Solar Powered Battery Trickle Charger

[wildejon 7]

Here is an example: www.nigelsecostore.com/acatalog/solar-car-battery-charger.html

 

Does anyone have any experience with these? I have no power in the garage I keep my pug in and it would be handy to keep it topped up!

[mogsman 2]

I have one. Its not great with the cigar socket, better to cut it off and stick on some crocodile clips to connect to the battery. Maplins usually sell these for a tenner.

Ian

[wildejon 7]

Attaching it that way would be fine. Do you find that it does what it says on the tin?

 

Thank

[GLPoomobile 958]

I posted a topic on this about 6 months ago as my car is kept on the street and not used often. The resounding forum answer was that they are crap and a waste of time. I didn't believe that but didn't want to waste my money so never bought one.

 

Would be interesting to hear if anyone has used one to good effect (Mogsman?)

[Ryan 99]

A 1-Watt charger wouldn't even replace the power drained by an alarm (if you have one). 10W would be a batter starting point, and 15 or 20W better in the long term - not so cheap though.

[wildejon 7]

That is a fair point!

Shame, I was after something like this so I could keep it topped up without removing the battery and bringing it home (its in a garage a couple of miles away...)

[richard 0]

i have one.....

 

dont bother.

 

you'll need a 5w minimum really, assuming you dont have a radio/or cat1 alarm.

 

You might just get away with a 5w if you have a cat2 and nothing else. otherwise its 10w.

 

my ones going onto the shed to power a lead acid battery for a light. About all its good for really.

[mogsman 2]

Mines used for my bike which does keep the volts up, might not be up to the task for a car battery though.

It does produce around 14 volts with the cable shortened to a minimum.

Ian