 watt range. These kits can meet basic electrical needs. These are all-in-one solutions that do not require any special installation or knowledge.
Large RV Solar Systems
Large RV solar systems rely on a combination of solar panels, charge controllers, batteries, and inverters installed in the RV to convert the sun’s energy into usable electricity. Of course, like other solar systems, the large versions still charge your batteries. However, they can also serve as primary power sources. Large systems are not for the novice and are built into the vehicle. Its required to have an understanding of electricity to safely install a larger RV solar power system. Its is possible, however to learn what’s required to know to safely install a system yourself. Here on our website, we have many articles covering these types of systems including some examples.
What Can RV Solar Battery Chargers Do?
Depending on the type of RV solar battery charger system you go with, you can achieve several different results. over, your end goal will vary based on your RVing style and power needs and will help determine which system you’ll need.
Trickle Charge: 10-50 Watt Chargers
Ordinarily, batteries discharge a bit, even without usage. A battery charger can be used to trickle charge, topping off the battery at a small rate to make sure the battery is kept full. Depending on the battery type, if it is discharged too deeply, it can significantly damage it and lessen its life. All three types of solar chargers mentioned above can trickle charge batteries. This keeps them healthy and lasting as long as possible when you’re not using the RV.
Provide Power for Light Use: 50-100 Watt Chargers
With a small solar battery charger, you can expect to use the battery lightly while the solar makes up the power you use, keeping the battery full. For example, solar does not work at night. So, the battery will provide you with power overnight and then the solar system will charge the battery back up the next day. “Light use” means powering energy-efficient lights, charging a cell phone or camera batteries, and running small electronics. Portable solar panels or a small system are great for this application. Unfortunately, TVs or computers can not be run on these systems and require a generator for use.
Medium Power Use: 100-600 Watt Chargers
With medium-sized RV solar battery charger systems, you can expect to run your RV’s lights and DC appliances, like the furnace, water heater, and fridge. You can even run a smaller inverter for some light AC applications, like running a computer or TV. Often, these systems are paired with a generator but will significantly lessen generator runtime.
Power Everything: 600 – 4000 Watt chargers
Unlike the previous systems, this one includes running an inverter, which converts the power to AC. Like in your home, you can run computers, TVs and other high-power appliances. The limit to how much you can power is based on the size of the RV’s roof, the space and weight limits of the RV, as well as cost restrictions. With a large enough system, it’s possible to even run the air conditioner or charge an electric car. Generators are also rarely needed with a well-designed large solar system, as the solar makes up most of the energy needs.
These large systems are very useful when camping away from electrical providers. They give you enough energy to boondock in the wilderness or stealth camp in the city without the need for a generator. If you are trying to figure out how much solar power you need, we put together a detailed article and calculator to help you determine the right amount of solar, so you don’t waste money.
How Do RV Solar Battery Chargers Work?
All RV solar systems are off-grid RV solar chargers. This means their primary function is to charge a battery. Furthermore, solar battery chargers consist of a minimum of two parts, the solar panels, and a solar charge controller. Solar panels collect power, and the charge controller modulates the power to properly charge the battery.
Solar Panels: Solar panels are what collect energy from the sun and convert it into electricity. There are a few different types of solar panels, but most are made of silicon crystals encased in glass. Additionally, it is possible to get flexible or foldable solar panels for portability.
Solar Charge Controller: Once the solar panels have generated electricity, the electricity needs to be converted into something the battery can accept. Batteries require a very specific voltage and current to properly charge. The charge controller (per its name) controls the charge for the battery, prevent overcharging, and maintains battery health.
Charge controllers can be independent units (in larger systems) or are sometimes built directly into the solar panels (in small, portable setups). The charge controllers will also stop charging the batteries when they are full to prevent damage.
The RV can use power directly from the charge controller and the battery at the same time. Also, the batteries will store additional solar charge for use at night or when there is not enough sun to power the RV, like on cloudy days.
Charge controllers watch both the voltage of the batteries and solar panels to match the power. If the battery is full, it will sense when you are using the battery and provide the power from the solar, so the battery does not drain.
There are a few different types of solar charge controllers and lots more to learn about them, so I highly suggest you dive into these components in our article all about RV solar charge controllers.
RV Battery Type Considerations
Since we now know that RV solar systems are all battery chargers, let’s take a look at the different types of batteries that can be used in RV’s.
Lead-Acid Batteries
For the longest time, lead-acid batteries were the only feasible energy storage device for cars and RV’s. These batteries use a chemical reaction between an acid electrolyte and metal (lead) to store and release electrons to be used. There are two main subsets of these types of batteries: flooded and AGM. Let’s briefly take a look at these two types.
Flooded Lead-Acid: These are the most common type of batteries and are what most cars use to start their engines. To make sure their electrolyte is kept full, flooded lead-acid batteries need to be maintained regularly. Additionally, they release corrosive and flammable gasses when charging and need to be kept in ventilated spaces where you will not breathe the fumes.
AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat): AGM are lead-acid batteries with the added benefit of not needing any maintenance. What’s more, they do not release toxic gases, so AGM can be installed in enclosed spaces or in living quarters. However, they are more expensive than flooded lead-acid batteries.
Generally, lead-acid batteries are relatively cheap but have very specific charging needs to keep them healthy. With regular use, a set of lead-acid batteries will last around 1-3 years for most RVers. One very important thing to note about lead-acid batteries is you can only discharge them partially each time you use them. Otherwise, they get damaged from deep discharges. It is also very important to charge them each day fully. Unfortunately, this frequently does not happen with a solar charger, so a generator may need to be used. Flooded cells also need regular equalization that boosts the voltage to balance out the cells.
Overall I never recommend using lead acid batteries with solar systems because they are not a good match for solar generation compared to lithium batteries.
Lithium Batteries
Lithium-based batteries are the newest technology for energy storage in an RV and have major benefits over lead-acid. These batteries will typically last 5 to 10 times longer than lead-acid and can store about 4 times more power for the same amount of weight. Equally important, they do not have rigorous charging requirements, can be discharged as low as needed, and do not need to be recharged every day.
These are by far the best type of batteries for use in a solar charger system. However, they cost more upfront. Luckily, one lithium battery can usually replace 4 lead acids, and will last much much longer! These batteries will cost less and save you headaches in the long run. We recommend Battle Born Batteries for their high quality and excellent customer service.
PRO TIP – Read why we have chosen Battle Born Batteries for our RV’s 3 times in a row in our article about the real reason we used Battle Born batteries.
Battery Energy Ratings: Deep cycle batteries for RVs are rated in amp hours for capacity. This rating is based on how many amps the battery should be able to discharge in one hour. However, comparing battery capacity is not apples to apples. This is because a lithium battery can provide all of its power, while a lead-acid will only give you 50-60% of its rating if you stop discharging them sooner to prolong their life.
What Are Advantages of an RV Solar Battery Charger
There are many advantages to having an RV solar battery charger and taking free energy from the sun.
- RV solar battery chargers work just about everywhere there is sunlight!
- They can help to provide power in places where standard electricity isn’t readily available.
- They help to protect lead-acid and AGM batteries by topping off the voltage. These types of batteries will self-discharge, even without use, and need to have a charger on them for longevity. A dead battery is particularly bad in cold weather as dead lead-acid batteries can freeze up and be destroyed. Likewise, lithium batteries should be stored with a good charge when it’s cold.
- Many are very lightweight and can be carried anywhere. Some small setups have a panel that can even be strapped to a backpack, so you can use your solar battery charger to provide power away from the RV, too.
- If camping without hookups, RV solar battery chargers provide silent power, versus the sound of a generator.
What Are the Disadvantages To RV Solar Chargers
As with any system, there can be some drawbacks and limitations. Here are some considerations to keep in mind when thinking of getting an RV solar battery charger:
- They must have sunlight to work. Using a trickle charger in a garage won’t be possible (unless you have a long extension cord!).
- Solar won’t charge your batteries overnight or if it’s a cloudy or rainy day. Climate and time of year have a big effect on solar charging.
- RV Solar battery chargers can be expensive, depending on what size you go with. They also cost more when compared to a plug-in battery charger.
- The smaller chargers can be slow to charge your batteries. However, large solar systems can be faster.
Get Started With RV Solar Battery Charging
Personally, we are big fans of utilizing solar energy to power our adventures and lifestyle. We hope you’re now more comfortable taking some steps into the world of RV solar battery charging.
If you’re interested in charging your smaller electronic devices with portable solar panels, check out our Portable Solar Panels blog for more information on this option.
Last but not least, you may want to look into our Ultimate Off-Grid Solar System article. Or, watch this YouTube video, especially if you are interested in building a large RV solar system to enjoy off-grid boondocking and run everything in your rig.
Start Your Solar Journey!
Thinking about adding solar to your RV? Start here with our solar calculator to get an idea of what might be right for you!
About Mortons on the Move
Tom Caitlin Morton of Mortons on the Move gave up the stationary life for one where they are constantly on the move. They are full-time travelers, television hosts, and digital media producers. They left their jobs, sold their house and possessions, and hit the road in September 2015 in their full-time “home on wheels”. Since then they have traveled the US, Canada, and even internationally by RV. Now, they are Discovery Channel PBS TV Co-stars of The RVers, producers of “Go North” on Amazon Prime, co-founders and instructors of RV Masterclass, and contributing authors for Hwy.co and an Arizona travel guide.