Solar Battery Chargers

Discussion in 'Other Automotive Tech & Talk' started by Andysutt, Dec 28, 2008.

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  1. Andysutt

    Andysutt '72 Comet GT

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    Meter is fine, I was curious about that myself, so I checked several batteries I had, and all the vehicles here while they were both on and off. Everything was within spec.

    The 18.xx volts that showed up, were from the solar panel's plug itself. As long as it has sunlight it charges, and with it not connected to anything, it showed 18.xx volts in bright sunlight.
     
    Andysutt, Jan 4, 2009
    #16
  2. Andysutt

    Andysutt '72 Comet GT

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    I just went out and checked it.

    Early morning, no direct sunlight, parked with some small limbs above my truck blocking a bit of the windshield.

    Shows 17.78/-17.78 volts no matter if I hook the meter up to show positive of negative voltage. I checked it at the battery and it showed 12.45 volts.

    Without it plugged in it showed 12.34

    Kinda weird... but it keeps the battery maintained.

    On a sucky note tho, the battery that I bought the solar charger for... actually bit the dust. Finally got drained to many times and got a dead cell.

    I robbed the battery from a vehicle we aren't driving right now and it keeps it fully charged and starts a bit easier in the mornings actually.

    Im waiting to get a red top Optima for the sonoma to replace the battery that was on it.
     
    Andysutt, Jan 4, 2009
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  3. Acornridgeman

    Acornridgeman MCCI Wisconsin State Rep Moderator Supporting Member

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    The voltage at 18 is fine, as there is very little amperage that comes from those chargers. Even your cars alternator puts out higher than the batteries 12 volts. On the farm, we had a tractor that was still a 6 volt system and we would use a regular 12 volt charger on it. Just had to make sure it was set on a lower amperage setting so it didn't cook the plates in the battery. My road grader was a 6 volt system and has been converted to 12 volt. The starter is still a 6 volt starter, just have to make sure you don't crank it over for more than 15 seconds at a time.
     
    Acornridgeman, Jan 4, 2009
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  4. Andysutt

    Andysutt '72 Comet GT

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    Ive heard alot of people leaving the 6 volt starters with a 12 volt system, spins them faster they say.

    I figured the 18volts coming from it was fine, as it doesn't put out very much amperage at all.
     
    Andysutt, Jan 4, 2009
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  5. DamienHoar

    DamienHoar New Member

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    Is it effective way to generate electricity.. I am looking to invest in solar power so can you share your opinion..
     
    DamienHoar, Sep 23, 2014
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  6. DamienHoar

    DamienHoar New Member

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    Still waiting for reply..
     
    DamienHoar, Sep 25, 2014
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