Solar powered battery chargers

MeMe · 29 March 2004, 14:39

with solar powered, battery trickle chargers. I've seen one for £20 and wonder if it's all smoke and mirrors (a waste of time) or are they worth having ?

simmons0 · 29 March 2004, 14:43

Worth it if the boat is kept on a mooring with an auto-bilge pump working. If not then its not really going to do much.

nik · 30 March 2004, 08:57

If your boat has extended periods without use, then I would say it is a good idea. Your battery will lose its charge over time, and having a trickle charge will help to keep it in good condition.
I dont know about one for £20 though. I paid £60 for a 5 watt 12v solar cell which gives about 0.4A. Check the specs, you may have a bargain.
Nick

Matt · 30 March 2004, 09:26

Have you measured the output yourself under typical conditions? How bright does it need to be to produce the 5w?
Thanks
Matt

nik · 30 March 2004, 09:49

Obviously it depends on the amount of light falling on it, but no I have not measured it. What I can tell you though, is that when working on my van (where the unit is fitted) and had the battery disconnected, the dangling battery terminal when brushing against the bodywork caused visible sparks. Not big ones, but visible.
I presume in the spec somewhere I am sure there is a line that states how much lux or lumens is needed to produce 5 watts.
Nick.