Solar charging starter battery

[Mr bean]

Hi all, I’ve got a little 4.8W solar panel just to keep my batteries topped up, it plugs in to the van 2016 Dethleffs 4 Travel through the engines diagnostic plug and the starter battery is showing 13v the leisure battery is only 12.5v is this because of the way it’s connected!!

 

[golly]

I would imagine that it is because there is no direct connection to the leisure batteries from the diagnostic plug, unlike when charging via the on board charger. But there again "I know nothing"

 

[Mr bean]

Thanks golly, I thought that might be the case. I definitely know nothing!!!

 

[chaser]

Thanks golly, I thought that might be the case. I definitely know nothing!!!

Yeah the diagnostic plug won't know about your hab batteries.

 

[Mr bean]

Thanks chaser! Looks like I’ll have to go full solar.

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[chaser]

Thanks chaser! Looks like I’ll have to go full solar.

Can't you connect it to where the charger is charging and not to the plug

 

[ontheroadagain]

I am no expert but is a 4.8W panel going to keep a battery topped up?
I would think that during the winter it will be doing nothing.

 

[pappajohn]

Just bin the panel.....4.8watt is neither use nor ornament.
Maybe in North Africa with the sun directly overhead the most it will put out is around 300 milliamps (⅓amp)...the batteries natural drain plus parasitic loads will exceed that.
You want at least a 30watt panel and an endless clear day to make a difference.
The starter battery would be showing 14v plus if it was doing anything useful.

 

[Mr bean]

Definitely puts something in, I’m in Spain at the moment so getting plenty of sun. But think I need to do it properly and get 125W solar panel and mppt controller.

 

[Stealaway]

I think your money would be better spent on two solar panels and a regular dual battery solar controller

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