Solor Panel To Charge Accessories

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D45

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I have a 3 hole, 12V accessories strip in the bed of my truck


[ame="http://s106.photobucket.com/user/D45_2006/media/005-27.jpg.html"]005-27.jpg Photo by D45_2006 | Photobucket[/ame]


[ame="http://s106.photobucket.com/user/D45_2006/media/012-11.jpg.html"]012-11.jpg Photo by D45_2006 | Photobucket[/ame]


However, I do not like to keep things plugged in all the time, so the truck's batteries do not drain

I was thinking about mounting a small solar panel on top of the cap, and keeping it plugged in , directly to my rechargeable Maglite

1.5 Watt Solar Battery Charger


Good or bad idea?
 
The Maglite uses a 6V battery.......even if I find a solar panel that is 1-2 watt capacity, it might take longer to charge, but it will be charged all the time and won't be an additional pull or load


A few panels I am looking at:

Weatherproof 1 5Watt 12volt Solar Panel 12V Battery Charger Maintainer w Plugs | eBay


1 5 Watt 12 Volt Solar Panel Weatherproof Battery Charger Maintainer w Clamps | eBay


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Waterproof-...30691?pt=Battery_Chargers&hash=item2c61ada403


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brand-New-W...639?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35c2b85797


I could just cut off the connectors and wire it into the Maglite charger with a quick disconnect plug
 
All I know is you need to also buy a charge controller. A solar panel by itself can provide a lot more voltage than it is rated for. Once you treat a solar panel like an alternator and install a voltage regulator it then becomes an acceptable voltage source.
 
Thanks for the info.......I will look into the controllers
 
I have a 5 watt solar charger for my speed boat lift, came with the controller and a battery charge indicator for 289.00 on Amazon and it works awesome. Look at the marine end there are plenty of choices.
 
D45 said:
I have a 3 hole, 12V accessories strip in the bed of my truck


005-27.jpg Photo by D45_2006 | Photobucket


012-11.jpg Photo by D45_2006 | Photobucket


However, I do not like to keep things plugged in all the time, so the truck's batteries do not drain

I was thinking about mounting a small solar panel on top of the cap, and keeping it plugged in , directly to my rechargeable Maglite

1.5 Watt Solar Battery Charger


Good or bad idea?
Click to expand...

It sounds like good idea.. Have you installed solar panels? I will try implement similar idea so please share your experience
 
StewartPierce said:
I have a 3 hole, 12V accessories strip in the bed of my truck


005-27.jpg Photo by D45_2006 | Photobucket


012-11.jpg Photo by D45_2006 | Photobucket


However, I do not like to keep things plugged in all the time, so the truck's batteries do not drain

I was thinking about mounting solar panels on top of the cap, and keeping it plugged in , directly to my rechargeable Maglite

1.5 Watt Solar Battery Charger


Good or bad idea?

It sounds like good idea.. Have you installed solar panels? I will try implement similar idea so please share your experience
Click to expand...
Still waiting for your reply
 
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