Solar panels connect to car for maintenance charge?

[Z_Dash]

Any bros here tried connecting small solar panels (18v) like 4W or so to trickle charge your battery especially if you seldom drives?

Do you connect the solar panel directly to battery with the wires to car still connected?

 

What voltage/wattage solar panel you you use?

 

When your car starts, will the alternator power kill the solar panel if you leave it there?

[Watwheels]

 

I bought a 2.5W solar charger for fun to trickle charge when I park at my workplace since it's open space. I'm using the power socket situated at the back of my car. It's live whether I on or off the ignition so I do not have to connect to the battery direct. I just use the sucker cups and paste it on my car's rear windscreen (I'm driving a wagon type vehicle btw). Yes, the panel is placed within the car. It has a green led light to indicate there's power.

 

I think it works. There's a bigger 5W capacity kit I think that may be better. You may get someone to hardwire the charging cable (with a power socket) direct from the battery to your dashboard so that you can mount it on your front windscreen. Remeber to add a fuse or you may use one of the accessories cable for the connection. Note: the connection has to be live even after you have off the ignition in order to charge the battery.

 

Best is to disconnect when you switch on the ignition as your charger will become redundant when the alternator kicks in. You do not want to damage your solar panel. From the reviews it's also advisable to disconnect totally at night as it will draw some power to the led light.

 

 

[Yeobh]

These info may be of help to you.