03 Yaris Plus Solar Panel Trickle Charger

[NigelRG]

I'm trying to permenently fit a solar panel.

I know I cant use the Cig lighter power.

It is ok with a flying lead round the side of the door and into the Battery.

Is there any way of connecting to a power supply point inside the car or routing the wire through the car to the Battery.

Any assistance will be very much appreciated.

Nigel

[Cyker]

I think the only reason you can't use the cigarette lighter is it's not connected when the car is off. I suppose you could connect it into the Battery, but you need to check what voltages the panel outputs. Can't remember what the trickle-charge voltage for a car Battery is, IIRC it was something like 13.8v? (Or that might be the float voltage...?)

A mate of mine bought a panel kit from Maplins for ~£70 IIRC and that came with the panel and regulator; He was using it to trickle-charge a motorcycle Battery that was also running his HAM gear.

[NigelRG]

Hi Cyker,

Thanks for your reply

I checked the open circuit voltage and it was about 19v. It appears to be working OK but I have to keep disconnecting it if I am driving anywhere.

Nigel