Recommended Solar Panel To Keep Two 12 Volt Batteries Charged On Trailer

Question:

Hello, I am considering this panel or the 20W regulated one to keep my sailboat batteries charged. I have a 12V dual deep cycle battery system connected in parallel 105 Ah. Will this panel be sufficient to keep them both charged? Would I need a cut off switch or a diode to prevent damage to the panel when the alternator is charging the batteries? Is the 20W panel controller #34273837 able to provide protection to the panel when the Alternator charges the batteries? Thank you

asked by: Marco M

Expert Reply:

If you were to hook up a solar panel to a battery bank for maintenance charging while the batteries are not in use, you'll need some sort of charge regulator to prevent overcharging and subsequent damage. Therefore, the Go Power Eco Solar Charging System with Digital Solar Controller part # 34273837 is what I recommend which will do a great job of keeping the batteries topped off.

The charge controller will prevent any issues with overcharging while the alternator is running as well.

expert reply by: Conner L