Oxford solariser, solar powered battery charger

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Fausto · #16 Post by **Fausto** » Mon Jan 03, 2011 5:08 pm

IMHO these small solar chargers only supply a very small trickle charge even in full sun. Probably enough to keep a good battery in order but I doubt it will look after a dodgy one. Especially in winter. I have used one for years now on my car which hardly goes anywhere and it has kept it charged all year round (until now I expect!) but I'd stick to Optimate type conditioners for the bikes.

But then I have the benefit of electricity in the garage....

#17 Post by **mangocrazy** » Mon Jan 03, 2011 6:57 pm

I'd agree with Fausto. I bought a Maplins one a few years ago with the intention of using it to trickle charge the battery on my Lancia (garaged in France) while we were away (i.e. most of the time). I took the battery off the car and connected it up to the panel, which was located about 6 inches below a skylight with full view of the sun/sky for most of the day.

When I returned the battery still had some charge, but needed a session on a proper charger to top it up properly. Coincidentally, a mate at work had bought one, and dismissed it as rubbish. I wangled it off him and connected the chargers (identical models, as it happens) up in parallel.

That has done the job for me for the last 2 or 3 years. When I come to use it the battery is fully charged and good to go.

So the moral is that (for a car battery at least) you need to double up, and the panels must be in a location where they get unobstructed view of the sun for a good part of the day.

Using them in the South of France doesn't hurt, of course...

wayno · #18 Post by **wayno** » Mon Jan 03, 2011 9:45 pm

My cable won't reach the south of france :(

Mine is outside pointing up all day so gets plenty of sun, in both weeks of summer :) I'm definitely going to double up, it was fine in summer