Solar Panel

[Darren_5061938]

I have a solar panel in the garage (dont ask me where it came from its been there for years). Its a reasonable size, say 3ft x 1ft in area with negative and positive wires on the back. Putting a meter on it gives around 3v. (didnt measure the amperage and its dark now)

My question is, could I simply connect the panel to my caravan battery to provide a trickle charge, or would I need additional electronics to prevent the battery being drained by the panel?

Theres one way of finding out, but i'd rather get it right before I try. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Rod_5041370]

Firstly, you need to test the panel in full daylight and with open terminals you should read between 15&20vdc for it to be useful for your caravan. If you can only get 3vdc then it will not be suitable.

If you read in excess of 15vdc it will be OK but you should use a charge controller to protect both the battery and panel.