Battery Tender Solar

[Ramble On]

Anyone use one to these things?


15-Watt Solar Tender® Charger With Built-in Controller

[lewster]

Actually, I think you will find that the BatteryMinder solar is a far better unit.
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...8565_200328565

It uses a 15 watt panel and a charge controller for true 3-stage charging. Still, I would not rely on it to charge a depleted battery. Best to store when fully charged and use this to keep it that way.

[Ramble On]

I just replaced two batteries yesterday due to my ignorance and neglect. I just need something to maintain batteries when unit is in storage. The storage facility is covered but not enclosed and the front of my trailer faces south. Seemed like a simply and practical approach for maintenance as opposed to upgrading the Parallax converter. Do you have first hand experience with the battery minder?

[dznf0g]

I put together a 15 watt maintainer with a small controller. I personally don't think that the actual 700mA output ( in full sun...less most of the time) requires a 3 stage charger/controller. At 700mA, and the partial rundown at night, I find that there is really little time that the batt is being "overcharged", when angle, clouds, and nighttime is taken into account.

Now, if you are talking 25 watts or more...I agree with Lewster about a better 3 stage charge controller.

Ive been using mine during summer "storage" times for 2 years now, and I find it to be just right. I have 2 group 29 Interstate wet cell batts.

Edit: I don't think the BatteryMinder was available when I bought.....That's a good price. I'd probably go for that one if I were buying today. Prices of panels are dropping steadily. I think I paid about $120 for my setup...and I think the BatteryMinder setup is better for not a lot more.