Can 20 Watt Go Power Eco Solar Charging System Be Connected to Race Car Batteries

Question:

I was thinking of using the 34273837 Solar charging system to attempt to maintain a full charge in my race car batteries qty-2 group 24, wet-cell when the car is stored in the trailer during the week. My questions are: Can I disconnect the charging leads from the solar controller to my cars batteries and leave the leads unconnected when the car is being raced for the day, or do the leads need to be connected to a battery at all times to absorb the power created by the solar panels? Question 2: Can I start my race car which has an alternator for charging with the charging leads from the solar controller still hooked up to the cars batteries, or will the charging from my cars alternator damage the controller and panels?

asked by: Charles M

Expert Reply:

The 20 Watt Go Power Eco Solar Charging System with Digital Solar Controller # 34273837 will do an excellent option at maintaining your batteries, and while the parts that come with it aren't designed for your type of application, we do have some additional parts you can get that will make everything very easy for your type of setup!

I recommend installing the Anderson to Battery Terminal Cable # RED28VR on your race car and securing the Anderson connector in a place that's easily accessible. Then you can connect the Anderson Plug # SWC60010-1 to the wiring going to the solar panel controller for an easy connect/disconnect system. The solar panels won't charge your battery bank unless the Anderson plugs are connected together.

I would disconnect the Anderson plug (controller from the batteries) prior to starting the car. There are some fuses that will be installed on the wiring, but it's best just to play things safe instead of testing the waters.

Please note the wiring that comes with the solar panel kit is going to be 10 gauge wire while the Anderson plug is designed for 6 gauge wire so you'll need to potentially solder the wiring to the Anderson plug to keep it from coming apart.

expert reply by: Jon G