check out the new remote control Jockey Wheel SmartBar rearview170 Beam Communications SatPhone Shop Topargee products Enginesaver Low Water Alarms
Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
Click here for the Grey Nomads website -> The Grey Nomads Forum -> Solar Power -> 5W Solar Panel direct to vechicle battery?
Post Info TOPIC: 5W Solar Panel direct to vechicle battery?
rockylizard


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 9575
Date:
5W Solar Panel direct to vechicle battery?
Permalink  

Gday...

Can I safely connect a 5W solar panel without a regulator directly to my car battery permanently without causing any issues whatsoever?

Or what are the problems I'm going to encounter?

cheers - John



__________________

2006 Discovery 3 TDV6 SE Auto - 2008 23ft Golden Eagle Hunter
Some people feel the rain - the others just get wet - Bob Dylan
Aus-Kiwi


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 7642
Date:
Permalink  

I have left car ( WRX Subaru ) at airport with solar on dash for 6 weeks while overseas . Had no issues . The alarm flattens battery if left without charge more than 14 days ., I use it on motorhome now on motor batteries when free camping more than overnight .

__________________
Whats out there
Delta18


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 2266
Date:
Permalink  

I leave a 5w connected to my boat battery, panel on the roof.  Even after months away the battery is full on return.



__________________

Neil & Lynne

Pinjarra 

Western Australia


MY23.5 Ford Wildtrak V6 Dual Cab / 21' Silverline 21-65.3

' 1260w Solar: 400ah Lithium Battery: 2000w Projecta IP2000 Inverter

Diesel Heater: SOG Toilet Kit: 2.5kw Fujitsu Split System A/c

 

 
oldtrack123


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1743
Date:
Permalink  


HI John
Completely OK to leave connected
It does not have sufficient output to overcharge a normal car or van battery.

__________________
macka17


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 3066
Date:
Permalink  

It's a good idea to solder a one way diode in there to cover any leak back.
If it hasn't already got one.

__________________
jules47


The Happy Helper

Status: Offline
Posts: 12023
Date:
Permalink  

We had a 10w panel put on top of the hump on the motorhome, to keep the battery charged, when parked up for a while - works well.

__________________

jules
"Love is good for the human being!!"
(Ben, aged 10)
macka17


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 3066
Date:
Permalink  

Price of panels nowadays.
Just buy a 20\40w and stick a 5a reg in line.
That'll cover the trickle and if anything else starts draining.
You have more chance of it NOT draining the battery.
40w = 2.2a.

__________________
Page 1 of 1  sorted by
 
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.
Click here for the Grey Nomads website -> The Grey Nomads Forum -> Solar Power -> 5W Solar Panel direct to vechicle battery?
Tweet this page Post to Digg Post to Del.icio.us
Purchase Grey Nomad bumper stickers Read our daily column, the Nomad News The Grey Nomad's Guidebook