4 year review of this solar charger

[burbguy82]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004RCR0ZU?psc=1&ref=product_details

I have had one of these chargers for nearly 4 years, and it has been great. Just ordered two more due to the performance and durability of the unit.

I have it mounted on my large gooseneck trailer, to maintain a 800CCA battery I have for a crane winch and a 9000 lbs winch.

Recently, my daughter had a breakdown, and i decided to take the trailer battery with my just in case, which was good as the battery in her Tahoe was dead down to 9 volts. Anyway, the battery on my trailer with little use, was in perfect order. Battery is nearly 10 years old, good ole Red Top Optima.

If you are looking at a solar charger, this one has served me well. It is aluminum framed, fully sealed, with a real glass front. The alligator clips are well attached, and the clips hold strong.

Thanks.

 

[JHZR2]

6W is a little low for anything but keeping a top up… it won’t make 6W in anything but the best conditions, daytime, so it’s not going to bring anything up… but that’s not the point. It’s a maintainer. I just wonder if the higher draws of a vehicle would demand more capability…

Thanks for the recommendation.

My oldest and I made one from a 20w panel and a battery tender charge controller during the pandemic. They really are worth their while. Glad you had success with this one!

 

[burbguy82]

6W is a little low for anything but keeping a top up… it won’t make 6W in anything but the best conditions, daytime, so it’s not going to bring anything up… but that’s not the point. It’s a maintainer. I just wonder if the higher draws of a vehicle would demand more capability…

Thanks for the recommendation.

My oldest and I made one from a 20w panel and a battery tender charge controller during the pandemic. They really are worth their while. Glad you had success with this one!

Here is a story from my recent escapades with my daughters Tahoe........

Long story short, she drove without a working alternator and killed the battery........down to 9 volts.

I put in on my 200A Schumacher "smart/dumb" charger\jumper, and it would not charge, as it had been discharged to much and the "smart" thing said "SUL" for sulfated. 0% battery capacity..........

I hooked up this solar charger to the battery and set it out in the sun.....first thing in the morning. Forgot about it until late the next day, so 2 days in the sun connected...........checked the voltage, 11.5, from 9.5 or so.

Put it back on my "smart charger", and the battery was at "68% from 0%"

It does show 17-20 volts in overcast conditions, and near 24 in sun

Take that how you will.


I do use it as a maintainer, but have found it to be a bit more powerful.