I want to hook up a solar panel

[Outdoordog]

so last night my battery died on my jeep.
So I got an AGM battery this morning and was thinking how bad it could of been had I been out exploring on my own.

I was thinking of mounting a solar panel on my hardtop, and run the wire somehow to my battery, with some kind of controller in between. I dont know much about any of this.

Would the solar panel be always charging the battery? Even when driving?
Later i do plan to add a small fridge in the back seat, and 2 light pods (40 watts each).

Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Outdoordog]

Also, its not a big deal if the engine has to be off to be able to charge the battery via solar. I could have it connected at night so it'll charge in the morning sun.

 

[RickR]

Why not hook up a second battery?

 

[Outdoordog]

Why not hook up a second battery?

I wouldn't know how or where it would go.

 

[Outdoordog]

the solar panel simply just connects to your battery. Very easy haha!

 

[RickR]

Dual battery tray for JK.

Welcome to Genesis Offroad - It all starts with power.

Install video

 

[Murphy Slaw]

This rig has a regulator, charges the battery, has an inverter wired to the marine battery, and a 110 oxygen pump to supply oxygen to the pond.

Without the regulator it would fry the battery.

 

[Boostpowered]

Step 1 buy solar panel and controller.
Step 2 read the included instructions.
Step 3 install.

 

[astroflashjones]

You can get a dedicated solar controller or Redarc also makes a dc/dc charger with a solar controller built in. This will allow you to install a second battery as well. Not a bad idea with a fridge. Or at least get a jumper box. The Redarc will also allow you to run two different types of batteries. You could keep the AGM as your main battery and install another AGM or even a lithium. Just keep in mind that the angle of the panel in relation to the sun will affect its ability to charge. Having one mounted on the roof is definitely the most convenient but having the ability to move it around will give you the most versatility.

 

[Viking1204]

What you are asking for is not difficult at all. Get the solar panel you want, get a solar charge controller and connect that between the battery and solar panel. A good solar charge controller will not charge the battery when the truck is running and it detects the voltage from the alternator charging the battery. If you want to learn more about solar and possibly add a second battery check out the website below and check out some of his videos, he has all kinds of information for someone who hasn't had much experience with mobile solar setups!

Mobile Solar Power: Made Easy! DIY Off-grid Solar Power!

 

[JL Lou]

Also consider carrying a portable Jump Starter.

Example

Tacklife 800A 18000mAh Vehicle Jump Starter Portable Car Battery Charger - T6 - Tacklife Tools

TACKLIFE car Jump Starter 800A Peak 18000mAh/66.6Wh Battery Capacity car Jump Starter up to 7.0L Gas or 5.5L Diesel, Suitable for 12V cars, SUVs, motorcycles and vans, for almost 30 times.

tacklifetools.com

 

[MMc]

Also consider carrying a portable Jump Starter.

Example

Tacklife 800A 18000mAh Vehicle Jump Starter Portable Car Battery Charger - T6 - Tacklife Tools

TACKLIFE car Jump Starter 800A Peak 18000mAh/66.6Wh Battery Capacity car Jump Starter up to 7.0L Gas or 5.5L Diesel, Suitable for 12V cars, SUVs, motorcycles and vans, for almost 30 times.

tacklifetools.com

I was thinking the same. I have solar panel and controller for my fish finder. I could use it to charge the batterie in a pinch. The jump stater is a lot less money and trouble.

 

[CG87]

I went with an ARK Pak 715 and a Vmaxtank 120ah deep cycle battery. I just got a solar system from Renogy, 100 watt eclipse panel with 20amp waterproof solar charger. Mainly to run ARB 50qt and tablet, phone, and some anker battery packs. Theoretically this should be unlimited sustainment with a min of 4 hrs direct sunlight. I say theoretically because that's what ARK Pak says, haven't tested yet but will after Labor Day weekend. But have tested the Ark Pak (vmaxtank 120ah) 5 days at a 14 deg F setting in 90 deg F ambient temp, and drained it down to 30%. Was looking at the Genesis dual battery set up, but I like the portability of this set up, because I can also use it on the RV. I'm new to solar, but If I can shed my suitcase generator and power my camp quiet and clean while meeting power requirements...Hell yeah, I might not come back...ever.

 

[Prerunner1982]

If you've got the $$ you can get a solar panel specifically made for the hood of your Jeep.

Jeep Wrangler JK VSS System™ - 100 Watt Hood Solar Panel | 25% Off Sale!

The Cascadia 4x4 VSS System is the world's first hood solar panel made specifically for the Jeep Wrangler JK. Cascadia 4x4 designed this hood solar panel specifically for the shape of the Jeep Wrangler JK hood. The semi flexible solar panel provides a constant stream of energy to the primary...

www.cascadia4x4.com

Solar panels are easy to hook up, with a good solar controller it will detect if you hook it to the panel the wrong way and protect the circuit and as noted will detect that the voltage to the battery (from the alternator) is sufficient and it will no longer try to charge the battery.

 

[Outdoordog]

If you've got the $$ you can get a solar panel specifically made for the hood of your Jeep.

Jeep Wrangler JK VSS System™ - 100 Watt Hood Solar Panel | 25% Off Sale!

The Cascadia 4x4 VSS System is the world's first hood solar panel made specifically for the Jeep Wrangler JK. Cascadia 4x4 designed this hood solar panel specifically for the shape of the Jeep Wrangler JK hood. The semi flexible solar panel provides a constant stream of energy to the primary...

www.cascadia4x4.com

Solar panels are easy to hook up, with a good solar controller it will detect if you hook it to the panel the wrong way and protect the circuit and as noted will detect that the voltage to the battery (from the alternator) is sufficient and it will no longer try to charge the battery.

I've seen that one. Its a bit out of my price range.

I want to spend less than $250, and also have it mounted on my roofrack somehow, maybe under it.

 

[JL Lou]

Chris Shontz talks about his setup for the first 4 minutes of this video.

 

[Sputnik]

Pretty easy one. Use cable ties or similar if you buy a semi flexible panel or use a mounting kit if using a rigid panel. Wire the solar charge controller to your battery and a set of wires with plugs matching the ones on the panel to the controller. Keep them short. Then you just use extensions between the panel and the controller to charge while parked. It’s more involved running wiring and such if you want the panel hooked up full time but with a bit of reading and some YouTube it’s doable. The DIY solar link up in another post will be your friend. Will Prowse’s YT channel has lots of good beginner stuff.

 

[Outdoordog]

thank you everyone for your input, ive been reading about your suggestions, they've been helpful.

 

[GordyP]

Redarc manager 30. Dual battery isolator with monitor and solar capabilities in one. And you can plug in to shore power like an rv to charge if needed. I have it and it is rad.

 

[Outdoordog]

Redarc manager 30. Dual battery isolator with monitor and solar capabilities in one. And you can plug in to shore power like an rv to charge if needed. I have it and it is rad.

Do you mind showing a picture how its setup?