Solar, quick win?

[prog99]

Hi, still got a slowish battery drain and due to a change in circumstances it’s a bit trickier to have the trickle charger attached (between houses but at least in a ground floor flat)

I’ve read the various guides but couldn’t see a quick win plug and play solar solution that will at least slowdown or stop the battery from losing charge. It’s unlikely I’ll be using it much now Although it was useful to repurpose it as a panel van again.

so I think it would be a dashboard panel(100w?) into the 12v socket With a controller?

Ideally buyable online that an idiot can use!

thanks in advance. Mike

 

[Loz]

@Dellmassive lists some portable solutions in his topic on the subject

[Guide] Mobile Solar Panels ? . . . - How I Did It -

Mobile Solar Panels ? . . . - How I Did It - There is loads of background to this . . . . . but for now here is a vid for you all. =] Just remember W = V*A and as a general rule a good 100W panel will give you up to 6A charge with good sun. 25w = 1.5A 50W = 3A 100w = 6A 200w = 12A 300w = 18A...

www.t6forum.com

 

[prog99]

Thanks @Loz , it was a bit overwhelming but I’ll have a closer look!
realised I can hook up to the battery and have the cables accessible outside providing I remember to disconnect the panel overnight. It’s not a dodgy area but I’d rather not have nickable kit hanging around

 

[Loz]

Thanks @Loz , it was a bit overwhelming but I’ll have a closer look!
realised I can hook up to the battery and have the cables accessible outside providing I remember to disconnect the panel overnight. It’s not a dodgy area but I’d rather not have nickable kit hanging around

That's what I used to do before I permanently mounted the panel.

 

[Phil_G]

I have loads of random batteries and every few days I rotate them on a cheap 30W ebay panel (£18) with a £5 ebay controller.
This weather its under an amp but its free and enough to float them, if they actually do need charging I use a proper charger.

Something similar to this £27 jobbie on the dash will do for you, choose the 10A controller (ignore the 100w claim!):

100W Solar Panel kit 12V battery Charger 10A/20A/30A Controller Caravan Boat RV | eBay

Maximum power(Pmax) 100W. The solar panel is made of quality materials, due to its high-tech design. 1x Solar Panel. It's also suitable for people who work outdoors for long hours.

www.ebay.co.uk

There are many others but be aware that Chinese sellers invariably exaggerate, this one is actually about 25w.

 

[prog99]

Thanks for everyone’s inputs. I reread the solar thread a bit more carefully.
bought the lensun foldable 100w panel which arrived so quickly I had to get it redelivered so I was actually in to receive it! Great service.

its fairly obvious when I connected it this morning. Currently hooked up to the battery Propped up against a wall for maximum rays. I’m in the north of Scotland so not expecting miracles at this time of year.

I've a 12v cable I need to butcher when I have time so I can put it on the dash instead.

one question, the cheapy solar controller that’s included obviously is working but is it worth it in the long run to buy something branded? At the moment I’m just using it to keep the starter topped up but when we get back out it’ll maybe see more use on the leisure.