Solar battery chargers help keep the battery from dying while it’s stored. They’re not only for eco-friendly customers who want to minimize their carbon footprint but also for everyone who needs a superior battery charger that doesn’t break the bank.
With that said, not many people know how a 12V solar car battery charger works, mostly because it’s a fairly new form of technology.
Generally, a solar battery charger collects the energy of the sun and converts it to DC electricity using a photovoltaic array. This electricity is used to power your battery, and it flows through a dedicated controller to recharge the battery as required.
Thanks to the growing popularity of solar energy, new 12V solar car battery chargers are added to the market all the time, and this can make it incredibly difficult and daunting for anyone to select a product that suits their needs.
Luckily for you, we’ve prepared a handy guide with useful tips to help make your shopping decisions for solar chargers even easier.
How Do Solar Car Battery Chargers Work?
The solar panel for charging the car battery is a basic idea, although the specifics are, of course, more complicated.
Basically, the solar panel is designed with a car battery in mind and has the proper connectors to be used for this purpose. The solar panel itself uses photovoltaic cells – solar cells – to absorb light from the sun and transform it to DC or energy that your car’s battery can use to charge.
They are most easily used in direct sunlight, although low light and cloudy conditions also give rise to some charge. Solar car battery chargers have solar panels on the face that allow you to simply place the panel near the window or in the dashboard to pull the sunlight out during the day.
Some chargers are connected directly to the battery, while others are powered by a cigarette lighter or a power socket in the vehicle.
Benefits of a Solar Car Battery Charger
Now you might suggest owning a solar car battery charger for your own car. It would have been the right decision. Now to help you make up your mind, here are some of the advantages a 12-volt solar charger has to offer.
Eco-friendly
Let’s start with the fact that a 12v solar car battery charger is the most environmentally friendly way to keep your battery running. This portable system uses energy from the sun to recharge your battery.
Now, not only is this good for the atmosphere but ultimately it’s good for you, particularly when you’re on a trip or outdoors without any other electrical source. You can do away with your worries about coping with a dead battery on your tour.
Portable and Lightweight for Fast Transportation
As reported, you don’t have to worry about a dead battery on a flight. Solar chargers typically have a compact and lightweight design that allows you to carry and carry this charger easily any time you go on trips or camps.
Simple To Use and Update
What makes the 12v solar car battery charger more attractive is its ease of operation and installation. Conveniently compact, you can mount this charger on your windshield or dashboard. Usually, they come with suction cups for fast mounting. The plug and play design of solar car battery chargers also makes life simpler in general. It’s all plain and easy to find out.
Reverse Charge Defence
Solar car battery chargers have an integrated diode blocker. They will supply your batteries with just the energy you need without overcharging, but with this feature, it also ensures that your battery is not drained by overcharging, especially during nights when there is no sunlight.
Extends Life of the Battery
If you keep getting a dead battery and it’s depleted for a longer period of time, it can kill your cells and shorten your life. Solar battery chargers ensure that your battery has the energy you need without overpowering it. Effectively maintains the battery for longer battery life.
Save Your Money in the Long Run
Because you don’t need to connect them into electrical grids, getting a solar car battery charger lets you save on energy bills.
And with its market availability, you’re sure to find a charger that suits your budget, one that has the same features and features with the more expensive models. However, 12V solar battery chargers also have a drawback.
We have noted that the primary source of energy for a solar car battery charger is sunlight. Of course, if you’re in a shady area with no access to direct sunlight, your charger can not do its best.
Extreme weather conditions have the same impact. Charging might not be as effective as on a sunny day.
Features of a Solar Car Battery Charger
Prevent overcharging or discharging your battery
Any solar car charger worth its salt should come with a mechanism to avoid overloading or unloading of your battery. Some have a regulator that prevents overloading. For other products, you need to set the current you want to run into your battery.
Large wires and connectors
You may find yourself in a situation where you need to switch your charger’s solar panel a long-distance away. A charger that comes with long wires and connectors is suitable for such cases. Long wires allow you to place the panels in the optimum location.
High-powered chargers
Solar panel has high resolution and can cover the power of the light even in the overcast sky. Ideally, all solar panels can do this, but their power production is significantly reduced. You can purchase solar battery chargers designed to operate in low light situations.
Considerations when buying Solar Battery Chargers
A 12V battery is a common choice among individuals who are trying to be environmentally friendly. It’s very easy to source and also needs limited maintenance. The charger is an integral part of any battery.
One needs to have an effective battery-powered device. Choosing an excellent solar car battery charger, such as a harbour cargo solar car battery charger, can be difficult, however. Here’s how you can choose the best one for your needs.
Reason of Using
Always remember how you plan to use your solar battery charger. If your only goal is to provide your battery with a power source, you will need to select a system that has the correct amperage and hydration compared to the current battery power.
This works for people who may have a hard time starting or running their electrical appliances after a freezing night. It would also be smart to choose a higher-watt or amperage gadget if you plan to use it to power up other products.
The new technologies that exist in many devices are very sophisticated. Unfortunately, they are power-hungry, too. You can have two similar chargers for the battery.
Power Ratings
A 12V solar car battery charger will also have power ratings for both amperes and watts. A 5-watt device should be perfect for powering tiny handheld devices.
Unfortunately, it does not have enough juice to meet the energy needs of more powerful and power-hungry electronics. It should be excellent to pick up a 10-watt charger for trickle-loading a few computers.
However, if you also wish to power the various 12-volt electrical appliances, you would need a higher-watt solar car battery charger.
Size of Device
Manufacturers of 12V solar battery chargers make their devices smaller every year. What used to be a matter of room in the trunk is now scholarly. It’s the same thing as the weight of the machines. It used to be wide and heavy.
Now, they’re lightweight and very small. However, there are also many who are large or tall or both. These units will take up a lot of room in your trunk again. That’s why it would be wise to verify the size of the product you want to purchase.
Also, remember the activities you’re going to use. If you’re planning to carry it to your outdoor activities, then it’s best to choose one that you can slip in your pocket or stash in your backpack.
Efficiency Rating
These chargers rely on solar energy. Some goods take almost the entire day of exposure in the sun for them to “recharge.”
Though they may still recharge even in the overcast sky, the recharging rate can be extended. The recharging of the battery may also be stopped completely at night, or there is no more light in the sky.
What you want is a gadget that can be recharged really quickly. You will want a battery that can continue to charge itself even though there is no light. As long as there are UV rays, no matter how minute they are, the system should be able to pick them up and harness their energy.
It is also worth noting that the device should also be effective under severe weather conditions.
You’d like to be able to start your car in the middle of a winter storm. A capable 12V solar car battery charger will provide the power that your solar car battery requires to crank the engine or run the unit.
Often go for devices that are at least 20% effective. The higher the ranking, the better you will be in the most serious circumstances.
Energy-retaining Feature
The battery drain is a given one. You can always choose a gadget with a higher wattage or amperage rating to solve this problem. However, the leakage of accumulated solar energy in the system is not addressed.
What you want is a device that has a function called reverse charge-blocking diode or RCBD. This technology allows the charging device to maintain the solar energy it absorbs. It stops the energy from leaking when there is no sun to recharge the unit.
The positive thing about this feature is that you can find it in almost all 12V solar battery chargers on the market. However, it will also be prudent to make sure that the device you want to purchase has this option.
Top 8 Best 12V Solar Battery Chargers in 2021
1. ECO-WORTHY 12V Solar Battery Trickle Charger
A very special feature of this solar panel is the blocking diode, which prevents reverse discharge. It is common knowledge that cars, vessels and, indeed, other batteries are discharged if they have been left to disuse for some time.
Therefore, you need to keep it connected to a solar charger like this one to avoid a loss of charge. Measuring a small size of 8.7 to 7.5 inches, this is a very small battery charger. It’s also convenient to fly with, therefore.
If you know you’re going to camp in remote locations, you may want to take it with you to help charge your car or RV battery. The solar panel comes with a long 57-inch SAE cable.
As a result, you can set it in the sunniest place and run the cable to the charger. It also comes with crocodile clips. Installation is still so easy on the same note.
There are so many good things to write about at home with this solar panel. It does not, however, come with a storage or travel bag, which would be ideal for such a small scale.
Pros:
- You’ll get adapters to help you charge the battery via the power outlet.
- Long cable makes the panel easier to place
- Sold at a reasonable price
- The panel also charges on overcast days
Cons:
- No detail on the warranties
- Complaints about inadequate customer service
Bottom line:
The small size, the ability to charge the battery even on overcast days makes it a decent solar
panel. However, make sure you remove the thin plastic coating that covers the solar panel.
2. Sunway 12 Volt Solar Battery Charger Marine
The Sunway charger panel comes with a 12V cigarette lighter adapter to keep your car battery topped up all the time. So you can put it in a nice spot on the dashboard to catch the sunlight and plug it into the lighter.
That way, it keeps charging your battery topped up even when you’ve parked your car. The efficiency of this tiny solar panel is indisputable.
For example, the frame is made of strong ABS plastic. On a slight note, drone manufacturers use the same material due to its lightweight and resilience.
In addition, the solar panel itself comes with super-clear PV glass. A blocking diode has also been incorporated by the manufacturer.
Its aim is to prevent the reverse discharge of your battery.
Therefore, even if you park your car for weeks and leave your car attached to the solar panel battery charger, it won’t lose charge. The kit contains essential accessories, such as clips, cables and more.
However, amid all this, some products could still be improved by the maker. For example, a flat or almost flat-out battery cannot be charged.
Pros:
- Comes with a long, flexible cable
- Cheap way to keep your car’s battery on top during the winter.
- Durable construction with ABS plastic frame
- Can charge the battery even on overcast days.
Cons:
- It’s not going to do a lot of good for a poor battery because it’ll just top up.
- No detail on warranties
Bottom line:
If you don’t drive a lot, you need a solar panel battery charger like this one to keep your battery up and running all the time. However, note to leave it on your dashboard open to sunlight.
3. SUNER POWER 12V Solar Car Battery Charger
It’s a solar panel pack, so it comes with the panel itself, the cables and the crocodile clips. As a result, installation is so easy that even a novice can do it.
It’s a plug-n-play kind of thing. In addition, once the solar panel is installed, it converts the solar panel to 12V DC power. It is also stored in batteries for future use. This solar panel battery charger can be used to charge a number of batteries.
For example, you can use it to charge the deep-cycle battery you use for your RV. In addition, it can be used for both wet and dry cell car batteries, boat batteries, motorbikes, snowmobiles and others. Simply put, if it’s a 12V pack, it’ll be charged by this solar panel.
One thing most consumers are concerned about when they get a solar car battery charger is longevity. However, this was taken care of by SUNER. In the same line, the solar panel is made of high-quality solar glass and the frame is made of ABS plastic, which is not easily bent or cracked.
It is clear that this solar panel has a lot of positive things to do with it. However, some aspects could still be improved by SUNER. For example, it doesn’t come with a charger controller, although the manufacturer claims it can’t overcharge your battery.
Pros:
- Easy to set up and use
- Good for camping, boating and RV batteries.
- Lightweight, so it’s easy to travel with
- 12-month warranty
Cons:
- No Charge Controller
Bottom line:
This solar charger panel keeps the battery packed up all the time. In addition, it has technology in place to avoid reverse discharge.
4. TP-Solar 12 Volt Solar Panel Battery Charger
With an output of 20 watts, this is enough to even wake up a dead battery in bright sunlight. In addition, this comes with a charge controller.
Therefore, the battery will not continue to be charged until it is finished. However, as soon as the battery dispenses any charge, it’s going to top it up.
The durability of the solar charger is very critical. The solar panel itself is tempered glass in this case. In addition, the frame is made of aluminum. On the same note, the waterproof rating is fine, so this solar panel will stay out of the rain and will not cause harm.
If you’re going to mount this solar panel on the top of your van or RV, it’s easy. In addition, it comes with pre-drilled holes just for that. It also comes with crocodile clips and a 35-inch solar cable running from the panel to the charge controller.
The clipper cable runs from the charge controller to the charger. There are some downsides, despite so many positive features.
For example, the charge controller continues to adjust to a maximum voltage of 14.4, which is slightly higher because most of the 12V batteries are 13.8V.
Pros:
- The junction box is water-proof
- The solar panel is weather-proof
- Useful for a variety of items, such as illumination, car battery charging and RV use
- The panel has USB ports for charging your devices directly
Cons:
- The solar control cable is a little short at 35 inches
Bottom line:
This solar charger will help you keep your 12V battery charged all the time. However, you might need to get a longer cable to make the panel more flexible.
5. SOLPERK 12V Solar Panel Charger Kit+8A Controller
This solar panel from SOLPERC comes with a charger controller. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about overcharging the battery and risking sparking a fire.
In addition, the installation of this package is also quite simple. Just run the cable from the panel to the charge controller, for example, and then attach the controller to the 12V battery.
This solar panel comes with a bracket that lets you lean it at an angle. It can also absorb more sunlight than solar panels that remain flat on the ground.
On the same note, research shows that at an angle, solar panels are 25 per cent more effective than when mounted flat on the ground.
When you invest your hard-earned money in a 12-volt solar charger, you need to be confident of longevity. So maybe you’re pleased with the building quality of this one. For example, it has a sturdy aluminum frame.
It’s also waterproof, so you can leave it outside as well. There are so many positive things to say about this 12V solar battery charger pack. This solar panel will not charge a dead battery, however. You’d need a bigger output for that, maybe 20W or bigger.
Pros:
- Built with the right materials for durability.
- Intelligent charge controller stops pulse, overload, overload, under surge and reverse discharge.
- Simple to install and comes with all the accessories you need.
- Has a warranty of 12 months.
Cons:
- It’s a trickle charger, so it does not help if you let your battery die.
Bottom line:
This solar battery charger and repair kit is very easy to use. In addition, minimal care and maintenance is needed. So maybe that’s what you’re looking for.
6. OOLSUN 12 Volt Solar Battery Charger
The operating temperature range of the MOOLSUN 12V solar battery charger is minus 20°C to 60°C. Therefore, even though it freezes outside, you can still keep your car, lawnmower, motorcycle, truck or RV battery topped up.
This solar panel has a high-quality back fabric. It’s not foldable, though. In addition, the solar panel itself is PET-laminated, meaning it can remain intact for a long time to come.
On the same note, the option of the material makes the panel lightweight and easy to travel with. Every single trickle solar battery charger comes with some essential accessories, and MOOLSUN is no different.
For example, it comes with two suction cups, a cigarette lighter adapter, a crocodile clip cable and a user manual. Only read the user manual for download.
There is a serious downside to this solar panel. There is no way, for example, to control the tax.
As a result, even after the battery is full, it continues to charge.
Pros:
- Has a guarantee of 18 months
- Lightweight and easy to take anywhere with you
- It should be easy to set up even for a first-timer
- Slim enough to remain invisible on the dashboard
Cons:
- The pins on the side of the battery are not protected
- You have to keep monitoring your battery to detach when it’s full because it doesn’t have a charge controller
Bottom line:
This no-frills solar battery charger requires a little extra care because it charges even when the battery is loaded. Therefore, do not leave it to charge for too long without your attention.
7. SUNAPEX 12V Solar Trickle Charger
First of all, this slim solar panel comes with a blocking diode that prevents the battery from being discharged in reverse.
Therefore, even when the weather is very overcast, keep the panel linked to avoiding any loss of payment. It also stops the battery from being discharged at night.
Second, building efficiency is very critical to any solar consumer.
As a result, you might be pleased with the quality of this panel building. It is made of plastic ABS and does not break or bend under pressure.
On the same note, the panel comes with pre-drilled holes on the side to make installation simpler. Third, in the box, you’ll find everything you need to start using this SUNAPEX trickle loader.
For example, a 12V car lighter adapter is available. There are also crocodile clips for the battery terminals and four suction cups. As far as affordable solar panel battery chargers are concerned, this one could meet your needs.
It still has a few downsides, however, like any other product. For example, when you startup, you need to detach the wire from your car battery so that it doesn’t harm the panel. It’s too much hassle to pop the hood every time you start a car.
Pros:
- Robust and robust construction
- Comes with a 12-month warranty
- Simple to use with the minimum installation necessary
- Resist all forms of weather, including hail, rain, etc
Cons:
- There have been a few reports that this solar panel has drained the battery
Bottom line:
If you’re looking for a basic solar panel with a warranty, it could be perfect for you. Besides, it really works as advertised.
8. Aeiusny 12V Solar Car Battery Trickle Charger
First of all, you can tell from the black color of the solar panel that this is a monocrystalline panel. It also has a high-performance rate.
As a result, it will convert up to 20% of all sunshine landings on it. Second, you can hold this lightweight solar panel comfortably anywhere you choose to use it because it weighs 0.6 pounds.
In addition, it measures 10 by 6.6 inches, making it nifty for tucking in your backpack. If you want your car’s battery to be charged, you can conveniently put it on the dashboard.
Third, the use of this solar panel is quite easy. For example, if your car lighter works with the engine turned off, you can use the cigarette lighter adapter.
However, if it doesn’t fit while you’re off, you can use the alligator clamps to hold the battery up. This solar charger has a lot of useful features.
But it’s got its flipside, too. For example, the charging progress lights remain on even at night as long as the panel is connected to the battery.
Pros:
- Keeps the battery topped even during the winter
- Simple to mount with a lighter adapter or an alligator clip
- LEDs light up as the solar system begins charging the battery
- Sells with 12 months warranty
- It’s rainproof and windproof
Cons:
- LED lights remain on, and that’s a little frustrating.
Bottom line:
You may want to use this home solar charger to keep 12-volt batteries topped up during the winter when you’re not using them. It is also fast and easy to install.
Conclusion
Referring to this purchase guide, we hope that you will be able to select and buy the best 12-volt solar charger that you can rely on for a long time for its heavy-duty and reliable performance. Compare the pieces above and take a look at their specific attributes, pros, and cons to choosing the best one for your needs. Also, think about the particular considerations or features you want your solar battery charger to have. However, making an informed decision is just a step away from the ideas discussed here. Buy today a solar battery charger for your needs!