Solar Trickle Charger

Got any hints or tips? Share them here.
Forum rules
By using this site, you agree to our rules. Please see: Terms of Use
Post Reply
Trickydicky
Minor Legend
Posts: 1565
Joined: Fri Aug 05, 2011 9:53 pm
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
MMOC Member: No

Solar Trickle Charger

Post by Trickydicky »

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!!!
Richard

Opinions are like people,everyone can be different.
bmcecosse
Minor Maniac
Posts: 46561
Joined: Wed Feb 16, 2005 11:24 pm
Location: ML9
MMOC Member: No

Re: Solar Trickle Charger

Post by bmcecosse »

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!
ImageImage
Image
welshrat
Minor Addict
Posts: 544
Joined: Sat Oct 23, 2010 9:03 pm
Location: Caerleon, Newport, South Wales
MMOC Member: No

Re: Solar Trickle Charger

Post by welshrat »

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.

jollyroger
Minor Fan
Posts: 126
Joined: Sun Apr 22, 2007 7:01 pm
Location: Coatbridge, Central Scotland
MMOC Member: No

Re: Solar Trickle Charger

Post by jollyroger »

[img][/img]
bmcecosse
Minor Maniac
Posts: 46561
Joined: Wed Feb 16, 2005 11:24 pm
Location: ML9
MMOC Member: No

Re: Solar Trickle Charger

Post by bmcecosse »

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....... :D
ImageImage
Image
irmscher
Minor Legend
Posts: 3773
Joined: Wed Jul 14, 2010 10:53 am
Location: South Manchester
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Solar Trickle Charger

Post by irmscher »

Brilliant things :)
rayofleamington
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 7679
Joined: Fri Nov 01, 2002 2:55 pm
Location: LEAMINGTON SPA
MMOC Member: No

Re: Solar Trickle Charger

Post by rayofleamington »

:(
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 :roll: 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 :(
Trickydicky
Minor Legend
Posts: 1565
Joined: Fri Aug 05, 2011 9:53 pm
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
MMOC Member: No

Re: Solar Trickle Charger

Post by Trickydicky »

Richard

Opinions are like people,everyone can be different.
rayofleamington
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 7679
Joined: Fri Nov 01, 2002 2:55 pm
Location: LEAMINGTON SPA
MMOC Member: No

Re: Solar Trickle Charger

Post by rayofleamington »

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.
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 :(
Post Reply