Solar Trickle Charger

[Thatchman]

I'm looking to install a solar trickle charger that will keep my battery topped off during periods of less driving and while traveling out of state. I can't run an extension cord to the Bronco where it's parked, so I'm looking for a solar panel that will connect to the cigarette lighter or be wired directly to the battery. Any recommendations?

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[j_marinelli]

Cascadia makes one along with panels for the hood. You can just buy the MPPT from them and use other solar panels if you want.

https://www.cascadia4x4.com/product...CUuz1uyU-BTbknZ5AS9KvKp_5fEbgwjTnX_UTi5NU6oFO

https://www.cascadia4x4.com/collect...products/15a-mppt-bluetooth-charge-controller

That said you could probably DIY a solution fairly cheap if you are handy with tools.

 

[SeptuagenerianSasquatch]

Check out rebates and tax advantages. Sometimes your electrical utility provider has special promotions, Also note that many "global warming" inducements are expiring December 31 this year, so do your homework and act fast. If you're eligible for something, It has to be bought and installed before January 1.

 

[CalvinT]

Check out rebates and tax advantages. Sometimes your electrical utility provider has special promotions, Also note that many "global warming" inducements are expiring December 31 this year, so do your homework and act fast. If you're eligible for something, It has to be bought and installed before January 1.

Definitely check for tax advantages. Arizona doesn't charge a sales tax for solar energy. My driveway gate is solar, so I get replacement batteries tax free.

I think a 25 watt panel should be enough to keep your battery charged.

 

[Brian_B]

The Cascadia one is the best looking, in my opinion. And permanently installs. It's pricey though, but it's made for the Bronco.

There are a ton of options if you are just looking for something that you can throw on the hood or the roof and don't require to be permanently mounted, or if you are running a roof rack or spare tire cargo panel and could mount something up there pretty easily.

I agree that 25W would be more than enough to maintain a charge on the Bronco provided you don't have any auxiliary loads powered while the vehicle is off. A 25W panel is about equivalent to a 2A trickle charger.

A Charge Controller would be all you would really need with the solar panel. I've had decent luck with Renogy and use one on my trailer , but there are many brands out there to choose from. The charge controller keeps you from cooking your battery with solar since most 12V panels can put out up to 18V, which will damage a battery if you try just directly connecting the panel.

 

[Haykayy]

Where did you get them ?

 

[SuperDave150]

I connected a little 25 watt solar panel to the battery of another vehicle - without an intelligent charge controller - and it cooked the battery to death. Learn from my mistake. Spend the coin on a charge controller.

 

[BroncoA512021]

I have owned cars for 43 years and have never used a trickle charger when not using a car for an extended period of time. Never came home to a dead battery.

 

[MC1313]

I bought the “battery tender” solar charger. Paid 55.00 for it and it work fine. Just have to make sure you get the one designed for AGM batteries.
https://www.batterytender.com/produ...-charger-and-maintainer-with-windshield-mount

 

[Oilbrnr]

I have owned cars for 43 years and have never used a trickle charger when not using a car for an extended period of time. Never came home to a dead battery.

Well, times have changed bud. There is a lot of stuff on modern vehicles going on behind the scenes when you think it is shut off. It isn't. But you do you, cause you know better with those 43 years of wisdom.

 

[CalvinT]

I bought the “battery tender” solar charger. Paid 55.00 for it and it work fine. Just have to make sure you get the one designed for AGM batteries.
https://www.batterytender.com/products/battery-tender®12v-5w-solar-battery-charger-and-maintainer-with-windshield-mount

Costco sells a 5A Battery Tender that will also charge LiFePO4 batteries for $55. Not solar though.

 

[DeathValleyBob]

The cigarette lighter disconnects from the vehicle battery a while after engine shut down. You have to find a (fused) path directly to your battery. I use a rubber? fuse holder connected from battery to Anderson PowerPoles. Be sure to connect ground beyond the battery current sensor (i.e., chassis ground) so the battery manager knows what you are doing.

 

[MC1313]

Costco sells a 5A Battery Tender that will also charge LiFePO4 batteries for $55. Not solar though.

I like the solar because it plugs right into the 12v plug in the center console and all I have to do is lay the solar panel in the windshield area.

 

[DeathValleyBob]

See my previous comment about console cigarette lighter disconnection after power down.

 

[BroncoA512021]

Well, times have changed bud. There is a lot of stuff on modern vehicles going on behind the scenes when you think it is shut off. It isn't. But you do you, cause you know better with those 43 years of wisdom.

Ok, smarty pants

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