Solar Panels

Jeepman56 · **Posted:** Thu Aug 16, 2007 10:06 pm

I know a guy who can get his hands on 10 volt solar panels that can be configured into practical use easily (or so he says). I am thinking of connecting them to my Jeep battery when I am camping so I can run my iPod through the cig lighter and not have to worry about battery drainage. Does anyone know how many of these panels I would need and if this is a concievable idea or not. Just thought I would throw it out there. Thanks. -Nate

Jeger · **Posted:** Fri Aug 17, 2007 6:31 am

VW ships or at least used to ship some of their vehicles with solar panels that could be used to keep your battery charged for extended downtime....airport parking etc. I bought a few off of ebay for less than $20 each. If you look you may be able to find them still.

Actually there are still a bunch there.

http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dl ... category0=

I know I didnt help you with your original question... but I would say if the sun is out good that one of the VW setups could keep your Ipod/Cell charged

struggle07 · **Posted:** Sat Aug 18, 2007 10:33 am

The 10V panels are conceivable, but I think Jeger's idea would be a lot simpler than trying to configure the 10V ones.

Cowcatcher · **Posted:** Sat Aug 18, 2007 11:04 am

While more exspensive I would think investing in a portable power booster would be more practical. Solar panels are sun dependent and more fragile meaning that stowing them is a bigger issue. The power boost jumper batteries can be plugged in and charging whenever you are wheeling and unplugged powering your accessories when parked. My DieHard 950 should power 10 watts for 20 hours.

tomsjeep · **Posted:** Sat Aug 18, 2007 6:04 pm

I have seen military vehicles with a solar trickle-charger panel mounted on the hood. Although more expensive than what you were describing, it's made for the vehicles, and will keep the battery charged up.
They're pretty nifty gadgets...
And available for both 12 volt and 24 volt systems. The brand I've seen used is called "solargizer" - I was going to post a link, but their site seems to be down at the moment...
I wouldn't imagine the Volkswagen one would be too much different.

scrambledKJ · **Posted:** Sat Aug 18, 2007 7:39 pm

I have used solar panels on my VW camper and have a set to take along with the KJ. I have a small panel that sits on the dash and plugs into the power outlet to keep the battery trickle charged when it sits for a while. I also have a 45watt set of panels that can be connected to the battery to recharge it for more use. It took 2 days of decent sunlight to charge my blue optima from 4 volts to 13. it is one of the older 65AH deep cells, so it takes a while to get going. I bought the small panel off of ebay for 20 ucks and the bigger set from harbor freight for liek 200 bucks.

sleeve84028 · **Posted:** Sun Aug 19, 2007 11:43 am

While having solar power onboard would be cool... Wouldn't it be easier to get a small Honda Generator? It'll be much more useful for camping

IndyCRD · **Posted:** Sun Aug 19, 2007 11:47 am

I seem to remember seeing solar chargers at Harbor Freight. Go check out Harborfreight.com

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Mon Aug 20, 2007 11:32 pm

We got a 100watt honda generator and love it. Its amazing how quiet that thing is.

I got a small solar panel that plugs into my cig lighter. I plug it in here at school when my jeep sits in the parking lot all week to keep the battery topped off.

new92xj · **Posted:** Wed Aug 22, 2007 11:52 am

Copy & paste these links....

http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/produ ... earch=true

See these or www.canadiantire.ca= they will ship, I've got one of these I can drain the battery with lights and sound at night & it was charged up by noon the next day so I could start it and charge fully:

http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/produ ... earch=true

dirtykj · **Posted:** Wed Aug 22, 2007 12:56 pm

Jeger wrote:

VW ships or at least used to ship some of their vehicles with solar panels that could be used to keep your battery charged for extended downtime....airport parking etc. I bought a few off of ebay for less than $20 each. If you look you may be able to find them still.

So ... you plug them into the OBD II connector and that will charge the battery? Cool. That works for KJs as well?

new92xj · **Posted:** Thu Aug 23, 2007 5:40 am

Canadian tire link
http://www.canadiantire.ca/home.jsp
Copy this address into a new browser address line...
Search solar panels.[/url]

Jeger · **Posted:** Thu Aug 23, 2007 8:00 am

dirtykj wrote:

Jeger wrote:

VW ships or at least used to ship some of their vehicles with solar panels that could be used to keep your battery charged for extended downtime....airport parking etc. I bought a few off of ebay for less than $20 each. If you look you may be able to find them still.

So ... you plug them into the OBD II connector and that will charge the battery? Cool. That works for KJs as well?

The one I have just plugs into the Cigarette lighter plug. It will work with any vehicle that has a cig plug that is always on.

I used to leave one stuck to the inside of the sunroof on our contour to keep things juiced up.

Solar Panels

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