Jump to content
Ford Transit Connect Forum
   

solar battery chargers


Gideon
 Share

Recommended Posts

I plan to install 3 small solar chargers - 1 at each rear side window and 1 [bit bigger] on the dash.

Will these cause any problems??   They all have built-in 'blocking diodes'.  That should cover most sun angles.

Want to use these as I don't like all the 'stuff' that keeps going after taking the key out of ignition.

My TC is always outdoors (no garage) and our Cdn winter will be coming.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

   

Do you plan on installing anything aftermarket with parasitic electrical draw?  Typically, with regular driving, the vehicle should be just fine with starting.  I can't think of anything that would stay on long enough to drain the battery overnight.  I have not heard of any cold start conditions which have left vehicle owners stranded in the morning. 

 

In consideration of installing solar panels.....well.....seriously consider the specs on whichever system you will use to convert the electricity and what it will feed back into your vehicle's 12V system.  Assuming that you will drive during the day, your alternator will produce way more electricity than the solar panels will supply.  And if your electrical demands are such that the alternator is not enough; solar panels will not solve your problems.  While you are parked overnight, the solar panels will do nothing.  There is no sun. If you are dead set on using solar, then mounting much larger panels onto your roof would be better than trying to mount little panels in your windows.  

 

Block heater is not an option for you, since you are parking outside, presumably out of range of an electrical outlet.  If possible, replace the OEM battery with something aftermarket more suited to your conditions.  Look for a battery with more Cold Cranking Amps.  Or maybe get one of those lithium jump starters.  

 

If you do start looking for batteries, the OEM battery is a BCI Group 40R.

 

2063302313_motorcraftbatteryspecs.thumb.jpg.06fd7ddf7b86fcff9a1d626053daa6cd.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the info.

The small solar panels are 'battery maintainers' not chargers - which I already had for quite a while.  Just a precaution as most of my driving is short trips.  Have a homemade "trickle" charger [used often in the past] and couple of good battery chargers.  Just not familiar with all the 'delayed' electronics and being cautious. 

 

With the help & info from this forum {very appreciated}, I intend to verify what items are always 'on' and what is switched.  That will allow me to use accessories correctly & safely.

 

The van has factory Block Heater.   I've often used the block heater on my old car in winter - parked in driveway but no shelter from weather.  Also, on past cars, have PARTIALLY  'blocked' front of radiator during the winter to allow car to warm to (& keep) operating temp faster.  Here in eastern Canada our winters get quite cold

Edited by Gideon
add more info
Link to comment
Share on other sites

20 hours ago, Gideon said:

 

Want to use these as I don't like all the 'stuff' that keeps going after taking the key out of ignition.

There is a thread on the forum about turning everything off when the door is shut and the ignition is off.  Its called Dark Mode and requires reprogramming of an ECM.  You may want to look at doing that since you mentioned that in your post.  Let us know if you install the panels. ☺️ 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Problem with the rooftop panels [which I would love to have!] is that prices here in Canada are considerably higher than in the USA, even accounting for exchange rates !!  This applies to almost everything.

And, FIFTY 150, our Ontario/Quebec (& the rest of Canada - except Vancouver Island) get severe winter weather, as new-england states and much of northern mainland US.  That puts a damper on "cost-effectiveness" of solar panels.

Edited by Gideon
add info
Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, Gideon said:

 

 

That puts a damper on "cost-effectiveness" of solar panels.

 

 

Solar technology is less effective than a lot of people think it is.  And as far as being environmental, nobody factors in the environmental footprint of a solar panel, from initial production to final user.  Think about what a solar panel actually generates in kilowatts of electricity.  Now factor in what your actual electrical demand is.  I have heard that 1 solar panel could take up to 4 days, to produce the electricity needed to charge an electric car for 14 hours, so that it could drive up to 90 minutes.  Makes me wonder if it would be more effective to mount a windmill on your car, so that it turns the blades as you're driving forward.  Just don't go into reverse.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

×
×
  • Create New...