Can I Connect A Solar Panel Charger To My Car Battery Without Interfering With The Alternator?
Aug 25, 2009 in
diy
Want to add a solar panel to help charge my car battery. Will this affect/hurt my alternator? Do I need to switch from alternator to solar.
I was hoping to place the panel attached to the car all through operation.
I’d like it as simple as possible.
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2 comments
methosyh on August 25, 2009 at 6:32 pm
No it will not hurt your alternator. From your alternator’s perspective, a solar panel is nothing more than another voltage source (like a battery) sitting out there.
You do not need a mechanical switch but it is possible the solar panel may need a protection diode in series to protect it so contemporary will only flow to the battery and not the other way. Read what the solar panel instructions say.
weburchi on August 25, 2009 at 7:10 pm
High wattage High temperature Diodes is your answer.
One on wire from solar panel charger to battery’s positive.
Another on wire from alternator to battery’s positive.
Contemporary will only from solar panel charger and alternator to battery.
Both solar panel charger and alternator can charge battery simultaneously.
Convenient – no switching needed.