Solar panels for cart pack

Sethjamto

I know that a lot of people ask about solar panels for pack charging and most people say its not enough to recharge them. That part I get, but I'm just wanting to add a "little extra" while hunting. I figure that if the cart sits for several hours while I'm hunting then the solar panels will bring the SoC up a little bit while I'm hunting for Bambi for my return trip out of the woods.

Should I wire the panels in series for 36v across the entire pack, or could I keep them separate at 12v and connect them across two batteries each so each panelis charging 2 batteries at a 12v rate? Does it even make a difference?

Also, if the cart is normally stored inside the garage, would I have a need for a solar charge controller to prevent overcharge? I gues I could add a switch to the panel leads to turn them off if needed.

Thoughts?

I only bring this up as I have access to used panels, so it's basically free to me.

BGW

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Ryan T

This is a neat thought, I also have some nice size 12v panels and now curious on the subject. My first thought would be to use 3 panels each charging a 12v pack as their intended use........

Sethjamto

That's my thought. I know it'll work I guess I just gave to do it and see how well it works. I'll probably go the 12v route with 3 panels and wire in a switch so I can regulate when I want the panels to charge or not.

Ryan T

Did you ever do this?

crash test dummy

they make them !!



EBAY

180w 36v Solar Panel Battery Charger Kit for Golf Cart
http://www.ebay.com/itm/180w-36v-Sol...item51b192de41

240w 48v Solar Panel Battery Charger Kit for Golf Cart
http://www.ebay.com/itm/240w-48v-Sol...item51b192e86a

RobCons

What will they think of next?

Springlake

HOLY COW 800 bucks..and thats the cheap one!!

Ryan T

Thanks for the link CTD. It looks like from the photos that their also using 12v panels just from the number used. 3 for their 36v and 4 for the 48v kits.

I purchased 3 panels yesterday but have not gotten them installed yet. I have a nice digital volt meter gauge in the dash and curious to see if I notice much of a diff. dring around. It would be cool if their wasn't as much voltage drop going up hills and such, we will see. I'll report back after a few days use.

Ryan

crash test dummy

Solar Panel Charge Controller
http://www.tektrumcorp.com/solar_chargers.htm

the last two are for the golf carts 36v & 48v

Ryan T

That looks like a nice little controller for the money. I got my panels mounted on the carts top this morning and routed the wires real nicely into the battery compartment. Turned out real good.

I charged the batt's last night to give this a good test. This morning the voltage was the normal 37.25 that they are after a good charge which is only 75% I know, as this pack is 2007 105's. I hooked up all three of the panels and left it out in the sun today while at work. I just came in and the voltage now is at 37.9 which is close to 95%. I went for a drive and noticed it pulls real nice and hard and the voltage drop was def. better. No strain going up the tank *** at all, dropped into the 34's not the 32's. After parking it I noticed the voltage was still at 37.9. I think it's going to be pretty good!

I got these panels at Northern Tools for 19.95 each. They are rated a 2.5W @ 12v. The instructions said look for voltage to be 22-25v in full sun. I checked it in the shop under just flou. lighting and it was ~8-10v but waking outside made it jump to 22-23v instantly.

All the reading that Ive found said that you need a controller if your panels are 15W or larger each. Mine are only 2.5 so I'm going to try it as is but keep a close eye on things. I will report back later to any negative or positive findings.

Ryan