Solar-Powered Trickle Charger

[Sooty]

Hi,

Has anyone had any experience with a solar powered trickle charger on the Prius?

A couple of months ago I had to leave my Gen2 Prius in an airport car park for 2 months and when I returned the accessory Battery was nearly flat. There was enough juice in it to unlock the drivers door using the key/ fob but not enough to unlock the other doors or boot. Of course it would not start either, but did light up the dash.

I may have to leave the car again as my job sometimes needs me to go away for long periods of time.

I called out the AA to jump start me and the car started with no problem.

The guy mentioned that the AA supply a solar trickle charger but could not comment on them as he has not seen any in use.

I have seen that Maplins are selling a 1.5W solar trickle charger for £9.99.

Your thoughts or experiences with these would be appreciated.

Many thanks.

Bruce.

[kithmo]

Or you could be to keep one of those 12v, Jump starter packs in the boot for when you return. I have both a jump starter and a 1.5W solar charger (not had to use either yet on the Prius, touch wood) the solar charger only gives out 1.5W on a very bright sunny day, on a cloudy day the output can drop to less than half of that, although saying that, at 12v the1.5W solar charger would produce 0.125A on a sunny day and say 0.060A on a cloudy day, which should be more than enough according to this website: http://prius.ecrostech.com/original/Owning/Undriven.htm, which says only 0.036 amps is drawn off by the vehicle when off. Not sure about the keyless entry though, according to another website, http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/repair/how-to-stop-car-battery-drains, the car uses a bit more juice every time someone with a keyless entry fob walks by, looking to see if it is yours.

[Sooty]

Thanks Kithmo,

As I do not have the keyless entry that would be no issue to me.

Sounds as if I will go for the Maplins one and keep it in the boot in case I have to park up for a long time again.