Solar maintainer: Hi guys Need some help with solar power. Does anyone use a solar panel charger As a maintainer on their auto battery? If so what kind and does it do the job? Thinking...

Jplovich Loc: Gillespie Illinois near St. Louis MO.

Hi guys
Need some help with solar power.

Does anyone use a solar panel charger
As a maintainer on their auto battery? If so what kind and does it do the job?

Thinking of using one but don’t know anyone
Who has one. Your info appreciated as usual.

charlykilo Loc: Garden Valley Ca

I do. Harbor freight. I use it for keeping the boat batteries up. It needs your attention . You need to pay attention to the battery condition.

E.pa.al Loc: Martin's Creek

I have one on my boat,if it does anything its minimal.....dont really notice a difference

Jeremy Loc: America

I am a Solar NERD...100%. I think you should get a 5 or 10 Watt or more if you want it to do much. I use an 80W 12V for keeping a big battery charged for my CPAP machine. The little red 20 dollar type will give you a little bit of power. Some vehicles have more than the panel provides parasitic drain. When you make more than an AMP it helps a lot.

fisher Loc: whitewater,colorado

Jplovich wrote:

Hi guys
Need some help with solar power.

Does anyone use a solar panel charger
As a maintainer on their auto battery? If so what kind and does it do the job?

Thinking of using one but don’t know anyone
Who has one. Your info appreciated as usual.

I know of several people who use solar panels to maintain RV,
boat,tractor,truck,etc batteries.They may not charge your battery but will keep a charged battery charged. A panel should not put out more than about 5 watts or it may over charge it and boil the battery dry if used for a long time. They will make your battery last longer as well.

Jeremy Loc: America

the problem with cheap types is they don't regulate voltage which is what will dry out your battery. Bigger wont hurt if properly regulated...just like your car or boat or rvs charging system does.

Mister twister Loc: Foxworth,Ms.

Trickle charger.

AZmark

Jplovich wrote:

Hi guys
Need some help with solar power.

Does anyone use a solar panel charger
As a maintainer on their auto battery? If so what kind and does it do the job?

Thinking of using one but don’t know anyone
Who has one. Your info appreciated as usual.

I do contract work operating and maintenance of a utility solar plant. It’s in a remote area with poor cell service and I’m usually by myself. I’ve had a to walk out a couple times due to bad alternator and dead battery.

I installed a additional deep cycle battery in my work truck with a solar charger to run a 1000w inverter to charge my battery tools and as a backup. It’s saved me a walk twice.

I use a BatteryMinder with a 20w panel. It also desulfates the battery which is caused by trickle charging but little use. I would but it again. Been thinking about putting one on my hunting vehicle.

Jplovich Loc: Gillespie Illinois near St. Louis MO.

Thanks everyone

fishingjim48 Loc: Wilton Ca

Dont underestimate solar power, I have my boat under a metal carport, drilled 4 holes in the roof corresponding to where my batteries are, I use 1.5 watt per battery all on timers to prevent over heating

chazman Loc: pontoon beach,il

I bought one on amazon for 40.00 dollars it came with controler so you don't over charge, use on trolling batt seems to work well

threeCs Loc: Allen Texas

I have been using a Harbor Freight solar panel for maintaining my battery for about 15 years. I have wired by boat to have two separate systems. One for starting motor and another for lights, radio and etc. The two batteries are not connected in any way other than through a split diode charge unit. The motor generator output is connected to a split diode charge unit. That keeps both batteries charged when motor is running. The solar panel output is only connected to the battery that provides power for the starter. If I can start the motor then the other battery will become charged. Have not had any problems with overcharging batteries.
Age will finally get them.

I don't remember which solar panel I purchased from Harbor Freight but I am guessing the cheapest one, 7 watts. Would check it but it is mounted on top of the marina roof and hard to get to.