Anyone used a solar charger?

[melchett]

Has anybody ever used on of these:

www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=98358

Im going away for a couple of weeks and cant use the Ro, I thought one of these may help to keep some life in the battery. Unfortunately, I have no power supply near the car and thought I could freeload off mother nature.

[V8HSV]

Might just discharge the battery too as I have found on other cars!

When used on my smart it powered the ignition circuit via the cigar lighter you see

[melchett]

V8HSV said:

Might just discharge the battery too as I have found on other cars!

When used on my smart it powered the ignition circuit via the cigar lighter you see

Hmmmmmm, couldnt I avoid that by using the crocodile clips and sticking them straight onto the battery?

[V8HSV]

melchett said:

V8HSV said:

Might just discharge the battery too as I have found on other cars!

When used on my smart it powered the ignition circuit via the cigar lighter you see

Hmmmmmm, couldnt I avoid that by using the crocodile clips and sticking them straight onto the battery?

Indeed, now why did I not think of that

[L2VXR]

I've got one of those, i use it when i know im not going to be using the car for a while just to keep the battery topped up.I connect it with the Croc clips under the bonnet but did have the intention of hard wiring to the battery with some sort of headphone type jackplug for easy connection without opening the bonnet.
Also i have had a couple of near misses reversing out the garage only to remember i forgot to disconnect it so thought a jack plug would disconnect before any damage could be done

[phrich]

Are you in the UK, I haven't seen enough sun in Kent to recharge a AAA battery

[Magic919]

The battery won't die in a 'couple of weeks'. I find it just turns over a bit slower and then bursts into life.

[stevemj]

I don't think there is much energy available. Absolute maximum is about 1350 watts per sq. m (well that the heat into a satellite from the sun).

Uk in November, under clouds its, err bu&&er all. So its unlikely to be worth the effort - if it was equitorial and limited cloud then it would be great.

Steve

[s55shh]

I've got two of them on my fire engine. It still goes flat but takes a bit longer!

[V2RAC]

Is that your daily driver?

[melchett]

V2RAC said:

Is that your daily driver?

Erm, yes and no. Its my only car, but I work from home so it doesnt get used every day. I thought this may help keep it charged as much as possible.

And, the sun is out today! I could be scrounging loads of free juice!

[EssexHSV]

I have used my solar charger on a few cars i have had over the years and it keeps the battary topped up when clipped straight onto the battary.
My Evo's battary used to go flat all the time when i wasnt using it.
They work well.