Charging Rv System while stored in carport.

I’m new to solar. I would like to be able to keep my batteries maintained in the camper while it is stored under the roof of the carport.
As the solar panels on the roof will be blocked from the sun, is it possible to connect another small solar panel to the batteries to keep them topped off? Thanks in advance for any advice.

Cp321 said:

As the solar panels on the roof will be blocked from the sun, is it possible to connect another small solar panel to the batteries to keep them topped off? Thanks in advance for any advice.

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First: What type of batteries? If they are LFP, you should NOT keep them topped of. It is much better to store them at 50-60% SOC

I've done it for my motorcycle and riding mower. I just grabbed a small Apache box from Harbor Freight, mounted a small 7ah AGM battery and a PWM controller in the box and screwed the box to the wall. 100w solar panel into the SCC, wires out of the Apache box to SAE plugs on the motorcycle and mower batteries with some silicone to keep the weather and ants out, it worked well when the sun was out.

Sadly I lived in a place that got so little sunshine that it ended up not working but that wasn't the system's fault.

Yes, install a thru-wall plug if desired and connect the wires from the panel to the input of your controller along with the ones that are already there.

Zamp Solar SAE Sidewall Port - Waterproof 10AWG SAE Power Socket Sidewall Port Quick Connect - RV Solar Ready, Battery Maintainer Hardwire, Portable Solar Panel Ready https://a.co/d/hoY4gG8

12FT SAE to SAE Extension Cable, SAE Connector Cable Quick Disconnect Connector 16AWG, for Automotive, Solar Panel Panel SAE Plug(12FT(16AWG)) https://a.co/d/3IWtaid

As having dealt with storing the RV under an RV cover, I prefer to shut off the battery.

Even with the cover on, my RV produced enough power to cover 500 Wh of idle draw.

If you can monitor data, you may have no need to hook a panel.

If you do hook a panel, check to make sure it’s working. My first attempt at a solar topper ended with a dead battery because I had an under wattage panel on a too thin too long extension wire. Had less than battery charging voltage at the end of the run than battery voltage due to loss.

A 100w panel and a SCC that will let you set float voltage and your good to go

Yes I would consider putting a larger 200w+ panel up on the carport and bring some wire down. Best if the voltage is in range to use the existing controller.