What size solar panel to maintain batteries?

[Soundguy]

ya gets what ya pays fer...


soundguy

 

[Loren49]

Cord,
I have found that a good compromise during winter (snow,sleet,etc) weather is to mount the panel vertical. The small reduction in output on warm sunny days if offset by the output you get the days after a few inches of snow which will stop all output until it melts. Even a small layer of ice will stop usable output. With the panel vertical the only time I have a problem is with wind driven sleet that coats the panel.
If you decide to go with a small panel and no voltage regulator it would be a good idea to check the acid level a couple times over the winter.

Good luck,
Loren