10 watt solar flex mat

[Dan Simon]

I was given a 10 watt flexible solar mat that I was thinking about throwing some wires on and battery connectors and then strapping it right on to the Boler.

Do I need a controller to keep it from over charging...or is that impossible given the low ttage?

I know this will not "recharge" my battery but it should slow the depletion....right?

Thanks,

Dan

[Gina D.]

A controller is recommended for anything over 15 watts. You should be fine.

Most of the dashboard solar trickle chargers that are 5 or so watts plug straight into your battery via the lighter plug. No controller.

Doesn't hurt to add one. I have one on my 15 watt panel because I had an extra. I am not sure I would actually buy one specifically for it tho.

It is something to factor in if you are considering expansion tho.

[Dan Simon]

Thanks Gina.

Is at as simple as running the two wires directly to the battery and forgetting about it?

[Gina D.]

It is not mysterious. EZ PZ.

Set and Forget.

I would check and make sure that model has a blocking diode on it tho. The panel will actually discharge the battery at nite if it does not have one.

Most all panels made these days have small ones.

[David & Leslie]

Hi Dan - we acquired a UniSolar flexible mat panel last winter. Went with UniSolar cuz Mrs. D is a bit of a klutz ... did not want to lose a traditional (& expensive) glass panel sooner than later (smile).

But I digress - our 12v. needs are small - just to 2 orig. lights at night. This unit seems to keep our battery charged just fine. We chose a portable setup to maximize exposure & eliminate clutter on the roof of the Scamp. We found an collapsible A-frame table-base thingy into which the panel mounts perfectly with bungies - voila! Light weight, adjustable & affordable (and let's not forget virtually unbreakable ) When breaking camp, just fold up and go - it rides on the bed, braced so it won't slide. We love it! Happy trails, and perhaps we'll see ya down the road in the future - L 'n D