Solar panels and battery charging...
Discussion
Posting here as my other thread does not seem to have had much response.
I have a BMW M4 and it is not my main car so is driven around once a week (weekend car). Unfortunately, I am not able to park near a power source at the moment so a battery tender is not an option.
I was thinking of using a solar panel and regulator to keep the battery topped up.
I have a tracker (was required by my insurance) and after market alarm. I also have a two channel dash cam and want to run parking mode for the maximum
The combine current draw of these is around 500 mA.
I tried using an old Halfords 6w 12v charger and it breaks even. After the parking mode is done the battery resting voltage returns to what I consider to be a low, 12.3v
I want to be able to run the camera and security without taking too much away from the battery.
My questions are:
1. Has this been attempted before? running so many things via a solar panel.
2. If so is it safe?
3. What size panel (wattage rating) should I consider?
Thank you
I have a BMW M4 and it is not my main car so is driven around once a week (weekend car). Unfortunately, I am not able to park near a power source at the moment so a battery tender is not an option.
I was thinking of using a solar panel and regulator to keep the battery topped up.
I have a tracker (was required by my insurance) and after market alarm. I also have a two channel dash cam and want to run parking mode for the maximum
The combine current draw of these is around 500 mA.
I tried using an old Halfords 6w 12v charger and it breaks even. After the parking mode is done the battery resting voltage returns to what I consider to be a low, 12.3v
I want to be able to run the camera and security without taking too much away from the battery.
My questions are:
1. Has this been attempted before? running so many things via a solar panel.
2. If so is it safe?
3. What size panel (wattage rating) should I consider?
Thank you
I actually gave you a very specific answer in the other thread. I own a solar panel installation company.
Quote, again. (40w is more than enough for what you want)
Buy a panel around 40w - this will fit on your dash/rear deck. Then use an MPPT solar regulator - this will charge your battery, and provide a top-up/conditioning charge - i.e. keeps your battery tip top and doesn't overcharge it. MPPT tech gives you a minimum 20% more power form the same panel.
40w is around the sweet spot for size. The MPPT regulator connects between the panel and the battery.
Lots of "fake" MPPT regulators on ebay.
This is not:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/EPEVER-Tracer-MPPT-12-2...
Most regulators under £50 are not really MPPT. Be aware.
Quote, again. (40w is more than enough for what you want)
Buy a panel around 40w - this will fit on your dash/rear deck. Then use an MPPT solar regulator - this will charge your battery, and provide a top-up/conditioning charge - i.e. keeps your battery tip top and doesn't overcharge it. MPPT tech gives you a minimum 20% more power form the same panel.
40w is around the sweet spot for size. The MPPT regulator connects between the panel and the battery.
Lots of "fake" MPPT regulators on ebay.
This is not:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/EPEVER-Tracer-MPPT-12-2...
Most regulators under £50 are not really MPPT. Be aware.
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