Looking to price together a solar setup for my 2006 Sienna. Have some questions.

[Theiznezz]

Definitely throw an isolator in the system. They only like 30$

 

[jrose152]

I am suggesting isolator + solar.  It can be a less expensive and more capable setup.

So you're saying a less powerful solar panel, and an isolator?

 

[Theiznezz]

No. Get the most solar you can plus isolator

 

[Theiznezz]

Sorry. I know you not talking to me lol

 

[frater secessus]

So you're saying a less powerful solar panel, and an isolator?

That's one way to do it, yes.  The other way is to add the isolator to the full solar setup you were going to build anyhow.

Roughly speaking, an isolator is at its best when solar is at its worst and vice versa.  They can work together to increase your charging ability.  


Example:  Let's say your isolator is set up for a max of 40A.  The alternator while driving under normal conditions will put out something like 13.8v. 

You get up early and head off to Walmart for your weekly shopping 20mi away from your spot.  The sun is just rising so meaningful solar charging is probably a couple hours in the future.  While you drive to walmart the isolator would be like an additional 552 watts (!) of solar panel stuffing power into your batteries when they need it most.  And it can be done for $50 or so -- massive bang for the buck for people who plan to drive their vehicles regularly.  The cost is so low even folks who drive very little would probably benefit from an isolator.

The alternator/isolator will be unable to charge higher than our 13.8v number, but by that time it's already done 2/3rds of the heavy lifting.  And solar can take it from there.  Elsewhere I've described this isolator+solar teamwork as a two stage rocket:  the first stage does the brute force work  then the smaller, more refined second stage takes over once the rocket gets some altitude.

Click on this link if you want to see why it works out this way.

 

[jrose152]

That's one way to do it, yes.  The other way is to add the isolator to the full solar setup you were going to build anyhow.

Roughly speaking, an isolator is at its best when solar is at its worst and vice versa.  They can work together to increase your charging ability.  


Example:  Let's say your isolator is set up for a max of 40A.  The alternator while driving under normal conditions will put out something like 13.8v. 

You get up early and head off to Walmart for your weekly shopping 20mi away from your spot.  The sun is just rising so meaningful solar charging is probably a couple hours in the future.  While you drive to walmart the isolator would be like an additional 552 watts (!) of solar panel stuffing power into your batteries when they need it most.  And it can be done for $50 or so -- massive bang for the buck for people who plan to drive their vehicles regularly.  The cost is so low even folks who drive very little would probably benefit from an isolator.

The alternator/isolator will be unable to charge higher than our 13.8v number, but by that time it's already done 2/3rds of the heavy lifting.  And solar can take it from there.  Elsewhere I've described this isolator+solar teamwork as a two stage rocket:  the first stage does the brute force work  then the smaller, more refined second stage takes over once the rocket gets some altitude.

Click on this link if you want to see why it works out this way.

Sounds great, any recommendation of links to a isolator?

 

[Theiznezz]

I got a jersey Cole. I picked it up at a local alternator/starter store

 

[Trebor English]

On Amazon search for "Cole Hersee solenoid"

 

[jrose152]

I got a jersey Cole. I picked it up at a local alternator/starter store

Thank you. For 20$ it seems to only make sense to get one. Will my stock alternator have any issues with this? I don't want to kill it prematurely.

 

[Theiznezz]

I haven't had problems with mine. But the upside is if you do have issues down the road you can replace your alternator with a heavy duty one that will charge your batteries supper fast. I often think about doing this but its not a necessity.

 

[B and C]

Just an aside for charging from the alternator, do not sit still and idle the van or high idle to charge the batteries. Doing so will lead to an early demise of the alternator. When the alternator is putting out a lot of amps to charge a depleted battery, it gets very hot. It needs the airflow of a moving vehicle to help dissipate the heat.

 

[frater secessus]

Since we have no Thanks button yet, I will echo Trebor's recommendation of Cole Hersee hardware and B's warning not to idle to charge the batts.

For my own specific scenario I picked a smart (voltage sensing) Battery Doctor isolator.  It costs more and is likely overkill for most vanfolk.    Regardless of the type, install isn't difficult but first-timers often collect the parts and bring them to a meetup so others can help/demo.  Bob has a video somewhere on installing one.

 

[RVTravel]

Bob's video on continuous duty solenoid installation.