After reading the odd posts with Roy recommending using a Solar Charger I bought one of these, http://www.maplin.co.uk/solar-powered-1 ... rger-98358
I have mine in the garage window which faces south, looking at the indicator on the front it is merrily charging away. For those who dont use there cars much during the winter, for the price you cant go wrong!!!
Solar Trickle Charger
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- Minor Legend
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Solar Trickle Charger
Richard
Opinions are like people,everyone can be different.
Opinions are like people,everyone can be different.
Re: Solar Trickle Charger
Yes - one of mine is like that - the other is slightly larger. Works a charm - mine are mounted so they are shielded from the strong/damaging summer sun by roof overhang - but get full winter sun. In summer they charge up battery packs for my railway lamps!
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- Minor Addict
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Re: Solar Trickle Charger
I bought two in the half price sale, one on the moggy, the other on the sit on mower. Replacing batteries is not cheap these days.
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- Minor Fan
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Re: Solar Trickle Charger
Some others on special offer at Maplins
http://www.maplin.co.uk/solar-powered-1 ... ger-223251
http://www.maplin.co.uk/12v-4w-solar-briefcase-348061
Rog
http://www.maplin.co.uk/solar-powered-1 ... ger-223251
http://www.maplin.co.uk/12v-4w-solar-briefcase-348061
Rog
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Re: Solar Trickle Charger
The first one is the larger of the two I have - works well, and at that price I may just treat myself to another one.......
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- Minor Legend
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Re: Solar Trickle Charger
Brilliant things
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- Moderator
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Re: Solar Trickle Charger
I bought a bunch of them years ago at a whopping £10 ea.. I was wondering about waiting until prices came down a bit more I'm glad I didn't.
For that price I'd look for second hand also - 2 yrs ago I picked up a 15w briefcase panel for under a tenner. That one is good in winter and can be used not just for battery maintenance, but to top up of leisure batteries in summer. At 15w it will however overcharge if it's left unchecked!
Ray. MMOC#47368. Forum moderator.
Jan 06: The Minor SII Africa adventure: http://www.minor-detour.com
Oct 06: back from Dresden with my Trabant 601 Kombi
Jan 07: back from a month thru North Africa (via Timbuktu) in a S3 Landy
June 07 - back from Zwickau Trabi Treffen
Aug 07 & Aug 08 - back from the Lands End to Orkney in 71 pickup
Sept 2010 - finally gave up breaking down in a SII Landy...
where to break down next?
2013... managed to seize my 1275 just by driving it round the block
Jan 06: The Minor SII Africa adventure: http://www.minor-detour.com
Oct 06: back from Dresden with my Trabant 601 Kombi
Jan 07: back from a month thru North Africa (via Timbuktu) in a S3 Landy
June 07 - back from Zwickau Trabi Treffen
Aug 07 & Aug 08 - back from the Lands End to Orkney in 71 pickup
Sept 2010 - finally gave up breaking down in a SII Landy...
where to break down next?
2013... managed to seize my 1275 just by driving it round the block
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- Minor Legend
- Posts: 1565
- Joined: Fri Aug 05, 2011 9:53 pm
- Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
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Re: Solar Trickle Charger
Back on offer, get yours while there cheap!!!!
http://www.maplin.co.uk/solar-powered-1 ... rger-98358
http://www.maplin.co.uk/solar-powered-1 ... ger-223251
http://www.maplin.co.uk/solar-powered-1 ... rger-98358
http://www.maplin.co.uk/solar-powered-1 ... ger-223251
Richard
Opinions are like people,everyone can be different.
Opinions are like people,everyone can be different.
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- Moderator
- Posts: 7679
- Joined: Fri Nov 01, 2002 2:55 pm
- Location: LEAMINGTON SPA
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Re: Solar Trickle Charger
For anyone interested - the 1.5w unit is fine to stop battery self discharge.
I've used on a number of vehicles including larger batteries for big diesel engines, an never had a problem (except for corroded connectors after some years).
If you want to replenish a battery (e.g. occasional use of a leisure battery), then a bigger solar panel is better. However as soon as you get to ~5w or more you need to start thinking of battery protection. Something like a 15W solar panel will easily overcharge and ruin a 12v battery if used long term without a voltage limiting device.
I've used on a number of vehicles including larger batteries for big diesel engines, an never had a problem (except for corroded connectors after some years).
If you want to replenish a battery (e.g. occasional use of a leisure battery), then a bigger solar panel is better. However as soon as you get to ~5w or more you need to start thinking of battery protection. Something like a 15W solar panel will easily overcharge and ruin a 12v battery if used long term without a voltage limiting device.
Ray. MMOC#47368. Forum moderator.
Jan 06: The Minor SII Africa adventure: http://www.minor-detour.com
Oct 06: back from Dresden with my Trabant 601 Kombi
Jan 07: back from a month thru North Africa (via Timbuktu) in a S3 Landy
June 07 - back from Zwickau Trabi Treffen
Aug 07 & Aug 08 - back from the Lands End to Orkney in 71 pickup
Sept 2010 - finally gave up breaking down in a SII Landy...
where to break down next?
2013... managed to seize my 1275 just by driving it round the block
Jan 06: The Minor SII Africa adventure: http://www.minor-detour.com
Oct 06: back from Dresden with my Trabant 601 Kombi
Jan 07: back from a month thru North Africa (via Timbuktu) in a S3 Landy
June 07 - back from Zwickau Trabi Treffen
Aug 07 & Aug 08 - back from the Lands End to Orkney in 71 pickup
Sept 2010 - finally gave up breaking down in a SII Landy...
where to break down next?
2013... managed to seize my 1275 just by driving it round the block