Hi all.
Looking for some help with a small cheap 20 watt panel with waterproof regulator. Panel to be hooked up via Aderson plug. Unit will be solely used to keep battery topped up in caravan whilst in storage. I have limited knowlege of these things so any help appreciated.
12 Volt Portable Solar Panel
Sober Thoughts on 16/06/2017 - 20:21
20w is actually a lot for trickle charging, assuming the battery in storage has no load. You will need to be confident the regulator/charger is working properly and cuts out when the float charge gets full, otherwise it will cook the battery.
I like this ebay listing, as it looks suitable, includes a suitable regulator, and they mention to just use a trickle charger for smaller batteries:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Waterproof-20W-12V-Portable-SOLAR…
For your limited purposes, all the panels are much the same, so just pick one which looks like a reasonably sturdy frame that includes regulator. You will want to crimp your own anderson plug onto the lead. I don't think there is any reason to buy brand name for these things, and friends who have get no better results than no-name we have.