hortnut
Huh?
join:2005-09-25
Somewhere
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| Solar Trickle Charger for Car Battery
I am going to 'mine' the collective knowledge of the members here.
I have a long separation just starting out of the blue, w/ the S.O.. I have always wanted to take a long road trip....so I am going to do it.
I have a lot camping supplies so I am ok there and food. I have a guaranteed check each month.
I have a 2002 Ford F-150 4x4 that I just had my mechanic go through, so no worries . O
What I "want" to do is get a trickle charger or ? to charge 3 - 12v deep cycle batteries like those that go into Mobility Units for Personal Scooters like a 'Rascal', "Amiga" or 'Hoveraround'. I have a friend that runs a small company that services, sells and takes in trade in these units. So I have a source for these batteries for free. [have one battery that is over 15 years old and going strong]
Right now I not wish to wire into the main battery/charging system using a isolator.
So in essence, I want to charge up the batteries with the sun and then use an inverter of 1000w or 1400 w to charge a laptop, cell, use flourescent lights and some other lighter uses.
Any ideas? How large of an charger would I need?
thanks in advance,
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Darn, its gettin that time to go to Wallymart to gits me picture taken agin.
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Waterbug
join:2008-03-30
| There isn't enough sunlight in a day to do what you want to do. Check here: »www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d···er=90599
That unit provides 45 watts. If you have the battery capacity to store the power, it would take 31 hours of sunlight to provide the power to drive 1400 watts for 1 hour. |
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aurgathor
join:2002-12-01
Lynnwood, WA
| reply to hortnut
The answer depends on how much power you're going to use.
One way is to write down what are yopu planning to use and how long, and sum that up. Based on that you can figure oout how many panels you need. Due to losses, you probably want at least 33% more.
Another way is just to buy one panel, and try to use the system for a while to see if one panel is enough. (buy a voltmeter, and check the batteries' voltage several times daily.)
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And the winner is: |
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tcope
Premium
join:2003-05-07
Sandy, UT | reply to hortnut
I doubt that smaller solar chargers are going to have enough amperage to sufficiently recharge a 12v battery for use. |
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RX300
join:2004-02-23
Bluff Dale, TX
| reply to hortnut
Just get a small gas generator to operate a 110v three stage battery charger to charge the batteries. The 12v output on the small generators is not enough amps. Get 12v flourescent lights if you want light. If you want to operate from the batteries get 12v everything. A small 200 watt inverter will operate a laptop and charge it's battery. Inverters draw current even at idle. Just operate the inverter when you need it. Don't drain the batteries below 12.1 volts. Don't try to charge them fully when you charge them.
Read this »www.ccis.com/home/mnemeth/12volt/12volt.htm
The 12v Side of Life.
It will save you money by understanding the process before you start buying. |
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McSummation
Mmmm, Zeebas Are Tastee.
Premium,MVM
join:2003-08-13
Round Rock, TX | Get a "car charger" for the laptop and cell phone.
We tow a large RV and the only things we need 110v for is: microwave, wife's hair dryer, and A/C. Everything else is either 12v or propane. |
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hortnut
Huh?
join:2005-09-25
Somewhere | reply to hortnut
Thanks all for your replies, will give some things to think about and to test.
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Darn, its gettin that time to go to Wallymart to gits me picture taken agin.
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hortnut
Huh?
join:2005-09-25
Somewhere
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| reply to aurgathor
That is probably how I need to go about this - I currently have two deep cycle 12 v MK sealed lead acid batteries running a 24 V DC motor on a Toro 21 inch mulching lawnmower.
Cannot find specs on Amp draw on the motor - but with both batteries. I can mow for 2 hours.
I guess I will just have to 'play' around.
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Darn, its gettin that time to go to Wallymart to gits me picture taken agin.
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hortnut
Huh?
join:2005-09-25
Somewhere
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| reply to RX300
The batteries I have are MK Deep Cycle, sealed lead acid and power my Toro cordless 24 V mulching mower for about 2 hours.
I have been using these for about 14 years when the Stock Toro went bad and not wanting to give them $115.00 hooked up these two Scooter Batteries I had laying around. I totally discharge then at least once a week.
May need to do some math on the inverters and go with a lower output one and research and play with Solar - looking for best bang for the buck.
I know longer need the mulching mower, so I could rob some of its wiring and wiring hookups. It shows me how much I am drawing and the state of the batteries and has some safety factors built in to not totally use up all power.
Thanks for your thoughts and link.
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Darn, its gettin that time to go to Wallymart to gits me picture taken agin.
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hortnut
Huh?
join:2005-09-25
Somewhere | reply to McSummation
Was thinking about this at first, but then wanted to experiment as I go along. Thanks for your reply.
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Darn, its gettin that time to go to Wallymart to gits me picture taken agin.
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