Let me clarify. How would I connect a solar panel to a small battery charger like this one, which is designed to be plugged into a standard 120v household receptacle. Can this be done? I would be using it on an old boat that has no electrical system whatsoever. Nothing.Nickel Metal Hydride and get a 12vdc battery charger.
No, you can't connect a 120 volt charger to a dc output from a solar panel. Lowes has a good 12 volt charger for LiMH batteries that will plug into a cigarette lighter socket. I used one like it all last summer and was very pleased with it.Let me clarify. How would I connect a solar panel to a small battery charger like this one, which is designed to be plugged into a standard 120v household receptacle. Can this be done? I would be using it on an old boat that has no electrical system whatsoever. Nothing.
LoTech,
I would look into the MH-C9000 charger and a 12V adapter. It's less than $50 and looks very functional. I don't know what the actual input specs are as the manual lists 12V, so you may need a constant voltage regulator (Battery) connected with your panel.
I have an Energizer quick 12V charger that was probably $40. It'll take 11V to 16V input and charges in 15 min. But for the money, I'd rather have one where I can quick charge when I need it and slow charge when I don't to extend the life of my batteries.
This MH-C9000 charger is is pretty slick. And yeah, it operates with an optional 12-volt DC cigarette lighter adapter.
My solar panel has clip-on leads for easy attachment to a 12 VDC battery. I wonder if I can connect it directly to this charger?
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Sanyo Eneloop are the best rechargeable batteries. They have a low self discharge rate and long life. There are many very poor quality rechargeable batteries that give many people the impression that they are not worthwhile. The quality products are vastly superior and only slightly more expensive.What are the best type of rechargeable batteries to use on board in the tropics?
Thank you.
Most of the solar battery chargers are poor with little regulation and very slow charging times. Useful if you are in the middle of nowhere and want to top up your camera batteries and a compact low weight charger is important, but not a good option for rechargeable on a regular basis.Lotech, I'd vote for just buying a small solar battery charger for them.
The manufacturers only offer discharge rate info for the ideal temperature of 60 degree F.How long can I keep these on the shelf and how much power will they still have?"
The good quality LSD rechargeable batteries, such as Enoloop are still OK after 6-9 months at real world temperatures. Rechargeable batteries benefit from some use and if the batteries in a particular device, do to need to be replaced more often than every 6months or so you are probably better using non rechargeable alkaline or lithium batteries.The manufacturers only offer discharge rate info for the ideal temperature of 60 degree F.
Right. After re-reading the Sanyo Eneloop info, the batteries have a "normal operating range" up to 140F. Looks like it's not much of an issue.The good quality LSD rechargeable batteries, such as Enoloop are still OK after 6-9 months at real world temperatures. Rechargeable batteries benefit from some use and if the batteries in a particular device, do to need to be replaced more often than every 6months or so you are probably better using non rechargeable alkaline or lithium batteries.