Trickle charger, solar cell

g ostby · Oct 8, 2022

YTers: Got one today to use on my 12 volt Ford 3000.It's 90 miles from home but I'll use the tractor about 1-2X a month during winter. I have a well insulated garage for the tractor. Would I install this solar cell inside the window or outside? Thanks, Gary

Steve@Advance · Oct 8, 2022

I put a small one in the south window for the riding mower.

Works great!

kcm.MN · Oct 8, 2022

I would tend to suggest inside, because your entire solar cell would be out of the elements and protected. It would likely get a little more light if positioned correctly outside, but the benefits of protection (for me) outweigh the benefits of maximum capacity. Just be sure to clean the window when needed, inside and out.

Geo-TH,In · Oct 9, 2022

Would I install this solar cell inside the window or outside?
Outside. Windows reflect some light energy and some windows are Low E windows. Both will block solar energy.

It's your money, it's your decision to buy a solar charger.

If you have access to 120vac spend your money on a good charger.

Last fall I forgot to remove the battery from the dump trailer.
I put the battery inside a heated garage and smart chargers couldn't get the voltage over 12.2v before shutting off.
After repairing my 50 year old manual charger, the battery now maintains 12.7v.

My point, a good charger outweighs any solar trickle smart charger.

My friend gave me an old solar fence charger. The battery was bad.
The solar panel was old, gray looking, and would only produce 11.2 volts. Worthless solar. Solar panels have a lifespan.

I won't spend a penny on solar.

Stroby · Oct 9, 2022

Outside. I have used small solar chargers for years, they work great.

Russ from MN · Oct 9, 2022

Inside, as long as the whole panel receives sunlight.

grandpa Love · Oct 9, 2022

Hang it outside, under the eaves, if possible. The window could actually make the panel get too hot, my dad has used a solar maintainer for several years, does fine. .... We don't get snow to cover the panel, but it's still under the overhang of the roof.

JK-NY · Oct 9, 2022

I use one inside a south facing window to keep my jumper packs charged . Ir seems to work fine inside. I do agree that window glass could possibly affect the output, low-e glass even more so.

Hay hay hay · Oct 9, 2022

It depends on the charger. Some are waterproof...some are not. Read the label.

g ostby · Oct 9, 2022

YTers: Thanks for the replies. I think I'll try the inside model first. I'm out in the woods so don't have 120 volts, just candles and an outhouse. Thanks again. Gary

Hobo,NC · Oct 9, 2022

I would add a battery disconnect. A many 3000 has burn up from a short in the positive battery cable because of a rub threw on the tin are rubbing on the fuel tank. I would take care of that issue also.

Trickle charger, solar cell

g ostby

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Steve@Advance

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kcm.MN

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Geo-TH,In

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Stroby

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Russ from MN

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grandpa Love

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JK-NY

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Hay hay hay

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g ostby

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Hobo,NC

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