Need a small solar system to charge atv batterys

[panteramatt]

I have 2 atvs and a lawnmower in my shed and need a way to keep the batteries charged. I also wouldnt mind running a led light inside and maybe a led motion detector. I have a 15watt panel and was looking at a charge controller to hook them up to. Was thinking of hooking up a Schumacher SPC-7A for $18 to it and running a splitter to the 3 batteries. It also has a load out I could run the led lights to. Will this work with the small panel? Should I invest in a bigger kit like this one? http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...02L3XUQ70M87BV

Read more: http://www.doityourself.com/forum/gr...#ixzz3Lc9SsboQ

[thastinger]

How far from your AC service panel to the shed?

[SunEagle]

I have 2 atvs and a lawnmower in my shed and need a way to keep the batteries charged. I also wouldnt mind running a led light inside and maybe a led motion detector. I have a 15watt panel and was looking at a charge controller to hook them up to. Was thinking of hooking up a Schumacher SPC-7A for $18 to it and running a splitter to the 3 batteries. It also has a load out I could run the led lights to. Will this work with the small panel? Should I invest in a bigger kit like this one? http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...02L3XUQ70M87BV

Read more: http://www.doityourself.com/forum/gr...#ixzz3Lc9SsboQ

I would seriously doubt that you can charge all 3 batteries at the same time with just one of those SPC-7A charge controller. Depending on what each battery is rated in voltage and Ah you might need each to have it's own CC and solar panel. What are the specs for each of those batteries.

Also a 15 watt panel is pretty small but may provide enough power for a single battery. What are the specs; Vmp, Imp for your 15watt panel?

Oh by the way. Welcome to Solar Panel Talk.

[panteramatt]

Thanx for the warm welcome. I dont want the hassle and expense to run a lime out to my shed just to keep some small batteries charged. Google renogy 100w starter kit and lmk what u think

[thastinger]

The problem with using solar for this purpose is that you're going to pay for a lot of capacity that you're not going to use.
I saw the 169.00 kit you linked to. The problem with a single CC and 3 12V batteries is the different capacities of the batteries and different states of charge. You'll likely do more harm than good.

you can buy 3 different kits with a 10W panel and a small CC for each battery and that would work. Those can be found for less than 50 bucks each but that is still quite an expense and trouble to install just to maintain 3 small batteries.

My solution would be to bring the batteries inside and charge them or run a circuit to the shed. With the AC circuit you could have an outlet and your overhead light. You won't get the light with the 3 12V charger kits.

[panteramatt]

Could u suggest some inexpensive small solar maintainers?

[thastinger]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/10W-18V-solar-panel-for-12V-battery-charger-W-3A-charge-controller-battery-clip-/351146360538?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item51c1f43eda

Not recommending that particular one, but a 10W panel and a small CC is really all you need for the 3 batteries. None of those batteries will be over 20Ah, probably no more than 14Ah, so these would keep them charged up just fine.

[karl0525]

Battery tender makes a solar charge controller for $20 bucks search for it on amazon it will handle up to 45 watts
I have one and it works well and being a brand you know is built well
Battery Tender 021-1162 Solar Panel Charger Controller