Solar panel/Jack-it mount

DenisP

My Tab 400 has been in under cover in storage for a month in Central Mass.  I checked my battery monitor and while at 100% the voltage has dipped slightly to 12.99.  I had decided that I would connect a 100 watt solar panel for the day since it is forecasted to be sunny (a rarity this month).  I made a mount to attach to my Jack-it bike mount which would allow it to be locked and secure.  My plan is to top off the batteries monthly or as needed.  My battery switch is off and the phantom draw should be minor.

Cbusguy

that is a fantastic solution.   you can even lock it adding a level of security.   Two enthusiastic thumbs up

DenisP

@Cbusguy , I have locked it which should give some security. 

Sharon_is_SAM

@DenisP, if your battery switch is off, there shouldn’t be any phantom drain if your inverter is also off.  So, is there phantom drain from the charge controller not offset by the solar gain?  Or do you mean battery self discharge?  Nice set up!

DenisP

My battery switch is off but there is a slight drain from the Victron battery monitor and Bluetooth solar controller connected to the factory solar panels. The 400 is covered so any gain from the roof top panels is tiny at best.  On Nov 7th the resting battery voltage was 13.03 and Nov 20th it was 12.99 volts with SOC 100% according to Victron Monitor. The batteries self drain is negligible. 

I plan on using the portable solar setup periodically while in storage just to top off the batteries although maybe not necessary.  Our next trip is in 90 days for a trip to the Florida panhandle for a couple of weeks. The Jack-it mounting will allow solar panel placement even if we have a few feet of snow.