Electrics: Solar chargers. Any good?

[ex Triumph Man]

Will have to leave the XC90 at the airport for circa 6 weeks this spring. Did the same last autumn and had to get a jump start. Car was new Oct 2010 and has now only got 18k miles on the clock.

My question is, has anyone invested in a solar powered trickle charger that plugs in to the 12v socket in the boot? Do they do the job, especially the higher rated ones?

I know not to use the one on the console as it goes through a timer.

Any replies much appreciated

Thanks in advance.

[jtaw45]

Originally Posted by ex Triumph Man

Will have to leave the XC90 at the airport for circa 6 weeks this spring. Did the same last autumn and had to get a jump start. Car was new Oct 2010 and has now only got 18k miles on the clock.

My question is, has anyone invested in a solar powered trickle charger that plugs in to the 12v socket in the boot? Do they do the job, especially the higher rated ones?

I know not to use the one on the console as it goes through a timer.

Any replies much appreciated

Thanks in advance.

I've never used one of the 15watt ones but do have some experience with larger panels. I would imaging the samller ones would work providing it's placed south facing.

[ex Triumph Man]

I will have to be careful where I place it as my car has the darkened rear windows because of the headrest mounted dvd screens.

[gary austin]

hi a chap at my work uses one and it works fine ,it has a cable long enough to sit on the dash dont know if it will work through the tinted glass cheers gary

[Clan]

Originally Posted by ex Triumph Man

Will have to leave the XC90 at the airport for circa 6 weeks this spring. Did the same last autumn and had to get a jump start. Car was new Oct 2010 and has now only got 18k miles on the clock.

My question is, has anyone invested in a solar powered trickle charger that plugs in to the 12v socket in the boot? Do they do the job, especially the higher rated ones?

I know not to use the one on the console as it goes through a timer.

Any replies much appreciated

Thanks in advance.

The battery should be fine for over 3 months left standing if the battery is good and fully charged ... i would get your dealer to check the battery , it's state of charge and state of health they have a special computer battery tester for this . If the state of charge is low , fully charge it just before your last journey ...
In my experience of solar panels you would need one about 2 ft x 3ft to do the job ... oh and sunshine !

[Cannondale]

I have used bigger solar panels on my motorhome and they do work very well in the summer but so good in the winter.

But if you just want to overcome battery drainage I am sure one will be fine. The biggest you can get would always be best as the rated output will only be available in optimum conditions and only when the sun is over head. Take care to position it to get the best of the sun and it will at worst help the battery.


Richard...

[mrooke]

I used one from Maplins and sat it on the front seat with it folded open at 90 degrees. Good that you are aware, it needs to be plugged in the socket in the luggage area. The supplied cable is long enough to reach that socket.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/13w-solar-briefcase-99760

Provided your battery is in good condition when you park and you only have normal drains, this will easily keep it topped up to allow you to start it on your return.

[ex Triumph Man]

Thanks all for your replies. Have just ordered on through Amazon (no wonder high street stores are going to the wall)

It has an 8.5 watt output. Will plug it in as soon as it arrives as the car's battery was a bit sluggish yesterday.

Car should be OK to leave as nearest airport about 90-120 mins away

Again, many thanks

[400-ascona]

I used to use them on my boat and they worked fine. It had two massive batteries and I could leave it without worrying about the batteries not starting the engine when I wanted to use it.

You may have to connect direct to the battery. 12v power sockets often don't stay live with the ignition off.

Rob

[ex Triumph Man]

Thanks for the tip. That way I would bypass any complex circuitry in the vehicle.

Ordered solar unit yesterday on Amazon and should be here by end next week. Will connect it up and post findings.

Thanks again to all who replied.