Low cost/free solar trickle chargers

JonnyBoats · Post by **JonnyBoats** » Sun Dec 09, 2007 10:34 pm

See http://www.beneteau235.com/vw_solar_panel_f235.htm

Volkswagen was having issues a couple of years ago trying to keep electronics alive, while shipping cars around the world, so they ended up including a solar panel that plugs into a cigarette lighter to keep the batteries topped off.

I don't know what others have for power requirements, but I use my battery for instruments, and occasional inverter use with my laptop. None of which puts a big dent in its capacitance.

The panels were available from the VW dealer for the asking or you can get them on ebay for around $10-20 each

grampianman · Post by **grampianman** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 12:38 pm

I got one of these from a friend and it really does work well. I have the panel propped on a winch which give the panel a good tilt to the southwest which at this time of year is ideal for catching rays! My problem had come from directly wiring my stereo to the battery and just keeping the clock and memory settings seemed to be draining the battery in under two weeks! Now I leave the dock knowing I've got plenty of juice for lights, etc.

Cheers,
Ian
G-23, Wing & a Prayer

Hirilondë · Post by **Hirilondë** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 7:35 am

grampianman wrote: My problem had come from directly wiring my stereo to the battery and just keeping the clock and memory settings seemed to be draining the battery in under two weeks!

The presets and clock on my Bosch job site radio are kept by 2 AA batteries and they are now well over a year old and going strong. I would think you have something else draining your batteries if they go down that fast. Glad to hear your trickle charger keeps you topped off well, but I would look for another source for your battery drain.