Do I need a solar battery charger?

Batteries will drain when they sit idle for too long. This is a common issue for RV owners who keep their RV’s parked in the driveway over the winter and forget to keep their batteries charged. Batteries will experience permanent damage if they are discharged for a long period of time. This can be avoided with a solar battery charger.

Battery chargers collect enough energy to charge and safely maintain the house batteries in your RV, van, or wherever your battery bank is being stored. They can also be used as a back-up charging source for your system when you find yourself depleting your battery bank without access to sunlight, such as during bad weather.

Can I charge my solar batteries with an outlet?

If you have lithium iron phosphate batteries, you can use the Renogy 20A AC-to-DC Charger to charge your battery with a wall outlet. The charger kit includes 12AWG alligator clips and outputs power based on the battery's power, voltage, and current condition. The unit's status indicator light lets you know the connected battery's operating mode and condition. Once the battery hits full charge, the Portable LFP charger automatically monitors and maintains the battery.

Can I charge my solar batteries with my alternator?

Yes, we recommend using Renogy's DC to DC MPPT Charger to charge a secondary battery from an alternator connected to a primary battery or by utilizing solar panels connected directly to the unit. While your vehicle's alternator prioritizes your primary battery, the DC to DC MPPT charger gives your solar system to put your secondary battery first. Renogy's DC to DC MPPT Charger will also work with flooded lead acid, gel, AGM, or lithium iron phosphate batteries.