A dead battery can be an unwelcome surprise, especially when your seasonal equipment has been stored away for months. By selecting the right kit - whether it’s the Small Battery Kit with the protective charge controller or the Standard 8W Kit for simple plug-and-go charging - you ensure your battery stays topped up, ready to go when you are!
How to Keep Your Vehicle Battery Charged When You’re Not Using It
If you’ve ever gone to start your car, campervan, or boat after a few weeks of rest - only to find the battery flat, you’re not alone. Modern 12V batteries slowly lose charge even when they’re not in use. Add in alarm systems, trackers, or onboard electronics, and that drain can be enough to stop your vehicle from turning over when you need it most.
The good news? You can prevent that with a simple, solar-powered trickle charger.
Why Batteries Go Flat in Storage
Even a healthy 12V battery naturally self-discharges over time, usually by 3-5% per month. If your vehicle has electronics that stay on (alarms, immobilisers, dash cams, etc.), that rate climbs quickly.
So, whether you’re parking up your motorhome for winter, mooring your boat, or simply not driving your car as much, your battery will slowly lose voltage unless it’s maintained.
The Solar Solution: Maintenance Charging from the Sun
A solar battery maintainer (sometimes called a solar trickle charger) uses sunlight to deliver a gentle, continuous charge to your 12V battery. Unlike a mains charger, there’s no need for a power socket and no risk of overcharging. Just connect it, position the panel where it can catch some daylight, and let the sun do the work. Even on cloudy days, the panel generates enough power to offset self-discharge and keep your battery topped up.
The Benefits of Using a Solar Maintainer
- No flat batteries: Start your vehicle whether it's a car, camper, or motorhome first time.
- Maintenance-free: Just connect and forget; no need to monitor.
- 100% solar power: No mains required.
- Portable: Ideal for vehicles in outside storage or parked off grid.
- Protects your battery’s lifespan: Prevents deep discharge, which shortens battery life.
Choosing the Right Maintainer for Your Battery Size
Not all batteries are the same. The right maintainer depends on your battery’s capacity (measured in amp hours, or Ah). That’s why we offer two versions of our 8W Fold-Up Solar Battery Maintainer:
- For batteries up to 59Ah choose the 8W small battery maintainer kit. This kit includes a 10A charge controller and adaptor cable. The charge controller regulates the power between the solar panel and the battery, preventing the battery from over charging.
- If you already have the 8W solar battery maintainer, but you need the 10A charge controller and adaptor cable click here.
Why are there two different kit options depending on the size of the battery?
Smaller batteries are vulnerable to damage from over-voltage. To prevent this, the Small Battery Kit includes a 10A charge controller. This controller acts as a regulator, managing the power flow between the solar panel and the battery to ensure it doesn't overcharge. In contrast, larger batteries can typically handle a direct connection, which is why the Standard 8W Kit is a simple plug-and-go option.
How Easy Is It to Use?
- For batteries up to 59Ah, the 8W small battery maintainer kit can be connected as the below:
- For batteries 60Ah and above, the 8W solar battery maintainer kit can be connected as per the below:
1. Unfold the solar panel: It opens to 470 × 198 mm and folds down small enough to fit in a glovebox.
2. Connect to your battery: Use the included crocodile clips or 12V auto plug. Care required - auto socket must remain live with ignition off to work.
3. Position in the sun: On the dashboard or windscreen using the included suction cups.
4. Let it do its job: No maintenance, no monitoring.
The kit even prevents reverse current drain at night, so it’s safe to leave connected year-round.
Real-World Uses
- Car in long-term parking: Keeps the battery healthy when not driven often.
- Motorhome in storage: Keeps starter batteries topped up through winter.
- Classic cars: Protects valuable batteries during winter storage (the solar panel must be positioned in direct sunlight)
Ready to Go When You Are
A dead battery is the worst surprise, especially when your seasonal equipment has been stored away for months. By selecting the right kit - whether it’s the Small Battery Kit with the protective charge controller or the Standard 8W Kit for simple plug-and-go charging - you ensure your battery stays topped up!
Ultimately, a solar trickle charger isn't just a gadget; it’s insurance. It guarantees that when you're ready to hit the road, your vehicle is ready too.
Ready to simplify your battery maintenance and ensure your stored vehicle is always prepped for adventure? Click here to explore our 8W Fold-Up Solar battery maintainer kits.
Have further questions?
Our support team is on hand to answer any questions you may have. Please complete the contact us form by clicking here. Or email support@solartechnology.co.uk.