Solar Panels on Utility/Cargo Trailer With Option to Expand

Updated 05/02/2018 | Published 05/01/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Solar Power Kit for TorkLift PowerArmor Battery Box - 10 Watt Panel

(4)

$233.23

Y-Harness Adapter for TorkLift PowerArmor Solar Battery Boxes

$95.13

Question:

Hello, we are feeling so lost on solar panels and our needs. Weve seen that we can expand with solar panels, and gradually add more depending on our needs as time goes on...but is there any way you can help me know where to start with a solar set up or if it even makes sense for our application? We have an 8.5foot x 12foot utility trailer. To start with, we will be wanting to run a new mini fridge, 3 led lights, and ideally be able to power a dewalt 4-battery charger that we currently have. Here is a link to what we have: Would one panel be enough to power these items? Fridge at all times, dewalt item some of the time, and lights for a few hours a day at night time. Just for trips. When the trailer is parked at home, we hope to regularly charge the dewalt item with solar from our trailer vs increasing our home electricity bill. We are about to go on a trip and hope to get the minimum necessary to start, and then expand gradually. Thanks for any input!

asked by: Shanti

Expert Reply:

You'd need a battery on your trailer to power the items you mentioned as a solar panel on a trailer would not have enough power for all of them at any given time. You'd want to use a solar panel like the # TLA7713 to charge that battery as needed but it would not be ideal for powering accessories directly. Refrigerators draw quite a bit of amperage so you'd need a decent battery plus possibly additional panels. With the Y-kit part # TLA7714 you can add more.

Each of the # TLA7713 panels can provide up to 10 watts of power.

expert reply by: Jameson C