These inexpensive SOLAR Powered Trickle Battery Chargers work very well.

[Abott10]

My "spare" MG ZT-T 1.8T has been on SORN for several months. I plan to strip the Power Unit, fit Cylinder Liner Shims and generally refurbish the engine. When I replaced the CHG a few years ago some of the cylinder liners were a close flush worry. Could be simply a matter of time. It's a nice example and well worth the time, work and expense.

So, need to turn the car around to make access to the engine compartment better. Put a Multi-Meter on its Battery and pleased to see a healthy 12.73 volts. That due to disconnecting the battery from the car and using a Solar Powered Trickle Battery Charger for at least six months now. Obviously that has done exactly what it says on the tin and the 1.8T started within a second of turning the key.

Beautiful sunny day and I was tempted to spend more time on it having drained all the coolant. Too cold and it gets dark by about 4 pm making working conditions less inviting. These images show the pleasing result using the Battery Solar Powered Trickle Charger. Obviously work well :~

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=80402&d=1573135717

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=80403&d=1573135747

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=80406&d=1573148604

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=80407&d=1573148622

Have several of these trickle chargers and they are proving very useful

[COLVERT]

Been using one identical to the one in your picture for over 5 years now. It's turned out to be one of those things you swear by rather than swear at.----:D:D:D


Mr MGJohn sir. Why are all your pics larger than life ???

The only ones on the forum that I have to move from side to side if I want to look at all the picture.---:shrug::shrug::shrug:

[bl52krz]

Could you tell me what make you have please, as I was thinking of getting a solar charger for my ‘Silver’ one, which will not be used while I get it up to scratch. It is sorned for the time being. It is living outside because I have only room for one car in my garage. I looked at some on the net around the £20-25 mark with different charging rates. Would 5 watt or 10 watt be sufficient?

[Odd Job]

Got one on my classic Mini, had it a few years now. Works a treat!

[COLVERT]

Could you tell me what make you have please, as I was thinking of getting a solar charger for my ‘Silver’ one, which will not be used while I get it up to scratch. It is sorned for the time being. It is living outside because I have only room for one car in my garage. I looked at some on the net around the £20-25 mark with different charging rates. Would 5 watt or 10 watt be sufficient?

Sealey, one of the most popular ones only produces 1 watt.

This, however, is all you need.

[bl52krz]

Would it be ok if the battery is still connected in the car with the charger connected.It would be connected for around five months? I need it connected because of occasionally starting it up to move around.

[COLVERT]

Would it be ok if the battery is still connected in the car with the charger connected.It would be connected for around five months? I need it connected because of occasionally starting it up to move around.

The efficiency depends on the amount of sunshine and the time of year.

The solar charger is useful but with longer periods of the car not being used but started up occasionally the battery would need to be put on a charger now and then.

The solar charger is meant only to MAINTAIN a battery, not to charge it.

[Canonite]

I’ve always suspected these things sap more from the battery than they put in.

[COLVERT]

I’ve always suspected these things sap more from the battery than they put in.

The electricity travels in one direction only.--From the solar panel to the battery. A diode stops any discharge through the panel.-- ( Bit like your alternator diode pack. )


PS. What was it that made you think they absorbed power ??

[SD1too]

A diode stops any discharge through the panel.
Not all charging devices have this protection though Jon. Not all manufacturers offer a comprehensive specification either so it can be a struggle to find out. Let the buyer beware!

Unless you have no mains power on site, a good quality 240v smart maintenance charger is a safer bet. I can recommend C-tek and the 0.8 amp model is not expensive either to buy or run. :D

Simon

[COLVERT]

Not all charging devices have this protection though Jon. Not all manufacturers offer a comprehensive specification either so it can be a struggle to find out. Let the buyer beware!

Unless you have no mains power on site, a good quality 240v smart maintenance charger is a safer bet. I can recommend C-tek and the 0.8 amp model is not expensive either to buy or run. :D

Simon

All solar panels must have it as they would GLOW over night without this diode.---:eek::eek::eek:

[bl52krz]

Having looked into this option of the solar panel, I have decided that I will use my Ravenset Mains charger, about 55 years old and still working. It was made when GB could make anything. According to battery manufactures it is not really the right type for today’s batteries but it still seems to charge the batteries up.

[bl52krz]

I bought mine for my first car, a Triumph Renown Razor Edge Saloon 2litre engine. Only part that is no longer there is the little plug that you change over for 6 or 12 volt use. Matchsticks work just as well to hold the fuse wire in place.The matchsticks are around 40 years old. Waste not want not.