Having just taken delivery of
DOKIO 200W 18V Foldable Solar Panel Kit Lightweight(5.3KG,73x54CM) Monocrystalline(HIGH Efficiency) with Controller USB Output to Charge 12V Batteries (All Types: Vented AGM Gel) RV Camper Boat
I am reading this with much interest/fear!
My leisure battery is in a cubby hole at the rear of the van with the split charger etc mounted in a cupboard above it.
The plan was to leave the cables connected to the battery and Dokio controller which will be fixed to the side of the van.
Obviously I need to introduce a fuse into the live cable (what size would you suggest) before it reaches the controller.
I hoped then to leave the extension cable curled up in the cupboard, maybe now I should leave it disconnected to be sure but having purchased
KUNCAN 25FT Sae to Sae 2 Pin Extension Cable DC Power 16awg Heavy Duty Battery Quick Disconnect/Connect Wire Harness with Sae Connectors with Dust Cap
This cable has a rubber cap on the end and not only that wont be rolling around and merely routed out of the van and connected to the solar panel as and when we are using it.
Doubtless eventually we will end up having to replace the controller OR go for a roof top fixed system UNTIL then, have we a safe set up would you say?
At a minimum it needs to be fused as close to the battery as possible. The fuse needs to be below the max rating of the cable, although it’s not clear how big that cable is. Assuming the cable is sufficient, fuse at just above the rated current delivery of the charger.
Also, crocodile clips aren’t really meant to be a semi-permanent way of attaching to the battery. You’d be much safer with a reputable brand controller (victron, votronic, etc) hardwired via a fuse into the battery and then use mc4 connectors to hook up the panel when you need it.
