keeping batteries charged with solar over winter

[dglasrud]

We will be storing our 2014 17b in a shelterlogic tent for the winter. Some light gets through the fabric which is brown on the outside and white inside. Has anyone had experience with solar panels charging in this amount of light. (Obviously depends on weather), but I'm wondering if there will be enough charge to keep the 2- 6 volt batteries topped up. I guess I should turn the battery cut off switch to the off position? Any thoughts on this? Thanks.

[thoer]

With the battery cutoff in off position does current flow from the solar panel to the battery ? We don't have installed roof panels and the battery cut off isolates the batteries from everything. Maybe it is different with the installed panels.

[Ron in BC]

Some, like me, like to leave the power 100% shut down when the trailer's not in use. I send solar panel output directly from the controller to the battery. I've always done that, works for me.

The topic of output under a cover has been discussed before. It might be possible but I've seen the difference shade makes on output and would have the panel exterior to the cover if possible.

Ron

[ruscal]

That is like putting an umbrella over a rain barrel, some water may get in. You could do some tests to find out how much. You may not get enough juice to do a proper charge and equalization.
Russ

[jamman]

See:

http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f3...-use-4239.html
http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f8...es-4498-2.html

[Vermilye]

Originally Posted by thoer

With the battery cutoff in off position does current flow from the solar panel to the battery ? We don't have installed roof panels and the battery cut off isolates the batteries from everything. Maybe it is different with the installed panels.

I can't say for all Escape models, but my 17B connects the solar controller to the battery side of the battery cutoff switch. If I remember correctly, the feed from the 7 pin connector also goes to the battery side of the switch, so a portable panel could be plugged into the trailer connector to keep the battery charged even if it is covered or inside.