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Quote: Originally posted by patonnet74 on 29/3/2006

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Wondering if anyone cane help me? I have a small panel that came with a car cigarette lighter adapter attached. It's only 3 watts and all I really want to do is trickle charge the battery when it's laid up. Can I just connect it straight into a 12v socket in the van?
I read somewhere about stopping the panel drawing from the battery, would this be possible if I just plugged it in?

Thanks,
Alan

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Quote: Originally posted by 2kias on 29/3/2006

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Quote: Originally posted by patonnet74 on 29/3/2006

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Wondering if anyone cane help me? I have a small panel that came with a car cigarette lighter adapter attached. It's only 3 watts and all I really want to do is trickle charge the battery when it's laid up. Can I just connect it straight into a 12v socket in the van?

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I read somewhere about stopping the panel drawing from the battery, would this be possible if I just plugged it in?

Thanks,
Alan

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We have 5 watt solar panel and use it to trickle charge the battery when in storage. You need to put a new socket wired direct to the battery with a 5 amp fuse. If you use the existing sockets then you cannot turn off the 12 volts and you will lose more than you are putting in. Our battery is always fully charged eventhough we have a cover on the van.

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Hi Wozzy,

I'm currently contemplating a solar panel installation to supplement the two 85 Amp Hr batteries we have to enable us to stay off site without hook up for longer periods. I agree with Michael regarding the financial outlay and consider the freedom to 'wild camp' and save some site fees is better for us. I have visited numerous websites and my mate, who installed his own system, has given me some guidance and promised to install mine. This site is one of the better sites for the layman or novice IMHO. http://www.justnaturalstuff.co.uk/solar-panels-a-5.html 

See Solar Panel Information Page

Don