landyboots · Jun 4, 2015

Hi all. Just a quick question. I am Parking the P38 2.5 up for a while and don't want to allow the BECM to kill the battery so, I would like to use one of those solar trickle chargers to keep it topped up. Have any of your good selves used one of these for this purpose. There seems to be lots of options on the bay, anything from 2W to 10W and bigger. They all seem to have an 18V output. Would this be too high for the BECM and have the potential to cause damage?......

Thanks all.

tomcat59alan · Jun 4, 2015

landyboots said:
Hi all. Just a quick question. I am Parking the P38 2.5 up for a while and don't want to allow the BECM to kill the battery so, I would like to use one of those solar trickle chargers to keep it topped up. Have any of your good selves used one of these for this purpose. There seems to be lots of options on the bay, anything from 2W to 10W and bigger. They all seem to have an 18V output. Would this be too high for the BECM and have the potential to cause damage?......

Thanks all.

Been lots of discussion on here re.this subject, you could do a search or wait till Datatec comes on . He uses one and he will advise you. I use a small one on my car in the Cannaries and it works fine but I disconnect the battery when I'm away. In England I use a maintenance charger (£12.99 Aldi) and that does the job.

Datatek · Jun 4, 2015

landyboots said:
Hi all. Just a quick question. I am Parking the P38 2.5 up for a while and don't want to allow the BECM to kill the battery so, I would like to use one of those solar trickle chargers to keep it topped up. Have any of your good selves used one of these for this purpose. There seems to be lots of options on the bay, anything from 2W to 10W and bigger. They all seem to have an 18V output. Would this be too high for the BECM and have the potential to cause damage?......

Thanks all.

Minimum worthwhile is 12 watts, I use several 20 watt panels to keep my various vehicles batteries charged. remember, you will only get full power in bright sunlight, a rarity in the UK

I also use a cheap charge controller. I can give you links is you wish.
Eighteen volts is normal off load, that will drop to between 12 & 16 volts on load depending on the sun, panel size and battery state

landyboots · Jun 4, 2015

Datatek said:
Minimum worthwhile is 12 watts, I use several 20 watt panels to keep my various vehicles batteries charged. remember, you will only get full power in bright sunlight, a rarity in the UK I also use a cheap charge controller. I can give you links is you wish.
Eighteen volts is normal off load, that will drop to between 12 & 16 volts on load depending on the sun, panel size and battery state

Thanks guys....Yes please Datatek. Those links would be useful

Datatek · Jun 4, 2015

This is what I use, just about to order 2 more

hot Solar Charge Controller Panel Battery Regulator Safe 10A 12V/24V UK STOCK | eBay
NEW 20W 12v Energy+ Solar Battery Charger - Polycrystalline - 20 watt TUV ISO UK | eBay

james6546 · Jun 4, 2015

Datatek said:
This is what I use, just about to order 2 more

hot Solar Charge Controller Panel Battery Regulator Safe 10A 12V/24V UK STOCK | eBay
NEW 20W 12v Energy+ Solar Battery Charger - Polycrystalline - 20 watt TUV ISO UK | eBay

To steal someone elses thread...would it be worthwhile for me to get a higher wattage solar panel to charge stuff whilst I am on expeditions? Such as keeping the fridge running, charging things etc..

I guess once we stop in the afternoon/evening most of the suns power will be gone?

tarphenry · Jun 4, 2015

I have a 125 watt panel permanently fixed to the roof and 2 aux batteries fixed in the rear area. also a 1000watt sine wave inverter . these are used to keep the vehicle battery charged and power available for caravanning.

Datatek · Jun 4, 2015

james6546 said:
To steal someone elses thread...would it be worthwhile for me to get a higher wattage solar panel to charge stuff whilst I am on expeditions? Such as keeping the fridge running, charging things etc..

I guess once we stop in the afternoon/evening most of the suns power will be gone?

Yes, it may be. The same guy does lots of different wattages, they are good quality, I have not found any others as good for the price.
Depending on your vehicle, you could mount one on the rear parcel shelf for topping up the battery but it would need to be out in the open at 45 degrees and pointing at the sun for maximum output.
The maximum size of panel will to some extent depend on the size of the battery you are charging.
My portable fridge is gas/electric, I run gas at night.

SmileySteve · Jun 4, 2015

Recommend solar panels with a good regulator unit.
Fitted one to my motor home few years back and have it switch able from mai battery to leisure battery and works a treat.
This one is 80W and also means I can run a small DC-AC converter without draining batteries.
Looking at fitting a smaller one to the 110 too as keeps batteries in good condition if laid up.

james6546 · Jun 4, 2015

Thanks all. I have a 90, but reckon that if I move stuff around on the roof rack I might be able to permanently mount one on the front. I will start saving!

landyboots

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tomcat59alan

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Datatek

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landyboots

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Datatek

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james6546

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tarphenry

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Datatek

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SmileySteve

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james6546

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