28-08-2021, 08:39 AM
I use several 3W to 5W panels for keeping batteries on my vehicles topped up when not in use. None of the vehicles have clocks or anything else which would drain the battery but I do generally disconnect the batteries to reduce the chance of fire caused by mechanical dynamo cut-outs failing. The panels are connected directly to the batteries by croc clips and a long lead where the panels are on a bracket on a south facing wall or sometimes just lying on a brick on the ground. No charge controllers are used as the out put from the panels is so low My forklift, which lives outside has a panel on the engine cover and I just disconnect the croc clips before using it. The forklift only has occasional use and does not have a working dynamo so in the winter does get an occasional boost charge. I do have to change the blocking diodes every year or so as, due to damp, the leads corrode.
Rod
Rod
