Solar Trickle / Anderson Powerpole Solar Input
Add an Anderson SB50 quick-connect feeding a PWM or MPPT controller for portable folding solar panels. Keeps aux battery topped off during long camp stays.
The most straightforward overland solar setup: mount an SB50 Anderson connector on the rear bumper or quarter panel, wire it through 10 AWG to a Victron 75/15 MPPT controller, then to the aux battery. Use a Renogy or BougeRV 100-200W folding panel with SB50 pigtail.
MPPT vs PWM: MPPT extracts ~30% more energy from the panel especially in partial shade and at low SOC; cost difference is $30-100 vs PWM. For anything over 100W, MPPT pays for itself.
Key wiring: from panel input, through MPPT controller, to aux battery. Fuse both sides (15A on panel side, 30A on battery side for 100W system; size up for larger). The Redarc BCDC1225D has built-in MPPT solar input — no separate controller needed, you can wire panels directly into it.
XJ-specific: roof-mount fixed panels are possible but the XJ's 75 lb dynamic roof load limit means thin flexible panels (Renogy, SunPower) on a roof rack rather than glass framed panels on dedicated mounts. Many overlanders use folding portable panels stored in the cargo area, deployed at camp.
Why it works
- off-grid charging
- Anderson lets you stow panels
- Victron Bluetooth monitoring
Trade-offs
- 100W is slow to recharge from depleted
- shade kills output
Tools required
- crimper
- drill
- step bit
- multimeter
Parts
| Part | Vendor | Est. price |
|---|---|---|
| Victron SmartSolar MPPT 75/15 | Victron Energy | ~$120 |
| Renogy 100W Eclipse folding panel | Renogy | ~$200 |
| Anderson SB50 pigtail (10 AWG) | Powerwerx | ~$25 |
Sources
Related
- Dual Battery Setup - DC-DC Isolator (Blue Sea / Redarc)
- All Jeep Cherokee XJ guides & tools
- Browse the full DIY database
Written and maintained by an AZ wheeler and driveway wrencher. How we source guides. Always cross-reference your factory service manual — modifications affect vehicle safety and warranty. Work at your own risk.