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I've got a Ring 6W Solar Panel temporarily fitted (on the inside) in the large skylight in my van, it's fine in the summer for keeping battery topped up, but a little bit too small for dull winter use (but I was given it rather than buying it, so beggars can't be choosers!). Just taken the battery (100Ah) off my van (well swapped for a spare I have) yesterday and brought home for a boost charge (van in storage with no access to electric supply), and it was at about 60% charge (measured with a battery condition/health meter, rather than a basic volt meter), which considering I haven't been near it for 4 months is not bad.
Batteries self discharge at around 5%/month (so that would bring it down to 60% charge on it's own), and the alarm puts a permanent drain on it as well. I'd estimate that during the dull winter months (where solar panels are poor performers) it allows me to double the time between proper maintenance charges. At summer light/sun levels it would keep the battery in good order indefinitely. Before I fitted the solar panel, the alarm drain and self discharge would bring the state of charge down to around 50% in a couple of months, so over a couple of years use it has proved it's worth.
If I were buying one, I'd be looking at something around 15W or more to better cope with low winter light levels/sun. Without the alarm drain, I think the 6W panel would compensate for self discharge well enough. Of course where you place it and how much direct sun it gets has a HUGE effect on how effective it is. Also the van is in Hertfordshire which ekes a little more daylight out of winter days than further north would.
My panel is this one: https://www.ringautomotive.com/en/product/rsp600
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Topic: Solar trickle charger
via mobile 07/3/2022 at 11:34am
