solar power for cab battery (1 Viewer)

shakeytits

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hi all, just a quick one , whist in storage { outside } the vehicle battery tends to drain after a period of time , like most cars I suppose, al im after is a portable solar panel to keep it topped up so it starts when I come to use it, anyone recommend one please , and what size would I need, my vehicle is a 2009 autotrail 700se 3.ol , thanks
 

wivvy's dad

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I have one of these for sale.... Broken Link Removed
It's yours for £30.
It worked very well for me, spreads out across the dashboard.
PM me if you want it.
I'm in Manchester.
 
Oct 1, 2013
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I have one of these for sale.... Broken Link Removed
It's yours for £30.
It worked very well for me, spreads out across the dashboard.
PM me if you want it.
I'm in Manchester.
So if that is 13 watts does that mean it will fill a 90w leisure battery in 7 hours?

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cmcardle75

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hi all, just a quick one , whist in storage { outside } the vehicle battery tends to drain after a period of time , like most cars I suppose, al im after is a portable solar panel to keep it topped up so it starts when I come to use it, anyone recommend one please , and what size would I need, my vehicle is a 2009 autotrail 700se 3.ol , thanks

Don't go for more than about 15W, or you'll need a regulator to avoid over-charging. Alternatively, if you have proper solar for your hab battery, you can get a device that trickles the engine battery from the hab one. An even cheaper solution (which I sometimes use) is a simple fused lead with croc clips both ends that I merge the hab and engine batteries together so both get the solar. More typically, though, I isolate the engine battery. It easily lasts over winter with no drain on it.
 

cmcardle75

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So if that is 13 watts does that mean it will fill a 90w leisure battery in 7 hours?

Only in direct sunlight somewhat nearer the equator. Of course, a 90WHr battery is actually a 7.5AHr battery, which is a size more usual for battery backup in alarm systems. A 110AHr leisure battery (i.e. 1.32KWHr) would take about 100 hours of direct sunlight. In reality that would be about 3 weeks in a UK summer.
 

Wildman

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Over winter even an 80W solar panel only has about half an amp (if you are lucky) output because the sun is so low in the sky so around 6W effective power. It all depends what devices you have draining your battery, alarm and radio on standby will eat a fair bit. Other than that the amount of self discharge will depend on the age/condition of the battery. Never had a problem with mine. Regular checks to make sure your battery is not overcharging and gassing is a good idea whatever system you fit.

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Tessntim

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My sister just bought a fiatDucati granduca it has a solar panel on roof but she can't find the inside battery all lights ect work does any one know Whare it is looked bit can't see it would it mean the cab battery is running the 12v ? We baffled

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g8ysn

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gave mine 2 my brother 2 keep his vehicle charged whilst away in greece, going away present
 

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