It's working! my trickle panel.

[dbxtr3]

Here is a solar charger on sale for $19.00

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/[email protected]&state=KY&hotline&marketcode=http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file/fid,7423-order,4-page,1/description.html

 

[techno1154]

Here is a solar charger on sale for $19.00

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/[email protected]&state=KY&hotline&marketcode=http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file/fid,7423-order,4-page,1/description.html

The 15 watt unit would be a better unit for the 12 volt battery. The 5 watt unit simply will not provide enough current/voltage to make a difference.

To find the AMP of the panel simply devide the watts by the voltage needed to charge the battery. 5 watts devided by (say) 13 volts = 0.38 amps. While this may be OK if the battery is disconnected, I doubt it will be enough to over come the parasetic loss of the XJ electronics. Remember, the advertised wattage is attained at high sun say about 70* and hotter.

I calculate the requirements for my XJ based on the requirements of the Optima Batteries installed in the XJ. According to Optima, 13.2 to 13.5 volts is required to maintain the battery at or near full charge. The 15 watt unit will provide 1.1 amp at 13.5 volts in good sunshine.