solar panel via cigarette dash socket

[Graham Jones]

Hello...I have read posts regarding changing alligator clips to cigarette lighter sockets to run foldable solar panel.
I am looking at Lensun 100 watt foldable and would like to run it via dash 12volt sockets.
have you all had long term success with this, or do alligator clips direct to battery, give a substantial and noticeable improvement?
If not much difference, what is the best cigarette lighter plug to buy?
Thanks for your help.....

 

[True Romance]

Are you talking about charging a leisure battery or the vans main battery?

 

[Graham Jones]

Are you talking about charging a leisure battery or the vans main battery?

Leisure battery via top dash socket....but also have option to charge starter battery via lower dash socket ( not anticipating the need for that though)

 

[Loz]

I did this for a while before fitting a permanent controller.
I now have a link cable to join to 2 together should my starter battery get low.

 

[Pete C]

I assume the panel you have in mind has a controller of some sort.
Bear in mind that if you place the panel inside the van, then the window tinting reduces the power significantly.

Pete

 

[Graham Jones]

sorry , probably didn't explain properly.
yes I will have victron mppt 75/15 charge controller connected to lensun foldable 100watt panel, placed outside van, mostly on roof.
I just want to make everything simple by using top dash cigarette lighter socket for my factory fitted leisure battery . would only be used if staying somewhere off grid for over a few days. Just not sure whether cigarette lighter plug will be adequate.

 

[Loz]

sorry , probably didn't explain properly.
yes I will have victron mppt 75/15 charge controller connected to lensun foldable 100watt panel, placed outside van, mostly on roof.
I just want to make everything simple by using top dash cigarette lighter socket for my factory fitted leisure battery . would only be used if staying somewhere off grid for over a few days. Just not sure whether cigarette lighter plug will be adequate.

They are fused at 15amps so more than double your delivery.

 

[Graham Jones]

thanks for that....would I notice any efficiency loss between cigarette plug or alligator clips?

 

[Pete C]

The cigarette lighter plugs/sockets are notoriously poor for connectivity, so I would prefer croc clips or a more permanent connection.
Also cigarette lighters max out at about 10 Amps safely. I personally wouldn‘t risk more than about 8.

Pete

 

[Graham Jones]

thanks Pete.....panel only supplies 5.56A so should be ok.