Solar Trickle Charger

[3RRL]

This picture shows the connections directly to the battery. I have avoided wiring it through any other electrical circuits in case there happens to be a short, loose connection or broken fuse I'm not aware of. The Radio Shack 12v plug has a fuse on the hot wire that comes with it.

 

[3RRL]

I also mounted one of the Radio Shack plugs on my ATV. This one was a lot easier to do because I did not have to attach the little dash mount provided. I drilled a Ø1-3/32" hole in the rear fender to snap the socket into and wired it up to the battery in the same fashion as on the tractor.

 

[3RRL]

The last thing to do was to mount the Harbor Freight solar panels so they are facing South. All I have are some canopies so I had to make a little wooden bracket to hold up the solar panels in the right position.

 

[3RRL]

This picture shows the solar panel frame being tied onto the canopy. Looks kinda like a small radar or something. By the way, Harbor Freight recommends that you put RTV Silicon sealer all around the frame and panel if your going to mount it outside. This sounds silly because where else would you mount it?... But when I unpacked the solar panel in my garage at home, the led indicator on the plug started blinking just from the flourescent lighting!

 

[3RRL]

Please forgive the long post here, but I wanted to let you know (you guys who gave me information), that I used your advice and got the stuff done. Over all, it was very easy to install. It was a fun project even though it poured the night before and in the morning when I was doing this. (see pic) Last one for now.
Thanks,

 

[NY_Yankees_Fan]

Rob,

Looks great!

I did the project last week. I mounted the solar collector inside of the shed window. It faces East, but the red light blinks so I assume it is getting enough light to work. I mounted the socket on the BX below the key to start the tractor. Wired it direct to the battery since it was within 12" of the switch. Nice project and I am sure the battery will be nice and strong when I go to start the tractor.

 

[3RRL]

Tom,
Looks like we are on the same page now.

I hope to find a fully charged tractor and ATV when I go up for the New Year.
Have a great Christmas and New Year too.

 

[3RRL]

One last post here.
It's a picture of the Harbor Freight solar panel and the Radio Shack 12V plug adaptor. Thought you may want to see what they looked like in case you're interested in the set up.
Notice the blue RTV silicon sealer around the perimeter of the panel and plastic frame.

 

[Buckeye_Jim]

Just wanted to point out that this design does not seem to include a charge controller. Because the open circuit voltage of the panel is about 18 to 20 volts, it is possible to overcharge the battery.

In 3RRL pictures, it seems that the panel was pointing into the trees, with the self discharge of the battery and the small size of the collector, you may not be overcharging. Only way to know is to check it with a voltmeter in the late afternoon. Reading should be less than 13.8 Volts.

For others, a charge controller such as the 5310 from
http://www.highsierraelectronics.com/highsierraelectronics/hse/spec%5Fsheets%5Fpdf/model%5F5310.pdf
would be insurance against damaging your battery.

Jim

 

[IslandTractor]

I is almost impossible to overcharge a tractor or car battery with one of these little photovoltaic panels. They just don't put out enough juice, even at noon, to overcharge these batterys. Adding controller electronics just adds cost.