Solar panels with a cigar lighter adapter

Submitted: Monday, Feb 27, 2012 at 08:35

ThreadID: 92142 Views:1859 Replies:6 FollowUps:4

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Toby T1

Hello everyone,
I have had our van modified so you can attach some portable solar panels to our battery via a cigar lighter via the outside of our van.
Now, I have searched ebay and have seen many with alligator clips. Does anyone know of any on ebay which come with cigar lighter adapters On ebay?
I say on ebay because I have seen some local brands with the adapter but they are just way to expensive. >$200 for 100w model.
Thanks

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Reply By: Member - Rod N (QLD) - Monday, Feb 27, 2012 at 08:44

Monday, Feb 27, 2012 at 08:44

It is easy enough to fit a cigar lighter plug to the leads. Be aware the absolute maximum current is 10 amps which is unlikely to recharge the battery very much.

AnswerID: 478802

Follow Up By: rooster350 - Monday, Feb 27, 2012 at 10:49

Monday, Feb 27, 2012 at 10:49

I was told that it is unwise to charge batteries at more than 10% of the rated capacity of the battery...so 10 amps going into a 100ah battery would be charging it just nicely...I believe that you run the risk of battery damage if they are charged to quickly...but I am no expert , just been keeping 160ahs of battery power charged up with a 80w folding panel for the last couple of years...cheers

FollowupID: 754332

Follow Up By: farouk - Monday, Feb 27, 2012 at 16:30

Monday, Feb 27, 2012 at 16:30

Rod N,
A little confused with your statement that 10 amps from a solar panel would not charge a battery much, surely this is a misprint?
Colin

FollowupID: 754362

Reply By: Member - Serendipity(WA) - Monday, Feb 27, 2012 at 09:11

Monday, Feb 27, 2012 at 09:11

Probably the best connection point would be to use an Anderson plug. Easy enough to change and will give the current supply you need. You can get them from Sidewinder.com.au who is a business member on this site.

http://www.sidewinder.com.au/page26.html

Cheers

Serendipity

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AnswerID: 478807

Follow Up By: Member - Duncan W (WA) - Monday, Feb 27, 2012 at 15:32

Monday, Feb 27, 2012 at 15:32

That's what I did. I have a lead with an anderson plug running from my aux battery and my solar panel has the other half of th eplug fitted to that which I just plug into the lead. Dead easy.

Dunc
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FollowupID: 754350

Reply By: Member - Wozikev - Monday, Feb 27, 2012 at 10:51

Monday, Feb 27, 2012 at 10:51

I'm with Serendipity. An Anderson plug gives the best electrical contact and a relatively simple process to fit it. I did exactly this and connected into my Redarc BMS on my van and it makes it a very simple process to connect the panel up and works a treat. The panel doesn't get a lot of use but it's there if I need it.

Cheers ................. Kev.

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AnswerID: 478812

Reply By: Sigmund - Monday, Feb 27, 2012 at 11:04

Monday, Feb 27, 2012 at 11:04

The guy has had the sockets fitted already.

So Toby, as posted, it's fit your own plug. Not hard. I'm sure I've seen 15amp fused plugs on the market.

AnswerID: 478816

Follow Up By: Toby T1 - Tuesday, Feb 28, 2012 at 08:28

Tuesday, Feb 28, 2012 at 08:28

Thanks Sigmund spot on. Guys, thanks for taking the time for your replies, but as Sigmund has mentioned I have a Cigar adapter and am not interested in the other options, because quite frankly, what bloody use is that to me?! It is hardwired in, it is covered, blah blah blah blah blah, so I am looking for a cigar lighter solar panel option, fullstop.

FollowupID: 754416

Reply By: Ozhumvee - Monday, Feb 27, 2012 at 11:43

Monday, Feb 27, 2012 at 11:43

Cigarette plugs and sockets are notoriously unreliable and prone to failure and problems. Any fag socket exposed to the weather will have even greater problems, suggest the anderson plug route as being the best for the situation.

AnswerID: 478820

Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Monday, Feb 27, 2012 at 21:13

Monday, Feb 27, 2012 at 21:13

The Hella/Merit socket is a common solution for the amount of amps you are getting from the solar panels.

Have a look at the Hella socket (20 amp rating) and you will notice a weatherproof spring loaded cover. These are an excellent solution in my opinion.

Hella/Merit Plugs and Sockets