A question for you electronics gurus. Can a solar battery charger stay connected when using the car?

200XK8 convert.

 

I don't see why not, it's going to be low output by nature. Have to ask, where will the connection be ? Don't forget the lighter is ignition switched.

John

 

Te connection will be under the hood. I just thought the alternator could blow it out.

 

Magnum, I pictured you connecting the charger with car at rest, ignition off. We might need more information to ensure that this is safe.

The alternator should not be affected unless : ignition is on, or charger polarity is reversed, or charger output is above 13v dc.

So I am wondering about your alternator concerns. Will you run the engine with charger connected ?

When I think of solar chargers I think of low voltage trickle charging that you will disconnect before running engine.

Frankly, the more I think about it, the solar charger is redundant, risky, and of no real value as soon as you engage the alternator. The alternator is putting out more current than you can use even at idle.

Glad you replied. Tell us more.

John

 

The instruction for mine state that there is a diode that will protect against reverse current flow, but recommend disconnecting it nonetheless.

 

This is how I installed my solar charger.

Link JagRepair.com - Jaguar Repair Information Resource

 

Gus, where did u get the 3ft adapter?

 

I think I got it at AutoZone.