Hi all, just wondered if anybody has tried fitting a solar charger, ideally I would just like to plug into cig lighter and forget :sun: but I doubt it's that easy....  

It depends what you are wanting it for?

 

You can get the little trickle chargers that plug into the lighter that basically just help maintain the battery level and stop it dropping if left for long periods of time.

 

Phil

It depends what you are wanting it for?

 

You can get the little trickle chargers that plug into the lighter that basically just help maintain the battery level and stop it dropping if left for long periods of time.

 

Phil

 

Yes that would do, not expecting to recharge a flat battery. My Superb is not getting a lot of use at the minuet and I have noticed it's a bit sluggish on start up, although it has not failed to start yet. 

I use one on another car that has a permanent live 12V socket to help off-set the drain of a tracker.

 

It is this one: http://www.solartechnology.co.uk/fold-up-solar-panel-4w?filter_name=PS4001

 

I bought an ex-demo unit from them in their clearance sale for £15 delivered.

 

Works a treat, even in cloudy conditions.  The panel opens up like a briefcase, and then has a flip stand built-in so that it sits on the dashboard.

 

I reckon it must be putting about 0.1-0.2A into the battery after losses.  For 10 hours of light per day, that's 1-2Ah.

 

You might want to consider getting a trickle charger as well as or instead of the solar charger.  The CTEK ones are brilliant, and help to maintain the car battery in good condition.

I bought one of these a few weeks ago as I leave the car parked at work all week

http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/13w-solar-briefcase-n00cx

It charged a flat battery .... but it is rather large!

I needed a new battery in the end but I would certainly recommend this one.

Thanks for the reply's :sun: