solar FLOAT battery charger

[wiseguy]

All,

I searched for a suitable thread on this topic, but found only discussions about trickle chargers. I'm looking for a reliable solar float charger for my 2nd vehicle, which gets little use (once a week or less). The battery has gone dead a few times and I'd like to avoid having to disconnect it and take it to the local parts house for charging/replacement. The vehicle is parked outside, so a solar panel is a must. Can anyone recommend a good one they are using?

FYI:
trickle = no controller, which could result in overcharging the battery and damaging it.
float = controller included, enabling round the clock use for any amount of days, weeks, months, etc., without the risk of overcharging.

 

[chjade84]

I'd be happy to point you in the right direction... although being from the US I'm surprised you didn't stumble upon these guys already. 'Battery Tender' is the only "battery maintenance" company I've ever even heard of!

http://batterytender.com/solar.html

I've just purchased the small 12V version (non-solar) for my motorcycle and not only does it charge the battery from dead (3V or higher) but it keeps it maintained and ready to go as long as it is plugged in. It comes with a weatherproof connector that stays attached to the battery so it's simply unplug and ride - get home and plug it back in. Best $40 I've spent in a long while. (Solar chargers are more though)

 

[wiseguy]

Thanks. I hadn't heard of them, as I just started researching this topic yesterday. The manual for my SUV says "5 amp max charging rate," so that's what I'm looking for, I suppose. I'd really like the testimonial of someone who owns a solar float charger before I invest in one, as there are many choices at many different price levels out there.

 

[chjade84]

Their most powerful solar charger is around 850mA which is actually a lot more powerful than I thought it would be. Of course that's only when the sun is going full blast lol.

You won't find a 5 A solar charger unless you build multiple panels into an array. Solar just isn't efficient enough which is why we aren't all running on solar power.

Plus if their website is to be believed they are the ONLY solar float chargers out there. Battery Tender makes a quality product and are the biggest name in battery maintenance. Many people on my motorcycle forum own them and I have yet to hear a complaint. Of course all of those are plug in type.

 

[ZeeFore]

I think a solar charger will be pretty iffy, as in it won't deliver enough current for stable charging at all times (unless you live in Arizona maybe ... or build a mini solar farm or something). If you have an electrical outlet handy I'd guess a plug-in type would be a wiser investment.

Battery Tender has been mentioned. I use an Accumate float charger which seems to do a nice job, and they also have North American representation. I've had it on my Z4 for close to 2 months now (crap winter ... lots of snow) and the battery is good to go. Fortunately the weather is improving, finally, so it's time for some driving!