Keeping Battery charged during storage.

[Robo]

Can anyone advise me on the best way to keep by battery healthy during winter storage, as I have a Tracker on my caravan and it is connected directly to the battery. Is the best option to have two batteries and inter change every month, or is a solar panel best. If a solar panel is best what sort would I need.

Regards

Peter

 

[Chris_374413356]

Hi Peter, Maplin do a 12 volt 1.5 watt battery trickle charger for

 

[Rod_5041370]

I just use a 10 watt solar panel stuck on the roof of the caravan that I store in France and this is great for the job as it can be connected directly to the battery without having to use a controller.

If you do this, mount the panel with a slope, as rainwater will tend to wash any dirt off.

 

[Robo]

Hi Peter, Maplin do a 12 volt 1.5 watt battery trickle charger for

 

[Robo]

I just use a 10 watt solar panel stuck on the roof of the caravan that I store in France and this is great for the job as it can be connected directly to the battery without having to use a controller.

If you do this, mount the panel with a slope, as rainwater will tend to wash any dirt off.

Thanks Rod. What make is your panel please.

Peter

 

[Jim_374473646]

Peter,

the Maplins charger is a solar cell.

Jim

 

[Rod_5041370]

Peter,

I can't remember the make now, and I only got back from France today, so I can't look.

I bought it off the internet and it came from somewhere in Hertfordshire. Try a Google.

 

[Robo]

Peter,

the Maplins charger is a solar cell.

Jim

Thanks Jim, would I need a charging Regulator for this.

Peter

 

[Chris_374413356]

Hi Peter, the Maplin "Solar" Trickle Charger does not mention a regulator and at this low charge rate I can't imagine one would be req'd

 

[Rod_5041370]

The charger that Chris mentions would not need a regulator as it is only 1.5 watts (currently on sale for

 

[Happy-Lappy]

I believe a Charge Controller is only required for Solar Panels that have a 15W or higher charge rate and as the OP is only using a Solar Panel to keep the Battery topped up during storage, then as Rod suggests anything up to 10W should do the job in hand,

best regards, Martin

 

[Robo]

Many Thanks everyone for your help and advice. I shall be out and about this weekend buying a solar charger.

Regards

Peter