Solar Panel for Battery on Cargo Trailer for LED Lights
Question:
I have a cargo trailer that i have led lights inside and out. They used to be nice and bright. Have since added a separate battery inside of trailer to be able to use lights when unhooked. Lately I have noticed the lights are dim even when hooked to truck and truck is running. Also added a voltage meter to trailer battery that doesnt get above 11 volts. If i hooked a solar panel to it what all would i need?panel. charge controller. Im not sure ?
asked by: Steven
Expert Reply:
Hey Steven! It sounds like that battery is running down and not getting recharged to power the lights. The panel, controller, and wiring are all you need to add solar to your cargo trailer. I recommend using a portable panel like the Go Power DuraLite Portable Solar Panel with Digital Solar Controller # GP66FR.
You can run this directly to your battery through an open door or you can install an SAE Port # GP49QR on the side of the trailer to connect to the solar panel. This also gives you the freedom to move it around for optimal sunlight to keep that battery topped off for your lights.
If a portable panel won't work and you need to mount it on top you can use the Go Power Overlander Solar Charging System with Digital Solar Controller # 34282181. You will also need an entry plate # 34276245 to connect the cables and run them inside the trailer. Butyl tape # AL28FJ and self-leveling sealant # AL98KV are also needed for installation. With this setup the controller will mount inside the trailer and then you'll run the appropriate wire to your battery.
(click to enlarge)
(click to enlarge)
Products Referenced in This Question
Go Power Solar Cable Entry Plate with Red and Black MC4 Cables - 7' Long
- Accessories and Parts
- RV Solar Panels
- Cables and Connectors
- Cable Entry Plate
- Go Power
more information >
Go Power Overlander Solar Charging System with Digital Solar Controller - 200 Watt Solar Panel
- RV Solar Panels
- Roof Mounted Solar Kit
- Rigid Panels
- 200 Watts
- 5.1 - 10 Amps
- AGM
- Flooded Lead Acid
- Gel
- Lithium - liFePO4
- 59-1/8L x 26-5/16W Inch
- 1 Panel
- Go Power
more information >
Alpha Systems Butyl Tape for RV Weatherproofing - 20' x 1" x 3/16"
- RV Roof Repair
- Tape
- Butyl Tape
- 20 Feet Long
- Colors May Vary
- Alpha Systems
more information >
Alpha Systems 1021 Self-Leveling Sealant for RVs - White - 10.3 oz - Qty 1
- RV Roof Repair
- Sealant
- 10.3 oz
- Self-Leveling
- White
- Alpha Systems
more information >
Go Power RV SAE Port for Portable Solar Panels - 10 Feet
- Accessories and Parts
- RV Solar Panels
- SAE Port
- Go Power
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Go Power DuraLite Portable Solar Panel with Digital Solar Controller - 100 Watt
- Portable Solar Panel
- With Solar Charge Controller
- Battery
- Power Station
- RV Solar Prep
- 51 - 100 Watts
- 5.1 - 10 Amps
- AGM
- Flooded Lead Acid
- Gel
- Lithium - liFePO4
- Go Power
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Can I Use the Go Power DuraLite Along Side my Go Power Fixed Panel Set Up?
- Article: How to Install a Roof Rack
- Q&A: Go Power DuraLite Portable Solar System Compatibility With A Braxton Creek Bushwhacker Plus 17BH
- Q&A: Will Using the 30' Extension Cable for Go Power Portable Solar Kit Cause a Significant Voltage Drop
- Q&A: Solar Panel For Go Power Solar on The Side
- Q&A: Is the Rhino-Rack Tapered Extension w/ Door RR59RW Actually Olive-Green?
- Q&A: Can a FlexAir Pin Box be Used with an Andersen Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection
- Q&A: Anderson Ultimate Connection Hitch Compatibility with Lippert Pin Box
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Article: How Much Solar Power Do I Need For My RV?
- Article: Rooftop Cargo Carriers
- Article: Big Truck Big RV