Sometimes your car doesn’t start or you find a drained car battery and you have to face the stressful situation in winter morning. If you are worried about charging your car for those bad situations then think about a solar car battery charger which is extremely easy to use and can keep your car always topped up.
A solar car battery charger obtains energy from the sun, so there is no extra cost. This portable charger works in a cloudy environment. Even it can give you mental peace that it doesn’t pollute the environment. You don’t need to think about your car charge if you go for a long trip and no need to look for an electrical outlet nearby, the portable and effective charger always keeps your car juiced up. As long as you are getting a blocking diode that can protect your battery from potential damage. They are trickle chargers. They save money and the environment.
How Solar Battery Charger work
Solar is renewable energy, this technology is introducing us to solar battery chargers. It can utilize many devices using the energy of the sun. The electricity is used to charge a battery of all-electric devices. Without a battery, the device is not able to expel electricity directly. Solar cells generate electricity and store it in the battery.
A solar battery charger works by the solar photovoltaic system. The solar cell absorbs the sunlight. Photons of sunlight excite the electron and the silicon creates electric field. This electron can pass to a solar battery charger. This battery will store electricity and you can charge the device which is compatible.
Advantages of Using Solar Car Battery Charger
Solar car battery chargers have some effective and potential benefits. We will be looking at some benefits of it in the following:
- Works in Cloudy Weather : This is pretty clever pieces of equipment, most of solar car battery charger works in cloudy weather, though it produces low amount of power in cloudy days. During the winter or lower light condition charge time will be longer.
- Easy to Use : The solar car battery charger is very simple and easy to use. You don’t need to take any big step for this equipment. Those are lightweight and easy to install. It doesn’t need any electrical outlet, don’t need to figure out voltage, Just need to plug into a socket. You don’t need lots of equipment, it is totally safe because the charger doesn’t have so much power.
- Portable : Solar car battery charger is portable and helpful for bad situation. People like this charger because of its portability, you can move it wherever you want. Anyone can use it without any hassle and you no longer have to worry to carry it.
- Money Savings : Some of charger is bit expensive but maximum of solar car battery charger are cheap to buy. You will be happy to know that there is no any other bill like electric bill. It helps you keep to save some money.
- Eco- Friendly Charger : As we know that solar charger is eco-friendly, the electricity from sun is clean and renewable, which can charge your car battery without polluting environment.
The 10 Best Solar Car Battery Charger
There is the 10 Best Solar Car Battery Charger listed below which ensures you find a good one without any hassle.
1. ECO-WORTHY 12 Volts 10 Watts Portable Power Backup Solar Trickle Charger
If you are looking for a portable solar panel you can choose this product, this 10W 12V Solar Car Charger is the perfect solution for charging motorcycles, automobiles, snowmobiles, tractors etc. It has environmental protection and energy saving. It is a built-in blocking diode to prevent reverse discharge. This solar power panel on your windshield with the suction cups or fix it on the sun visor with the back strips.
It is very easy to use, easy to install with easy maintenance. The solar panel is suitable for vehicles in outdoor work or travel or camping training because of its lightweight. It can be used as a trickle charger, you will like this shockproof, rust-proof, and dustproof power solar panel.
PROS
- Perfect solution for charging motorcycles, automobiles, snowmobiles, tractors etc.
- Environmental protection and energy saving
- Suitable for vehicles in outdoor work or travel
- Light weight, easy to install and completely maintenance
- Shockproof, rust-proof and dustproof
- Can be used for trickle charger
CONS
- Difficult to find out suitable parts
- lighter LED might not work sometimes
2. POWOXI 7.5W Portable Waterproof Solar Panel Trickle Charging Kit
The solar charger absorbs strong sunlight and converts it into 12 volt DC current to charge the battery. Its single crystal silicon panel works all day. This solar charger neither damage the battery nor overcharge. Because it uses a built-in barrier diode to prevent reverse discharge.
This Solar charger covers super high-efficiency PV glass, which is high transparency, low iron tempered glass, strong impact resistance, and long service life. It’s a Plug N Play type solar charger that doesn’t need any extra maintenance. It’s an energy-saving and eco-friendly product. That’s why can be used for any car, motorcycle, boat, marine, tractor, RV, Power sports, snowmobile, truck, etc.
The solar battery charger can help also if your vehicles are only occasionally used. It prevents the battery from being dead when you want to use it. It’s designed to fully charge a battery and maintain it at a proper storage voltage with free energy source the sunlight.
PROS
- Ultra-high Conversion; 20% conversion rate
- single crystal silicon panel
- Reverse Protection
- More durable with high transparency, low iron tempered glass
- It’s easy to use, just plug and play
- 12-month warranty & life-long technical support
CONS
- This solar panel becomes very hot to touch
- Plastic frame is not durable; it can be damaged due to high hit.
3. SUNER POWER 12V Solar Car Battery Charger & Maintainer
This solar panel is Equipped with amorphous solar cell which works great even in cloudy weather conditions, the charger generates electricity current to trickle charge the battery. The product is a solar-powered battery charger and maintainer, safely charges and maintains Wet, Gel, SLA, AGM and Deep Cycle batteries, etc. Also, perfect for any car, motorcycle, boat, marine, tractor, RV, Power sports, snowmobile, truck, etc.
The solar charger will not damage or overcharge your battery, similarly, built-in blocking diode prevents reverse discharge. It is well built, it is covered with premium strong solar glass which could stand high loads, as well as a durable upgraded ABS frame.
The kit is really easy to install even for those who have no professional knowledge, just need to plug and play. There is no additional maintenance to the kit, no electricity cost, totally user and environment-friendly.
PROS
- 4 suction cups for easy mounting
- Low maintenance, portable and light weight
- Covered with tempered solar glasses, high light transmittance, stand high loads
- Upgraded abs frame, stronger and more durable, built for years.
- quick and easy to connect and disconnect, plug and play
- Built-in diode to prevent reverse charging
- High efficient crystalline solar panel
CONS
- Does not charge huge
- Doesn’t work better in less sunlight
4. ALLPOWERS 18V And 5 Watts Portable Solar Panel Solar Car Battery Charger
ALLPOWERS trickle battery charger is great to use. It can charge 12V batteries with the power of the sun and create 5 watts of energy. The Mono-crystalline silicon panel works in all daylight conditions and is weatherproof.
It works with automotive, motorcycle, tractor, boat batteries, car battery and more. It is a built-in blocking diode to prevent reverse discharge. This package includes the car battery charger, cigarette lighter plug, clip line, suction cups, and instruction manual. You are getting 18-month warranty with friendly customer service.
It is so easy to use Just plug this solar charger into your vehicle’s 12-volt lighter socket and position the panel to pick up the most daylight possible. Or, if you prefer, use the included alligator clips to connect it directly to the battery.
PROS
- Mono-crystalline silicon panel works
- Built-in blocking diode to prevent reverse discharge
- Package includes; car battery charger, cigarette lighter plug, clip line, suction cups, instruction manual
- 18-month warranty
- Extending its usage life of battery
- easy to install and completely maintenance-free
CONS
- light stayed on all the time
- Fabric covering around the panel, can be destroyed with high hit.
5. Sunway Solar Car Battery Trickle Charger & Maintainer 12V Solar Panel Power Kit
You will be excited to get this simple and user-friendly trickle charger, it is designed to compensate for small, steady battery drains from the vehicle’s clock or alarm system. It is super easy to use, the charger will not overcharge the battery or cause any damage if the battery capacity is 20Ah or greater. The solar charger panel mounts easily to the windshield or dash and conveniently plugs into your car’s 12-volt cigarette lighter.
Suction cups are available with the solar charger. 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.
This solar battery trickle charger is the eco-friendly way to maintain and safely charge Wet, Gel, SLA, AGM, and Deep Cycle batteries. It can maintain the charge of any cars, trucks, marines, motorcycles, tractors, ATVs, snowmobiles, boats, and personal watercraft or RV 12-volt battery.
PROS
- Keep your battery topped up with solar power
- Quickly connects and disconnects to the battery
- Crystalline solar panel, higher efficiency
- Splashing proof design
- Durable ABS Plastic and solar glass
- Conveniently comes with battery clamp and cigarette light plug
- Maintenance free, lightweight compact design
- Interchangeable connectors: accessory socket plug and crocodile clips
CONS
- Not durable
- Need direct sunlight but sometimes it is not possible
6. SUAOKI 12V And 18W Portable and Waterproof Solar Car Battery Charger
You might be happy to buy this solar car battery charger, It’s designed to fully charge a battery and maintain it at a proper storage voltage with free energy source – the sunlight. It’s made of water-resistant and heat-resistant material, which provides you with reliable long-term use.
It is made of premium quality solar panels with high solar cell efficiency of 22.5%; 18W output works better than 4.5W, 7W of other similar products. It contains built-in blocking diode, that prevents your batteries from discharging backward through your solar panels at night when the charger’s voltage is lower.
This solar battery charger is essential if you have seasonal vehicles that sit for months without being used. With this unit, your vehicle’s battery will still be as fresh as the day you left it. You don’t need to open the car hood, you can charge the car battery directly using a cigarette lighter plug.
PROS
- perfect for maintaining batteries of automobile, motorcycle, tractors or snowmobile
- Made of premium quality solar panel
- Featuring built-in blocking diode
- Water resistant and heat resistant material
- charge the car battery directly using cigarette lighter plug
- Portable, flexible and durable
CONS
- Cigarette adapter does not fit into the socket
- Sometimes sparks when connecting to car battery
7. Battery Tender 12V, 270mA, 5W Solar Battery Charger
You can choose this pretty solar battery charger. This 5-Watt Solar Panel with a built-in Battery Tender 3-step automatic microprocessor controller ensures that your battery is not damaged by overcharging. This battery maintainer is completely portable and maintenance. Perfect for storage space without power access because power is not always easily accessible. It will charge your battery anywhere the sun shines with a solar tender.
It is great for outdoor use with trickle charger, it is built-in temperature compensation sensor, and you don’t think too much because of its The Battery Tender Solar chargers are water-resistant in design. The controller is epoxy-filled and is protected against all weather conditions.
PROS
- Reverse polarity protection
- built in temperature compensation sensor
- Great for outdoor use
- trickle charging
- perfect for storage space without power access
- Included: Alligator Clips and mounting hardware
CONS
- Plastic frame is not durable
- Not very good in cloudy place
8. Schumacher SP-200 2.4W 12V Solar Battery Maintainer
Harness the power of the sun with the Schumacher SP-200 2.4W 12V Solar Battery Maintainer. Trickle charge your 12V battery and extend battery life, no electricity needed. The water-resistant solar panel utilizes amorphous solar technology. It even works in cloudy conditions. This unit is environmentally safe and requires minimal maintenance. It is ideal for boats, cars, motorcycles, snowmobiles, trucks, RVs, and more. It comes with the adapter for a 12V cigarette lighter and battery clamps, the controller is separate.
PROS
- Maintains 12V lead-acid batteries with 2.4W
- Works in cloudy conditions
- Water-resistant
- Extends battery life
- Ideal for boats, cars, motorcycles, snowmobiles, trucks, RVs and more
CONS
- You should be aware of battery drainer
- Less output in cloudy weather
9. BLSOLAR2 2.5 Watt Solar Battery Charger and Maintainer by NOCO
The Solar Battery Charger and Maintainer is a 2. 5 Watt ultra-low profile thin film. It is best for maintaining 12 Volt batteries found on your motorcycle, ATV, boat, RV, tractor, lawnmower, or snowmobile. It is Suitable for maintaining all types of lead-acid batteries, such as Wet, Gel, MF, and AGM. The Solar Battery Charger and Maintainer are completely weatherproof and can be used outdoors. This battery charger Provides up to 180 milliamperes (.18 Ampere) charging current and protects against accidental reverse battery drain. Its thin-film technology allows for optimal performance in low-light, cloudy and overcast conditions. The panel are designed for outdoor uses, its durability allows for longer product life and keeping your battery alive too.
PROS
- Protects the battery from accidental back current drain at night
- Works well in low-light, cloudy, and overcast conditions
- Its durability allows for a longer product life
- Weather resistant and great for outdoor use
- Ultra-low-profile 2.5W solar charge
- maintains Wet, Gel, MF, EFB and AGM batteries
CONS
- The LED indicator of cigarette lighter plug might not work
- The size is a bit bigger
- The reverse current protection might not work always
10. TWELSEAVAN 30 Watt Flexible Solar Panel
The product is designed to provide free electricity supply for charging your car battery or other 12V battery, perfect solution for charging the batteries of automobiles, motorcycles, snowmobiles, boats, or even tractors when the battery is power shortage.
It is made of Industrial-strength PET and polycrystalline solar cells, this unit charges in all daylight conditions, even on cloudy days. This panel is constructed with a built-in blocking diode to prevent reverse discharge at night. You can easily carry and move because it is lightweight, also you will be happy, and it has easy operation.
This panel is suitable for 12 Volts lead-acid batteries, car batteries, car, RV, boat, emergency lights, advertising lights, home lights, solar water pumps, solar street lights, small solar systems, etc.
PROS
- Lightweight, easy to position, long charging cable
- Battery always works, No leaking of power
- charges 12 volt deep cell batteries very well
- Even works perfectly during calamities like hurricane and storms
- Its Blocking-Diode technology prevents reverse discharge at night
CONS
- Takes a bit much time to charge fully
What to Consider Before Buying Solar Car Battery Charger
Using solar battery chargers is increasing day by day because it is so cost-effective and environmentally friendly. There are lots of solar car battery charger models on the market. You should consider some factors, those are essential to check.
Power
You should check the power, higher power is very fast, and it is able to charge very quickly. You have to keep in mind that it has limited overcharge protection. High-quality chargers are able to place sufficient power. If you don’t want to take any pressure or overcharge then try to choose a lower power battery charger.
Reserve Charging Blocking Diode
This feature is useful and a basic charger, make sure your charger features a reserve charging blocking decode, it helps to prevent stored energy when the battery leaked out and it is not allowing to supply at night otherwise solar panels absorb electricity from the battery at night.
Efficiency
If a large amount of light energy will be transferred into a battery charger then we can say that a solar charger is more efficient. You must need an efficient solar charger, especially for bad weather, if you are in a cloudy place or winter season where less sunlight. An efficient solar charger can help you whatever is the light energy.
Size
Size also matters a lot, because it needs to place it. The solar battery charger has not had so much equipment, the battery charger should be lightweight. Generally, it is wide and tall. Keep in mind that it requires enough surface and sometimes it needs to fit in your car.
Connection and Cables
Don’t choose any low-grade model like the charger only has a 12-volt connector. Make sure the device you want give charge it should have a long cord so that it can be charged from the car.
Price
Bear in mind about the price. It should be inexpensive and durable. It can be a useful investment if it works properly. Usually, the range is from 20$ to 100$, Price depends on features, quality, and durability. You should pay attention to the price with quality, you will be frustrated when you will get a fragile battery panel with high price, also check the warranty to save money.
FAQ
How long does it take a solar panel to charge a car battery?
The charging time totally depends on the size. In most cases for producing 1 amp current, it takes around 6 to 8 hours. You should keep the panel where it is directly connected with the sun to maximize the charge time. It also depends on how much sunlight you are getting per day, even the location, weather, and temperature.
Are solar chargers worth it?
The solar charger is surprisingly cheap. The too cheap charger uses bulky components, the battery capacity is too low. For a decent solar charger, the price will be a bit higher. Basically more expensive charger plays better performance. Make sure about durability then you don’t need to invest money after somedays.
Can a solar charger overcharge a battery?
You don’t expect overcharge protection from solar charge batteries, it has limited overcharge protection. You may take the help of the charge controller, just simply connect with the solar charger. It can monitors the voltage of the battery. The battery will not go above the target.
Will a 5 watt solar panel charge a car battery?
Yes, it is possible to charge a car battery with the 5-watt solar panel charger. 5-watt solar charger is convenient to use, you can carry it easily, allow you to charge the car battery anywhere.
What size solar panel do I need to charge a 12v battery?
You should select battery as Volt like the 12-volt battery needs a solar panel which can produce 12 Volt. Typically to use a 12v battery you need to use a 12 v solar panel charger. The solar panel charger standard size will be 65 inches by 39 inches for regular purposes.
What size solar charger do I need?
It depends on that where are you living and the temperature of that area. If you live in an area that has enough sunlight you will get a more powerful charger whatever the size is. You don’t need any giant size solar for regular use.
How long should I charge a car battery with a solar charger?
Your battery can be damaged if it is given too much charge. The charging time depends on the battery capacity, strength of the charger, it should be overcharge protection. Generally, it takes few hours to charge, consider that model which will show indicators.
What is reverse discharge protection and how does it work? Is it necessary?
A good battery includes over-discharge protection, it is a key to a solar charger. It is one kind of precaution. The battery should be designed to protect a battery from overcharge by using a blocking diode.
In the time of battery charging the voltage can be increased in the terminal process when the voltage reaches the highest value, it starts discharging, when the terminal voltage reaches below and the battery starts spoiling. Discharge protection can monitor the charging level, it will not go above the target voltage, it ensures the highest safety of the battery, and will be stress-free.
How do I connect the panel to my car?
You can do it via the cigarette lighter. You need to gather all of the equipment for installation. Attach magnet of solar panel’s back, connect a battery with car’s door, the wire is attached with solar panel, plug it and it is ready to get power. You can also use alligator clips to attach the car.
What is trickle charge and why is it useful?
Trickle charge means the very last step of the charging process. It is designed with full capacity. It ensures the safety and high performance. Trickle charge allows the charger to keep charging even the battery is fully charged. Trickle charge can improve the battery life and capacity, without trickle charge, the battery is nothing.
Can I use this solar panel with any other devices?
The power is unlimited, you can do charge other devices with solar panels. You don’t need to pay more or don’t need anything. You have to check the compatibility.
Closing Thoughts
Solar car charger is really effective and eco-friendly. It’s reliable in every way. The plug n play system is flexible to use and maintain the battery charge on the go. As it is an Electronic device, proper maintenance could make it last longer. If you try to use it in a simple and minimal way it would serve you a long time.
We have given some models details based on a good performance. You can choose any of them by considering, function, materials, quality, and price. Try to be logical when you will choose the solar car battery charger. You should be check reverse charging protection. We hope you get a total overview of the solar car charger batteries.