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80 WATT SOLAR PANEL CLAMPS BATTERY CHARGER KIT RV BOAT $229.96 Time Remaining: 1d 21h 21m

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Which Type of 12 Volt Solar Charger Is Best?

For individuals who are interested in saving money and reducing emissions and dependence on energy from overseas, a 12 volt solar charger is a surprisingly easy-to-build and convenient option. Read on to find out more about different kinds of solar battery chargers, including how to put one together for yourself.

In the simplest terms, a battery charger can simply be a power supply that sends electricity of a specific voltage to a battery. All you have to do is connect the battery to the power supply, wait for it to charge all the way, and then take it out. A 12 volt battery can be recharged in a 15-18 volt power supply. The drawback to this kind of power supply is that there’s nothing to prevent you from overcharging the battery.

Overcharging adversely affects the functions of a battery. Overcharging a 12 volt battery too much can damage it to the point that it will become unable to maintain a charge. Thankfully, you can use a charge controller to ensure that the right voltage is used to charge the battery and that the battery isn’t overcharged. A charge controller will also let you take advantage of the functions of a 12 volt solar charger without any chance of overcharging.

For 12 volt batteries, the Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) type of charge controller is the most common one. In basic terms, this type of charge controller functions by turning a switch on and off rapidly. The switch is mostly in the “on” position at the start. The switch gradually spends less time in the “on” position as power is transferred to the battery, and once the battery is fully charged, the switch goes off permanently. The charging process is controlled and monitored by a microprocessor chip. Thus, you can plug this type of charge controller into a battery all day long if you like, since it will only send power to the battery when necessary, without the danger of overcharging. This is known as “trickle charging,” and it is useful when there’s a battery that you don’t necessarily use constantly, but would to make sure that it’s charged when it does need to be used. If you’re using a 12 volt solar charger, it’s good to have a feature like this. 12 volt batteries for recreational vehicles and boats are often charged in this way, for example.

A 12 volt solar charger is no more complicated than that. The source of the electricity is the only thing that differentiates a 12 volt solar charger from a standard 12 volt battery charger. With a solar charger, of course, the power is derived from a solar panel rather than from the wall.  Many people are now building their own DIY solar panels.  You can get more info by checking out DIY Solar Panels.

For the typical solar panels used on houses, the solar cells are generally around half a volt and three to four amps. Several of these cells have to be joined in order to generate the 15-18 volts necessary for a 12 volt battery charger. These kinds of solar panels do come in a variety of different voltages. The charger won’t work unless you match the voltage of the solar panel to your charge controller. The voltage rating on the charge controller shows you the necessary voltage. If you’re not using a charge controller, a solar panel of 15-18 volts is usually a fairly safe bet. However, if you are using a charge controller, it’s necessary to use the appropriate voltage.  One great guide to building your own 12 volt solar charger is GreenDIYEnergy.  To read my article about it, visit GreenDIYEnergy.

The connector used by the charge controller determines the best way of wiring it to the solar panel. Generally, it’s possible to solder the same kind of connector onto the solar panel that’s on your charge controller. If you aren’t using a charge controller, use the type of connector that’s on the battery instead. Spring loaded clamps work well with most large 12 volt batteries. For people who would prefer not to solder, you aren’t absolutely required to solder (although this type of soldering is really easy even if you’ve never done it before); it is possible to just twist the wires together and apply electrical tape. You won’t have to use any special equipment other than a decent soldering iron and solder, which you can find easily at places like Radio Shack. First, twist the wires together.  Then, apply the soldering iron to the wires.  Finally, touch the solder to the wires until it melts. As long as you’re careful not to burn yourself, and remember to heat the wires and not the solder itself with the soldering iron, it’ll be no problem.  Homemade Energy is another great guide to building your own 12 volt solar charger.  For more information, take a look at Homemade Energy Review.

That’s all you have to do! If you can do that, you can put together a 12 volt solar charger without any problems. The first thing you’ll need is a 12 volt battery. A charge controller with the corresponding voltage is also necessary. Next, you’ll need a solar panel that also outputs the corresponding voltage for the charge controller – you can build one, or buy one. Finally, connect the solar panel to the charge controller, and the charge controller to the battery. After you’ve done this, you’ll have permanent, free power! This will lower your energy bill, reduce pollution, and let you do your part in ending dependence on foreign oil.

Tektrum 30w Solar Panel/Blocking Diode Cable/2m long Cable and Clamps Battery Charger Kit for RV- H