Anyone install solar trickle charger permanently?

[kerlysboordank76]

I didn't use a trickle charger, and mine is isolated from the car electrical system. I posted about it in this thread.

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I have it permanently mounted to my hard bed cover, which still folds up without any touching/interference from the solar panel. As mentioned earlier in this thread, having the solar panel behind glass (inside the windshield for example) really killed the power it produced. On sunny days I seem to get better than 10W per hour average over the day (lower in the morning/evening due to angle, closer to 15-20W when overhead). As described in the other thread, this is running to a power station (this one). It was cheap (I got it on sale) and has worked fine, but If I was to do it again I'd probably spend the extra and get a ECOFLOW. I think the added features would be worth it in the long run. All in all, the solar works well and I am happy to have the solar and power station isolated from the car electrical (no chance of running down my trucks battery). With the power station able to take the solar input, there is no need for a solar charge controller (the power station handles it). Since it also outputs 12V DC gold teeth that can be directly used for the dash cam, its a pretty easy solution all around. Much easier than what I was first thinking with batteries and a charge controller. Its also nice having the power station available for other uses if needed.

In hot countries, it's common to use funky, stylish covers for your windshield during the summer when parked to block the sun. I thought it would be cool to take that idea further by incorporating solar panels into the cover.

 

[RetiredWithDogs]

In hot countries, it's common to use funky, stylish covers for your windshield during the summer when parked to block the sun. I thought it would be cool to take that idea further by incorporating solar panels into the cover.

How would you store the power? I like the idea but in Australia (like you) I'm adverse to puting a rechargeable battery in the car. I suppose if the solar panel topped up the car's battery and have more energy than the camera over 24hrs it would work ... but then would it need to be turned off when parking under cover?

 

[mentadent]

LiFePO4 battery technology can do -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F), it's not like the traditional lithium batteries with the fires you hear about.

 

[RetiredWithDogs]

LiFePO4 battery technology can do -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F), it's not like the traditional lithium batteries with the fires you hear about.

Good point. One would want to be careful with the actual technology and those batteries are much safer. Not sure if a battery rated for 60°C would last too long as in Australia as a car interior can easily get to 70°C on a mild summer day when parked in the Sun. I do not know how hot it could get in northern Australia on a 45°C day, although I do know the seats sting like hell 😎.