I'm looking for advice on how to set up a solar panel system to prevent my Ford Transit van's battery from dying when it sits idle for more than a week. I want to know what kind of solar panel kit I should consider and any specific recommendations or installation tips would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
Have you thought about replacing the battery? Sometimes that's all that's needed! If it still drains quickly, you might want to check for any electrical issues that could be sucking power while the van is off. A clamp meter can help, or just start pulling fuses to identify the culprits—draining a battery in a week isn't usual!
For a straightforward solution, consider a battery cutoff switch. It's much simpler and less expensive than setting up solar, and it can prevent drain while your van is parked. You can easily find them online or at your local hardware store.
You should check out a solar charger kit! Something like the one I found on Amazon for about $30 includes everything you need, like the panel, a controller, and cables. If you have a bit more to spend, consider going for the MPPT controller version for better efficiency, which is around $50. It's a solid option to keep your battery topped off without a lot of hassle.