Can Solar Panel be Used to Charge Breakaway Battery

Question:

I am in the midst of upgrading my 16 foot utility trailer from 1-axle having surge brakes and the second axle w/o brakes to both axles having electric brakes. Can I use a 12 V solar panel to keep my break-away switch battery charged when the trailer otherwise does not have its own battery and is stored somewhere out of range of other external power? My trailer is very infrequently used. stored out of range of either 120 VAC or 12 VDC. I anticipate an on-board battery will self-discharge between tows which would seriously shorten its life. A prompt reply would be very much appreciated because I am at a decision point as I write this.

asked by: Gerald G

Expert Reply:

Sure, if you don't want to use a breakaway battery system with a built-in charger like the Hopkins Engager # 20099, you can use a solar panel. What you can use for a smaller breakaway battery is the 2.5-Watt Solar Battery Charger # PTW2997.

However, this has alligator clamps so it will be a bit more cumbersome to utilize; if your breakaway battery is a 12-volt battery with at least 5 amp-hours a better option due to its ring terminals is the Bright Way Solar Battery Charger - 7.5 Watt Solar Panel # BRW54FR.

expert reply by: Kyle S

John L.

5/6/2024

Hello, I just bought a new trailer and I will be putting a winch with a battery for it. I want to use a solar charger to maintain it when not in use. I would also like to be able to maintain the break away battery with the same charger. Can I do that with one charger? Will I need a DC to DC controller for the charger?

Kyle S.

5/6/2024

@JohnL Yes you can do that with the Bright Way # BRW54FR, assuming you are transferring it between the two when appropriate. It doesn't need any DC to DC controller. If you weren't going to transfer it then just use a breakaway battery with a built-in charger, or use two of the # BW54FR.