Solar Chargers for car batteries
As a handyman mechanic, I have been working with car batteries and alternators for about 20 years. Also during the last 8 years, I have been installing solar power systems in houses-4 so far. So, in my experience, I have found that car batteries, and deep cycle lead acid batteries can definitely be charged on 13.2 volts and in fact I am doing one right now off a Hard Drive 12 V power pack, putting out 0.2 Amps into my 50 AmpHour battery for my boat. It has been in trickle charge state for 36 hours and is now up to 13.7 volts, having started at 12.4 volts(which means it is only 50% full). When it gets to 14 V, I will turn it off and let it sit for 3 hours and check the voltage. I would like a resting voltage of 12.75 if possible. Batteries in reasonable condition can sit on 13.2 whilst charging at low amps indefinitely, all winter if you want. The problem comes if your charger has no regulation and takes the battery to 14.5 volts and leaves it there. Generally car alternators charge a battery at 14.5 volts and should also drop back to lower voltage after a time (depending on the car, it may only take 15 mins for the alternator to restore full charge after starting). Another feature of batteries, is the Equalising charge which a solar panel array will have built into it in the charge controller. So once a month, the controller will allow the battery pack to be slightly over charged, depending on the type of battery and the charging algorithm. Mine used 15.5 volts for 6 hours, only once a month, and this is intended to stir the electrolyte and reduce sulphation, the big battery killer. As far as I know, car charging doesn't do this. Anything over this is NOT GOOD for starting batteries, not even for fast charging. It is likely to heat the battery, bubble off electrolyte and buckle the plates. Good luck with yours, Roger Levy
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Coleman Solar 12 Volt Battery Maintainers - Twin Pack, Model# 58215 Lawn & Patio (Coleman)
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SOLAR Pro-Logix PL2320 6/12V Battery Charger/Maintainer - 20 Amp Automotive Parts and Accessories (SOLAR)
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Schumacher SPC-7A 12 Volt Solar Charge Controller Automotive Parts and Accessories (Schumacher)
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Excelvan 12V 4.5W Portable Car Solar Battery Charger Panels with Cigarette Lighter Plug Mono Crystalline Silicon Motorcycle Solar Panels Charger Lawn & Patio (Excelvan)
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bayite DC 6.5-100V 0-100A LCD Display Digital Current Voltage Power Energy Meter Multimeter Ammeter Voltmeter with 100A Current Shunt BISS (bayite)
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