Solar trickle Charger

[enem178]

Anyone have a part# or recommendation for a solar trickle charger I can use to keep the batteries on the 803 charged while not in use? I know some had panels installed but I wasn’t so lucky. Also does it HAVE to be a 24v charger or can I use a 12v charger hooked up to one battery and charge both? Thx

 

[Zed254]

https://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?148883-Which-NOCO-Genius-Charger-for-MEP-803A
https://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?135033-24v-Battery-chargers

Good discussion about battery chargers.....

 

[csheath]

I bought an ALEKO 20W Monocrystalline Solar Panel 24 Volt Output off eBay to use on mine. The original charge controller died and I now have it connected direct.

So far it is working okay but not having a charge controller means I have to top up the batteries with distilled water every now and then. I am planning to put a charge controller back on it one day but haven't taken the time to shop for a good one. 20W is probably borderline for running without a controller. I tried the same thing with a 100w 12v panel and ruined a group 24 deep cycle battery.

My unit had the solar panel and charge controller on it when I bought it. The charge controller was creating a parasitic draw and the generator sits under my shed so it didn't get any sun. The panel that came on it was glued on and efforts to get it off were not successful.

 

[Bmxenbrett]

If you have to remember to put water in them why even bother with the solar. Just charge them every other month with running the set or putting a 120v charger on them.

 

[csheath]

If you have to remember to put water in them why even bother with the solar. Just charge them every other month with running the set or putting a 120v charger on them.

I run the unit under load monthly.

It's been my experience that keeping a trickle charge with a solar panel results in longer lasting batteries. I have only topped up the batteries once since wiring direct to the panel and the fluid wasn't below the plates when I did. They probably weren't filled to the bottom of the holes when I bought them. It's just good maintenance practice to check them periodically.

 

[enem178]

Appreciate the info! Im going to read through the above threads

 

[Light in the Dark]

Its not solar, but another idea to consider: https://www.steelsoldiers.com/showt...ump-Starting&p=2179598&viewfull=1#post2179598

 

[Tinstar]

Anyone have a part# or recommendation for a solar trickle charger I can use to keep the batteries on the 803 charged while not in use? I know some had panels installed but I wasn’t so lucky. Also does it HAVE to be a 24v charger or can I use a 12v charger hooked up to one battery and charge both? Thx

This topic has been discussed many times.
A simple search would have brought up threads with answers to your questions.

 

[enem178]

Its not solar, but another idea to consider: https://www.steelsoldiers.com/showt...ump-Starting&p=2179598&viewfull=1#post2179598

Not a bad idea! Thx for sharing. I actually have a genius charger for my cars. Maybe I’ll just get an extension and run a cord out to the generator. Those chargers are awesome !

 

[enem178]

This topic has been discussed many times.
A simple search would have brought up threads with answers to your questions.

Thanks

 

[frank8003]

Thanks to all for the information and links.