Solar panel trickle charger

[hoyin]

I want to get a solar panel trickle charger for the winter to keep my batter topped up.

However I would like one that is waterproof so I can stick it on my garage roof.

Done some googling, but found nothing.

Anyone know if they are available?

Thanks

[F.C.]

Maplin do several but you would have to put it into a waterproof housing of some sort,(clear fronted Gewiss IP44 switch box would do) I dont think they stock any true external panels.


Examples here, though I'd check the alarm power consumption first as you'll need a fair bit more wattage capacity (to allow for dull days etc,)

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Gewiss-GW44429-IP56-Plastic-...


http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=22325...

F.C.

Edited by F.C. on Thursday 17th December 23:54

[Jim O.]

In the States, I've found stuff like this at marine supply stores...

[snuffy]

hoyin said:

However I would like one that is waterproof so I can stick it on my garage roof.

What you really need is a rain powered one as opposed to solar power one then. Now, that would be clever !!

[Adrian W]

I tried the Maplin one......forget it, it was rubbish





maybe I should have tried it in daylight no they are crap

Edited by Adrian W on Friday 18th December 09:02

[wessexrfc]

As above, I had mine for my TVR, it was a waste of money. The little blue light would indicate that it was producing charge, but it never worked. Buy a trickle charger, much better investment imho

[hoyin]

Unfortunately I don't have mains power to my garage. I rent it so there is chance of getting a feed installed.

I have heard I actually want a battery maintainer and not a trickle charger. As charging the battery continously when it is full is detrimental to its life span?

So I take it no one has ever got one that is totally waterproof, not splashproof and is a battery maintainer?

If not should I disconnect my battery during the winter then??

Do I just undo both the positive and negative leads?

Thanks

[joust]

You need a 25W+ panel AND a proper regulator.

Best bet is to go to a caravan or boat store to be honest, but expect upwards of £250 for something decent that will actually maintain a charge...

Something like this will probably do the trick.
http://www.selectsolar.co.uk/pics/30W%20Solar%20ki...

J

[wessexrfc]

The solar charger I brought was the mobile home/boat application. I also didn't have power, just a car cover. These panels are designed to sit in the front window and charge the battery. With the car cover, this was not possible so I tried to water proof the unit and kept it outside but still connected to the battery, it never worked. What I did with the TVR was to fit a kill switch on the live feed from the battery, very easy and inexpensive.

The tickle charger came with the car, its not on 24-7 just for a few hrs every week or just before I need to use it. If it was me and your garage is locked, would be to fit a kill switch and buy a cheap jump pack, just in case. hth

[ThatPhilBrettGuy]

joust said:

You need a 25W+ panel AND a proper regulator.

Best bet is to go to a caravan or boat store to be honest, but expect upwards of £250 for something decent that will actually maintain a charge...

Something like this will probably do the trick.
http://www.selectsolar.co.uk/pics/30W%20Solar%20ki...

J

For once it looks like Maplin are even better value. http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=22325...

60W for £199 is a bit of a bargain.

[joust]

That's pretty good value.

J

[wessexrfc]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DRAPER-40133-CAR-JUMP-START-...
Plus kill switch £100 all in and you can take it with you with no installation!!

[hoyin]

Anyone fitted a kill switch? Where do I put it, and what part do I need?

Thanks

[F.C.]

hoyin said:

Anyone fitted a kill switch? Where do I put it, and what part do I need?

Thanks

Fitting a kill switch on the battery +v line is all well and good to save the current drain from the alarm etc, but what about other equipment?
Doesn't removing the power supply re-set the ECU's adaptive fuelling?
I'd get the hump just having to re-set my radio stations on the stereo LOL.