Solar Trickle Chargers are small, low-current solar panels used for maintaining storage batteries for your vehicle or boat. Why will you need to maintain them?

All batteries lose charge over a period of time because of self-discharge. By using a trickle-charger, you can replace those lost power. This helps to extend the lifespan of your batteries and ensures you have a smooth start every time you turn the ignition. There is no fear your vehicle or boat won’t move after storing away for a long time.

Since we only need a small current to maintain the batteries, solar panels will be the ideal candidate. As long as there is sunshine, you can be sure your batteries can be maintained in top condition.

But not all solar panels can be used for this purpose. You have to make sure the trickle is large enough for your battery size.

First, you’ll need to find out how big your batteries are. This information is usually written at the side of the battery. If no information is available, try looking up the model on the Internet. Most of the time you’ll find what you want.

If your battery is rated at 100Ah and you estimate that it’ll lose 30% of its power every month, you can work out the power loss per day. (This is about 1% every day.)

Next, find out the sun hours you receive at your location. With this figure, you can divide the energy loss per day by the sun hours per day to determine how much current your solar energy panels need to generate.

If you’re lost, solar trickle chargers will usually have specifications that show you what battery size its suitable for. Have fun!

Continue Reading:

1. Solar Energy Panels – What You Need To Know Before Purchasing
2. Solar Energy Panels For Big “Toys”
3. Sizing Your Solar Energy Panels – Part 2