Defective Solar Charger?

[K.K.]

I believe my solar charger (brand new) may be faulty. Having left it connected to the cigarette lighter socket for 7 days (receiving plenty of light on the dash board) - upon my return the battery was completely drained flat. Is it possible that the charger is draining the battery instead of charging it? How can I tell? Any ideas on how to stop a battery going flat, when there are no mains sockets available?

[chris watton]

I am a complete electrical/engineering numpty when it comes to stuff like this, but what I do know is that batteries for TVR last not long at all if left for more than a couple of days, and I think these solar powered contraptions are as much use as the proverbial chocolate fire guard when used for TVRs!
I would cut your losses and invest in a 'plug in' battery conditioner, I haven't had one problem with mine since

[parrot of doom]

Get a multimeter from Maplin, and measure the voltage across the output of the solar charger.

If there isn't one, its faulty.

[snorky]

solar car chargers are pants....