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View Full Version : Do solar powered trickle chargers work???

svrash
13-03-06, 02:19 AM
My idea is to make or modify a seat hump integrating a solar powered trickle charger connected via my cigarette lighter socket on my bike 8) 8)

But before i buy a solar powered charger.....do they actually do the job?
22
13-03-06, 07:20 AM
:lol: :lol: :lol: maybe where the sun shines.
Diveboy
13-03-06, 09:30 AM
Sounds like a good idea but I can safely say I would not have had a charge this weekend.

If you do it make some instructions and post them on here.
chazzyb
13-03-06, 10:00 AM
Not if you keep the bike in the garage. :roll:
Diveboy
13-03-06, 10:20 AM
Not if you keep the bike in the garage. :roll:

My garage has a window. How posh am I? :?
mysteryjimbo
13-03-06, 10:24 AM
Not a bad idea if you leave the bike outside (or anywhere in sunlight)

Pretty pointless if you've got the bike out for a ride as you should be charging the battery anyway.

My solution is just to ride it more! :thumbsup:
Grinch
13-03-06, 10:50 AM
I leave my bike outside... but its got a cover so that won't help. Plus there is never more then 2 days when its not ridden, so it should never need charging unless the batteries stuffed.
Warren
13-03-06, 01:44 PM
got news for you.


THIS IS ENGLAND
northwind
13-03-06, 10:05 PM
Not here it's not :wink: If they design one that converts the impct of raindrops into electricity, I'll have 2.

I remember seing one of these on tomorrow's world... The panel was rollable (or foldable) and pretty easily transported. Judith Chalmers seemed very impressed that it could charge a typical car battey in just 72 hours. But if they're compact, and reasonably efficient, then it could be a very handy thing to have if you manage to flatten your battery while away from hoime, or you have an alarm. Remember that solar panels don't need direct sunlight.
scWirral
13-03-06, 11:42 PM
If the bike is spending any serious amound of time in the garage (eg the entire winter) then I would put the solar panel in the window and run a heavyish wire to the bike. While the bike is outdoors, surely it will be being ridden enough to keep the battery in a good state of charge?

I fitted a cheapy panel to my pals sailing boat a couple of years ago. Panel was about 24"x12" and in the course of a week it would bet enough charge to run two way radio, fish finder and more for a days sailing, pretty much all summer whatever the weather.