Starter Battery Solar Trickle Chargers - Waste of Money?

[Mickyfin]

I know I know, probably know the answer to my own question, but things in technology have changed since the early days of these solar trickle chargers. My late Grandfather had one, and I knew back then it wasn't doing anything, but he loved his gadgets.

So, are today's Car Battery solar trickle chargers any good?

The reason I ask is that Im about to buy a brand new 72ah Varta battery (€110 delivered/Local equilivant is €143) with the correct dimensions to fit under my passenger seat, and happy with the CCA which is 680, but before I fit it I would like to know if its worth getting one of these trickle solar chargers to maintain it's lifespan. Reason being, temps are hitting -20 -35 in the coming months here, and I know the cold does not help a battery.

We don't use our Syncro every day, and the longest it stands is two to three days, and during those days, although freezing temperatures, we do get quite sunny days.

Here is an example of what Im talking about re Solar charger...

4W

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4-Watt-12v-Vo ... 1e6500faa1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Or..

10W

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/230704026366? ... 3D1&_rdc=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[twiggy]

I use a version of the cheaper one you have highlighted on another vehicle that sometimes is not used for weeks and it works OK.

It has a alarm to deal with and it never fails to turn over and start.

not sure how well it would do on the T25 though.


ian

[Mickyfin]

Cheers Ian, I have found a 7W one which has great reviews..

http://www.amazon.co.uk/product-reviews/B005BDRO5A" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[twiggy]

Just make sure it is stored safely they are quite fragile.

The 4w version fits in the glove box when not in use.

You could mount the larger one on the roof permanently????

Ian

[Mickyfin]

Fitting on the roof would be no good due to the amount of snow we get. Plan would be in the front windscreen, as its easier to clear the snow each day.

[thechief]

I found that mounting it inside the bus did pretty much no help whatsoever.

To get any kind of decent charge out of it I needed to secure it to the roof rack...

[jamesc76]

get the biggest wattage you can, then as long as the battery is fully charge it will keep it fully charged. A lot of these small ones are fine for that but no good for actually charging a part discharged battery

[Mickyfin]

Cheers for your input guys, much appreciated

[BOXY]

Try to make sure its facing South' ish, and if you want to really get the max output, at the right angle.

http://solarelectricityhandbook.com/sol ... lator.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[shaka1976]

I had one in my Splitscreen and was probably the best investment I made. Especially when I didn't use the van for weeks at a time. I kept having problems with the battery, after fitting it it started everytime and it felt as though it drove better. I assume its because the alternater didn't need to charge the battery. I had the one in the link below but only paid 15 quid for it.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/solar-powered-1 ... ger-223251

[California Dreamin]

I'm a great believer in these panels as a battery 'conditioner' just enough to keep some activity going chemically.
I would say...check for excess discharge..as described earlier and the 4watt should be enough for protecting the battery from going flat and sulphating.
Just remember never to leave your battery partially discharged (below 70%)

Martin

[Mickyfin]

Thanks once again peeps, much appreciated, I will probably go for either the 7w one, or a 10w one that I have found. With the price of the new battery being quite expensive, i would rather try at least to preserve its life as long as possible.

@Shaka1976 - Good point you made there about your alt, my engine has been kind of struggling at low revs, and stalling, and can assume that its because my battery was not only the wrong lower ah, but also worse for wear.