Thread: Simple solar charger for inactive vehicles?

We've got a range of tractors and vehicles which over winter, don't get used too often. We try to get around them all and give them a say monthly run, but the number of batteries I replace tells me it's not enough.

Is there a cost effective solar panel setup others use? Most of our batteries are NS70 types, I was imagining a simple solar panel w alligator clips that I could source say ex alliexpress- but I figured I need to be looking for specific charging capabilities.

Can anyone advise? If affordable I'd probably buy about six

im not an expert but i think youd need some kind of regulator set up saw a guy hook a solar panel up to a battery once with no reg it worked for a little while then the battery blew up could you take the batteries out and rotate them in the vehicles that are being used perhaps

I use exactly what you are asking about to charge 2 tractor batteries, a ride on mower battery, and an emergency power gel cell (used to either to drive a 300 watt inverter or 2x 12v fluorescents). I am rural and we have extended power outages a few times a year so the system has been good for providing backup for reasonable lighting when that occurs.

Had mine for about 8 years. It is made up of a BP Solar Panel and a BP Solar Regulator.
It requires me to swap between batteries to keep them topped up. Not a big deal.

My regulator is quite smart in that I can select gel or liquid cells. I can also select different charge modes for gel or liquid. It can also be set to turn my 12v lights on at programmable times for security purposes.

BP Solar stuff was quite expensive in its time and better deals (cheaper) locally would be at Jaycar or Aliexpress offshore. Plus I am sure the regulators will have all the smarts of mine.
Any 12v lights I would buy would be LEDs now as well.

Got pissed off over the years having flat batteries and too regular replacement of them.

Supercheap do 1.5 - 4W solar chargers.
I use a 2.5W on the beach hack. I wasn't using a regulator before but have put one on a few weeks ago.

Have found a 10W unit w regulator on alliexpress for $50. Apparently sulphate buildup on the anodes can be an issue if used excessively but if I can improve battery life, it's a win.

Originally Posted by SiB

Have found a 10W unit w regulator on alliexpress for $50. Apparently sulphate buildup on the anodes can be an issue if used excessively but if I can improve battery life, it's a win.

Check out trademe for panels too, there are some good deals to be had once you factor in the exchange rate and they have to add a fair chunk for freight because of size. I'd definitely bring in the regulators though.

10W Monocrystalline Solar Panel Questions Welcome | Trade Me

Thanks Guys, I'll keep you posted. Our company actually has a technology division (we're an orchard so easy to forget lol) and I've asked for their advice too