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10th April 2020, 18:46 | #21 | |
Gets stuck in
Rover 75 Diesel Tourer, called Perseverance Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Bournemouth
Posts: 664
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11th April 2020, 08:18 | #22 | |
Gets stuck in
Rover 75 Diesel Tourer, called Perseverance Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Bournemouth
Posts: 664
Thanks: 189
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Quote:
There is no reason that the voltage should pulse. When connected to a battery, the 18-22 V in bright sunlight is 'clipped' by the battery to be between 12-13.8V, this keeps the charging voltage within acceptable limits. WARNING: If you have a solar charger connected VIA THE CIGAR LIGHTER SOCKET, and you disconnect the battery (or any relevant fuse), this charging voltage is no longer 'clipped' by the battery, and MAY potentially rise to above 15V, (to 22V), 'potentially' damaging vehicle electronics. So if you intend to disconnect the battery, or unplug fuses, it is a wise precaution to disconnect the solar charger from the cigar lighter socket FIRST. FWIW, most solar chargers, when used in the latitudes of the UK, seem to give out approximately 1/2 the rated power, not what the manufactures may claim. A 4W panel, giving 190mA for 6-8 hours, equates to 1.5Ah |
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11th April 2020, 09:29 | #23 |
Gets stuck in
Rover 75 Diesel Tourer, called Perseverance Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Bournemouth
Posts: 664
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In the northern hemisphere, the maximum charging power is obtained when the panel is facing between South East, and South West, ideally South.
If your windscreen is facing North, mount the panel on the side windows, it will make a BIG difference to the effectiveness. If the solar panel isn't making a noticeable shadow, then it isn't generating a noticeable power ! If you want to see how solar panel generation varies throughout the day, checkout http://www.gridwatch.templar.co.uk/, the red solar generation output for the UK (as well as nuclear, (combined cycle) gas turbine, coal, wind, and power imported from France, Holland, Ireland et al. Last edited by MarkS; 11th April 2020 at 09:46.. Reason: South, shadow. |
14th April 2020, 07:56 | #24 |
I really should get out more.......
MG ZT 180+ auto Join Date: May 2016
Location: Ilkeston, Derbys
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I have solar fitted to my Avensis now. The MG doesnt drain a lot as its unlocked in the garage and I have a full sized charger in there if needed. Its a brick garage with metal door so safe enough while I am home with the Avensis in front. Missing driving though.
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16th April 2020, 00:19 | #25 |
Avid contributor
Rover 75 Classic SE 1.8T Join Date: Dec 2008
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Solar in car expert
I've had solar panels in my cars for 20 years.
In the Rover 75 I have fitted a glass monocrystaline 20Watt panel (£25). I installed this on the rear parcel shelf. In the engine bay lives a cheap PWM solar controller (£15). I use 5amp cable to connect everything. Small panels are useless excepting on the very sunniest of days. You must use a charge controller or you risk boiling! the car battery, acid gas will vent and corode your cars engine bay. With my 20Watt panel I get all year round charging. Battery never goes flat and always starts well even in winter. |
16th April 2020, 06:07 | #26 |
I really should get out more.......
MG ZT 180+ auto Join Date: May 2016
Location: Ilkeston, Derbys
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My neighbours car wouldn't start yesterday. In the coming weeks I think many will be caught out!
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7th December 2021, 20:15 | #27 | |
This is my second home
R75 Saloon. Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: France/or Devon.
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7th December 2021, 20:18 | #28 |
This is my second home
R75 Saloon. Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: France/or Devon.
Posts: 14,003
Thanks: 3,851
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7th December 2021, 20:19 | #29 | |
This is my second home
R75 Saloon. Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: France/or Devon.
Posts: 14,003
Thanks: 3,851
Thanked 2,167 Times in 1,816 Posts
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7th December 2021, 20:21 | #30 |
This is my second home
R75 Saloon. Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: France/or Devon.
Posts: 14,003
Thanks: 3,851
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