Solar Trickle Chargers

[lizziebythebeach]

Found a solar trickle charger on www.outdoorstuff.eu and wondered if anyone has info or experience?
Saw one on a Fiesta the other day and was told it was 'about £13.00 on the Internet' SO I checked. There are many but under £25.00 just two - they are SUPPOSED to trickle charge the motor home battery via a small solar panel attached to windscreen and terminals to battery/cig lighter (n ot sure how this works)
Useful I think in Winter when we dont use our little darlings so much and need to keep the battery in good heart. The say that you cannot overcharge the vehicle battery.

I am sure that there are lots of you out there who know more than I do about these things - I am learning daily! Help!! Should I invest in one do you think? Is it a gimmick? They do solar chargers for mobile phones, ipods, computers etc etc (phew what next!)

[yamaha]

Lizzie - the solar panel you found would , unfortunately, be worse than useless - it only puts out 1 watt.

There is this 4.8 watt panel on offer at Maplins - may be a branch near you - for £29.99 :-

www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?ITAG=SPEC&ModuleNo=115194&doy=11m2#spec

Even though this would do the job, it's the old story - more you spend, more you get!! A 10 watt panel would be better, but that size and above also need a charge controller box with them, to limit the charge - saves over-cooking the battery.

The one above will certainly help - but wouldn't do much during a dark winter's day.

As for charging via the cigarette lighter socket - yes, this will work - as long as the socket is live with the ignition off - you can put power into the battery, as well as remove it via this socket. No good, though, if it is only live with the ignition on - it could be easily rewired - or a seperate, dedicated, socket fitted, via a fuse, straight from the battery.

Mike

[lizziebythebeach]

Mike - many thanks for your reply. I did think it was too good to be true! I do have a Maplilns close by but thanks for the link as well. Probably won't go down that route - least not before I pass my auto electrical exams!!! Just as well I asked cos I am a sucker for 'gadgets'! Wonder if the guy who bought his has found this out?? When I can spend real money I will maybe try again. Thanks again . Lizzie