How to Charge Battery for Fridge Using Alternator and Solar Power

Question:

Good morning I have a van with a refrigerator in it and the refrigerator is powered by a battery that is solar charged. When the van is running I want it to charge the refrigerator battery. But it needs to turn off if the solar battery voltage gets low. I am severely limited on space. What do I need? Im having no success on my own.

asked by: Greg S

Expert Reply:

Hey Greg, thanks for reaching out to us! Hopefully I can help you get all of this figured out so you can seamlessly keep your refrigerator battery charged up.

It sounds like you're needing the Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Trailer Battery Charger # RED36TR which pulls power from your vehicle alternator to charge a separate power bank, but can also have a solar panel connected into it as well. During normal operation this system prioritizes the solar panel power, but then pulls the rest of the power needed to charge your battery bank from the alternator.

You'll need the Fuses # RED76FR and # RED86FR along with some wiring to get all of this installed.

expert reply by: Jon G

Greg S.

9/24/2024

Good morning Jon The battery that needs to be kept charged is in my tow vehicle. I have a refrigerator in it that needs to run 24/7. Any other thoughts.

Jon G.

9/24/2024

@GregS The Redarc can be used in a vehicle. It's normally used for a trailer battery, but as long as that second battery isn't tied into your vehicle (like tied to the start battery) then this will work in the same manner.

Greg S.

9/25/2024

Jon I just need to double check. The van has a 100ah battery and a 100 watt panel that goes to a Renogy Rover charge controller.

Jon G.

9/25/2024

@GregS It will work, but you'll have to ditch the charge controller and connect the solar panel directly to the Redarc as that will act as the controller at this point.

Greg S.

9/25/2024

@JonG thank you