Can I safely connect a 5W solar panel without a regulator directly to my car battery permanently without causing any issues whatsoever?
Or what are the problems I'm going to encounter?
cheers - John
Aus-Kiwi said
10:53 PM Jun 20, 2016
I have left car ( WRX Subaru ) at airport with solar on dash for 6 weeks while overseas . Had no issues . The alarm flattens battery if left without charge more than 14 days ., I use it on motorhome now on motor batteries when free camping more than overnight .
Delta18 said
11:49 AM Jun 21, 2016
I leave a 5w connected to my boat battery, panel on the roof. Even after months away the battery is full on return.
oldtrack123 said
08:15 PM Jun 22, 2016
HI John
Completely OK to leave connected
It does not have sufficient output to overcharge a normal car or van battery.
macka17 said
11:03 PM Jul 3, 2016
It's a good idea to solder a one way diode in there to cover any leak back.
If it hasn't already got one.
jules47 said
09:12 PM Jul 11, 2016
We had a 10w panel put on top of the hump on the motorhome, to keep the battery charged, when parked up for a while - works well.
macka17 said
07:03 PM Oct 29, 2016
Price of panels nowadays.
Just buy a 20\40w and stick a 5a reg in line.
That'll cover the trickle and if anything else starts draining.
You have more chance of it NOT draining the battery.
40w = 2.2a.
Gday...
Can I safely connect a 5W solar panel without a regulator directly to my car battery permanently without causing any issues whatsoever?
Or what are the problems I'm going to encounter?
cheers - John
I leave a 5w connected to my boat battery, panel on the roof. Even after months away the battery is full on return.
HI John
Completely OK to leave connected
It does not have sufficient output to overcharge a normal car or van battery.
If it hasn't already got one.
Just buy a 20\40w and stick a 5a reg in line.
That'll cover the trickle and if anything else starts draining.
You have more chance of it NOT draining the battery.
40w = 2.2a.