Solar Panel Use

[rickC]

I have a 2005 Hawk purchased new that is used approximately 5 months per year. Two of my extended trips, between April-August, are about 9 weeks and 6 weeks respectively. The truck/camper "sits" during those periods and is located at dry campsites.

I recently purchased a 15 watt, Deltrin solar panel that simply clips onto my truck battery to keep it topped off. I don't use interior lights, etc., and my cooking and refrigerator are on propane.

As an afterthought, I wonder if recharging my iPad or cellphone will be possible? I normally seek out another source elsewhere for powering them up . How effective are these 15 watt chargers, assuming there is plenty of sun?

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

You didn't mention whether or not you have a battery in the Hawk, so I assume that you're running the camper off the truck battery. The 15 watt panel will probably keep things (including occasional iPad and Cellphone charging) going. It sounds like the only 12 volt you're currently using is regulating the propane for the refrigerator, plus any phantom load, like a clock, etc., the truck requires. You might check the battery voltage with a digital multimeter to ensure you're not pulling it down.

If you do have a battery in the camper, how are you charging it?

 

[rickC]

Hey, thanks for your reply. Yes, I do have the original blue Optium still doing its job in the camper. Every spring I think maybe I should update with new battery but "if it ain't broke don't fix it". I do have a separator so when I'm moving its charging from the truck. During the long spells of "sitting" I rarely use the camper lights or fan but occasionally the water pump. I just figure that it would be very convenient to charge the iPad and possible cell phone in the camper itself. I try to keep things as simple as possible.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

I'd charge the iPad/cellphone from the truck if you're charging its battery via the 15 watt panel. Maybe run the truck occasionally to put a few amperes back into the camper batt. Sounds like things ain't broke, and I agree w/your philosophy.

 

[rickC]

OK. It's all clear now and thanks. Will charge iPad/cellphone off the truck battery assuming the panel is keeping battery topped off.