A portable solar car battery charger uses solar energy as a source of power. There are many advantages of solar power over conventional power sources like fuel because solar energy is clean. This means that it does not pollute the environment.
What’s more, solar energy is free once the installation costs have been met. To convert sun rays into useful power, one needs a solar panel. This principle is no different when it comes to solar car battery chargers.
Why Solar Car Battery Charger is the Best Option
Most solar-powered chargers charge slowly which is a good thing right? Yes right. You see, when a battery charges too fast, a lot of heat is generated which reduces the shelf life of the battery. In extreme cases, rapid high-voltage charging may cause the battery to explode.
As earlier mentioned, solar chargers use the sun which is readily available, and you will not need any specialized equipment to charge your battery. This makes charging your battery very easy and convenient. The case is different with an electric charger as you would have to look for a power source to do the charging. Let’s have a look at the 10 best solar car battery chargers.
Top Picks
The 10 Best Solar Car Battery Chargers
1. OYMSAE: 20W Solar Car Battery Charger
it’s built to withstand intense sunlight and heat. Its sleek design makes it easy to use at home or on the go, while the built-in 2022 model upgrades controller no power consumption at night Overcharge protection, overvoltage protection, anti-reverse charge protection, and short circuit protection, With an IP67 waterproof rating, it’s perfect for outdoor work!
Why we Like it
With its monocrystalline silicon solar chip and PET panel material, can 1-2 times increase sunlight refraction absorption and add more power to your car battery.
Specs And Key Features:
| Price: | $$. |
| Wattage: | 5/10/20/30W. |
| Material: | Epoxy. |
| Color: | Black and red. |
| Weight: | 2.35 pounds. |
| Dimensions: | 14.37 x 7.68 x 0.79 inches. |
| Solar Panel Type: | Monocrystalline silicon. |
| WaterProof: | IP67. |
| Key Feature: | Portable. |
2. Sunway: Solar Car Battery Trickle Charger
The amorphous solar panel works well even on cloudy days, so you’ll always be prepared! This solar-powered battery charger is Covered with ultra-clear PV glass which is more efficient, and also with Durable ABS plastic housing which makes this solar panels charger stronger. With a Blinking LED charge indicator when charging. The solar charger maintainer Includes a cigarette lighter adapter and battery alligator terminal clamps.
Specs And Key Features:
| Price: | $$. |
| Wattage: | 1.5/4/5/8W. |
| Material: | ABS Plastic. |
| Color: | Black. |
| Weight: | 1.39 Pounds. |
| Dimensions: | 0.5 x 13.98 x 5 inches |
| Input Voltage: | 12V. |
| Solar Panel type: | Amorphous. |
| Cable Length: | 7.8Ft. |
3. Renogy: 10W Solar Car Battery Charger
This solar trickle charger uses high-efficiency monocrystalline solar cells that provide an enhanced performance compared to other brands at a lower cost. The weatherproof, dustproof, and shockproof design will guarantee efficiency no matter what conditions you are working under.
Specs And Key Features:
| Price: | $$. |
| Wattage: | 10W. |
| Material: | Plastic. |
| Color: | Black. |
| Weight: | 0.86 Pounds. |
| Dimensions: | 15.59 x 6.96 x 0.19 inches |
| Max Voltage: | 12 Volts. |
| Weather Resistance: | Yes. |
| Solar Panel Type: | Monocrystalline. |
4. SUNAPEX: 20W Portable Solar Battery Charger & Maintainer
With multiple protections including overcharge protection, short circuit protection, and so on, this portable solar battery charger is safe and reliable. The solar panel has a trickle charger with a low current output suitable for maintaining the battery’s state of charge.
Specs And Key Features:
| Price: | $$. |
| Wattage: | 5/10/20W. |
| Material: | Ethylene Tetraflouroethylene. |
| Color: | White. |
| Weight: | 2.18 pounds. |
| Dimensions: | 14.4 x 13.4 x 0.39 inches |
| Voltage: | 12V. |
| Key Features: | Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene. |
| Solar Panel Type: | Monocrystalline silicon. |
5. ECO-WORTHY: 10 Watt Solar Car Battery Charger & Maintainer
Specs And Key Features:
| Price: | $$. |
| Wattage: | 5/10W. |
| Material: | Metal. |
| Color: | Black. |
| Weight: | 1.46 Pounds. |
| Dimensions: | 14.37 x 1.46 x 9.25 inches. |
| Max Volt: | 12V. |
| Key Features: | Portable and Lightweight. |
| Cable Length: | 4.75Ft. |
6. ALLPOWERS: 100W Charging solar Kits for Car Batteries
With 2 USB ports and a powerful capacity of 100W, this solar panel fits perfectly in any car’s trunk so you have emergency juice on hand for when you need it most. With this handy solar generator setup, you’ll never be on the road without a way to get home again!
Specs And Key Features:
| Price: | $$$. |
| Wattage: | 100W. |
| Voltage: | 18V. |
| Color: | Black. |
| Weight: | 5.29 pounds. |
| Dimensions: | 12 x 7.5 x 3.5 inches |
| Key Features: | Foldable. |
| Solar Panel Type: | Monocrystalline. |
| Water-Proof: | IP65. |
7. Topsolar: 10-Watt Solar Panel Battery Charger
Price: $35.99
Specs And Key Features:
| Price: | $$. |
| Wattage: | 10W. |
| Voltage: | 12V. |
| Color: | Black. |
| Weight: | 0.48 Pounds. |
| Dimensions: | 13.39 X 7.48 inches |
| Warranty: | One year. |
| Weather-resistance: | Yes. |
| Key Feature: | Easy To Carry Around & Durable. |
8. POWOXI: 7.5W Solar Battery Trickle Charger & Maintainer
This waterproof solar battery charger needs no additional maintenance and works well in cold seasons thanks to its lightweight and sturdy ABS frame. The quality of your premium solar battery charger is guaranteed by CE/ROHS certifications.
Specs And Key Features:
| Price: | $$. |
| Wattage: | 3.5/7.5/8W. |
| Voltage: | Plastic. |
| Color: | Black. |
| Weight: | 2.2 pounds. |
| Solar Panel Type: | Monocrystalline silicon. |
| Water-proof: | IP65. |
| Key Feature: | Easy To Use and lightweight. |
9. Suner Power: Solar Car Battery Charger and Maintainer
Specs And Key Features:
| Price: | $$. |
| Wattage: | 2.4/6/8/12/14W. |
| Material: | ABS Plastic. |
| Color: | Black and blue. |
| Weight: | 4.39 pounds. |
| Dimensions: | 13.2 x 10.3 x 0.51 Inches. |
| Voltage: | 12V. |
| Weather-Resistance: | Not Specified. |
| Key Feature: | Easy To Use. |
10. SOLPERK: 50W Solar Battery Charger & Maintainer
Compared with traditional sealed controllers, SOLPERK intelligent controller circuit is more durable and reliable. It automatically checks the voltage of the connected battery and charges it at an appropriate current. With an advanced PWM algorithm, 20% charging efficiency can be achieved without self-discharge to fully protect the batteries from current, short circuits.
Specs And Key Features:
| Price: | $$. |
| Wattage: | 30/50W. |
| Material: | Aluminum. |
| Solar Panel Type: | Monocrystalline Silicon. |
| Weight: | 11.68 pounds. |
| Dimensions: | 21.3 x 21.3 x 4.45 inches. |
| Voltage: | 12V. |
| Weather Resistance: | Yes. |
| Cable Length: | 10Ft. |
How do solar car battery chargers work?
Solar car battery chargers, also known as solar battery maintainers, are an innovative and eco-friendly way to keep your car battery charged and extend its lifespan. These chargers harness the power of the sun to provide a continuous trickle charge to your battery. In this blog post, we will explore how solar car battery chargers work and discuss their benefits.
Solar car battery chargers consist of three main components: the solar panel, the charge controller, and the battery itself. The solar panel is the heart of the charger and is responsible for converting sunlight into electricity. It is usually made up of multiple photovoltaic cells, which generate a direct current (DC) when exposed to sunlight.
The charge controller is an essential component that regulates the flow of electricity from the solar panel to the battery. It ensures that the battery is not overcharged or damaged by controlling the voltage and current. Additionally, some charge controllers have built-in features like reverse polarity protection, short circuit protection, and temperature compensation, which further enhance the safety and effectiveness of the charging process.
The battery is the recipient of the solar energy and stores it for later use. In the case of solar car battery chargers, the battery acts as a buffer, absorbing the excess energy from the solar panel during the day and using it to maintain the charge of the car battery. This mechanism prevents the car battery from being completely drained, especially during periods of inactivity or when exposed to extreme weather conditions.
To charge your car battery using a solar charger, you will need to follow these steps:
1. Choose a suitable location: Place the solar panel in an area that receives direct sunlight for the majority of the day. This could be on the dashboard, roof, or windshield of your car.
2. Connect the solar panel: Attach the solar panel to the charge controller using the provided cables. Make sure to connect the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals correctly.
3. Connect the charge controller to the battery: Connect the charge controller to the car battery using the appropriate cables. Again, ensure that the positive and negative terminals are correctly connected.
4. Monitor the charging process: Once everything is connected, the solar charger will start to generate electricity and charge the car battery. You can monitor the charging progress through the charge controller’s display, if available.
5. Maintain regular usage: It is recommended to use your car regularly while the solar charger is connected. This helps to ensure that the battery remains in good condition and is not completely drained.
6. Take precautions during extreme weather: While solar car battery chargers are designed to be weather-resistant, it is still important to protect the charger and battery during severe storms or extreme temperatures. Consider covering the solar panel or moving it to a safer location if necessary.
How long does it take to charge a car battery with a solar charger?
As environmentally-conscious individuals, many of us strive to incorporate sustainable practices into our daily lives. One way we can contribute to a greener future is by utilizing solar power to charge our car batteries. However, the time it takes to charge a car battery with a solar charger can vary based on several factors.
Firstly, the capacity of the solar charger and the size of the car battery play a significant role in determining the charging time. If you have a larger capacity solar charger, it can generate more power and consequently charge your car battery faster. Similarly, a larger car battery will take longer to charge compared to a smaller one.
Additionally, weather conditions and the amount of sunlight available can impact the charging time. On a sunny day, when the solar charger is exposed to direct sunlight, it will generate more electricity and charge the battery at a faster rate. However, on cloudy or overcast days, the charging process may be slower due to reduced sunlight.
In general, it can take several hours to charge a car battery with a solar charger. On average, a 100-watt solar charger can provide around 4 to 5 amps of current per hour. Considering this, a fully discharged car battery with a capacity of 40 amp-hours would require approximately 8 to 10 hours of charging time to reach full capacity. However, it is important to note that these numbers are approximate and can vary depending on the factors mentioned earlier.
To maximize the efficiency of charging your car battery with a solar charger, there are a few additional tips you can follow:
1. Position the solar panel correctly: To ensure maximum sunlight exposure, position the solar panel in a location where it can receive direct sunlight for the majority of the day. Avoid placing it in shaded areas or under coverings that may block the sunlight.
2. Clean the solar panel regularly: Dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate on the surface of the solar panel, reducing its efficiency. Clean the panel regularly with a soft cloth and mild detergent to keep it free from dirt.
3. Use a solar charge controller: A solar charge controller helps regulate the flow of electricity from the solar panel to the battery, preventing overcharging or overheating. This can help protect your car battery and prolong its lifespan.
4. Monitor the charging process: Keep an eye on the charging progress to ensure that the battery is not overcharged or undercharged. Many solar chargers come with built-in indicators or meters that display the charging status.
5. Avoid fully draining the car battery: It is recommended to avoid completely draining your car battery before recharging it with a solar charger. Regularly recharging the battery when it is in a partially discharged state helps maintain its overall health and performance. Consider using a battery maintainer to keep the battery topped up even when the solar charger is not in use.
6. Take precautions during extreme weather: While solar car battery chargers are designed to be weather-resistant, it is still important to protect the charger and battery from extreme weather conditions. In particularly hot weather, it is advisable to provide some shade for the charger to prevent overheating. Similarly, in cold weather, you may want to insulate the battery to maintain its performance.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your car battery is efficiently charged using a solar charger while also prolonging its lifespan. Additionally, using a solar charger is not only eco-friendly but also cost-effective, as it harnesses the power of the sun, a renewable energy source.
Features of The Solar Car Battery Charger
1. Prevent Overcharge or Discharge of Your Battery
Any solar car charger worth its salt should come with a mechanism to prevent your battery from overcharging or discharging. Some have a regulator that prevents overcharging. For other brands, you have to set the current that you want to flow into your battery.
2. Ample-sized wires and connectors
You might find yourself in a situation where you need to move the solar panel of your charger a long distance. A charger that comes with long wires and connectors is ideal for such situations. The long wires will enable you to place the panels in the optimum position.
3. High Powered chargers
There are solar power panels that have a high resolution and can convert light to power even in an overcast sky. Ideally, all solar panels can do so, but their power output is greatly reduced. You should buy solar battery chargers that are designed to work in low-light situations.
Benefits of The Solar Car Battery Charger
One of the greatest advantages of the solar car battery charger is its portability. You practically move with it wherever you go and can charge your car battery on the move. Another advantage is that the charger does not require an external source of energy, unlike the electric charger. This makes it cheaper since you do not incur additional electricity costs.
With proper usage and maintenance, the charger is guaranteed to give you service for a long period. Since you can use the cigarette port to charge your battery, you need not worry about fixing the alligator clips to the battery terminals- just plug the charger in ad off you go!
Conclusion
The portable solar car battery charger is not only effective, but they are also efficient. With the ease of portability and use, it makes sense to grab one for yourself. With a solar car battery charger, you no longer have to worry about your car not starting due to a low battery.
