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Hummer H3For the Hummer driver who wants the rugged look and off road capabilities of the Hummer, but in a smaller size and with a more fuel economy friendly engine.
My 3 spends a lot of time in the driveway and every couple months I pull it into the garage and connect the battery charger set at 2A for 24 hours to get it back to 100%. I know when it's time by the sound when cranking the engine & I then check voltage with my led outlet voltmeter which is around 11.5v. Amazon vine sent me a
. I checked the output from the panel and got 21.5v direct sun and 12.5v indirect. I installed it on the rear window, since my driveway faces south when backing in, and connected to the cargo auxiliary outlet with the wire lead between the door seal. After the 1st day with the solar panel mounted, 3 of the suction cups released and the panel was only holding on with 1. Hold my beer!!!!! Amazon vine previously sent me
I was using for my grand kids window mounted basketball backboard hoop, now the panel is PROPERLY SECURED! I haven't driven since I installed the panel 4days ago, yet I monitor the voltage daily with my plug in led voltmeter in the front outlet and +.4v so far since connecting the solar panel. Next test to see if the heavy duty suction cups hold on while driving.
Let us know how it works inside the garage... You said that after testing- it's 12.5v indirect.
Is 12.5v indirect, enough to keep the battery charged in the garage?
I tested output from the panel, when the sun is facing direct at the panel I got 21.5v output, and 12.5v when the sun is at an angle to the panel. 0v output during darkness.
Drove the 3 today to the beverage store 1/2 mile away and the suction cups are still properly secured. I checked voltage before starting, +.5v since connecting this solar panel while parked in the driveway the entire time. BTW, this solar panel only has a max 7.5w output(.625A) direct sunlight, and it only works during daylight. I also checked voltage when starting and driving, 10.3v cranking/startup, 15.2v running & dropped to 14.7v after my 2 minute trip. Bottom line, this solar panel works with FREE power, now I don't need to pull into the garage every couple months, and connect my AC battery charger, to get the battery back to 100%.
I would've considered attaching it to the inside of the window instead. True, the window will block some of the sunlight, but I'd wager that it would still output enough to trickle charge/maintain the battery.
I would've considered attaching it to the inside of the window instead. True, the window will block some of the sunlight, but I'd wager that it would still output enough to trickle charge/maintain the battery.
Maintain the battery yes/maybe? I haven't checked output from the panel behind a tinted window? Right now I'm only testing the capability of this panel charging the battery. BTW, before I connected this panel battery voltage was at 11.8v, today it's at 12.4v=+.6v. When I get to 100% charge I will test output from the panel inside the window since my 3 only has a .045A draw parked in the driveway.
I would've considered attaching it to the inside of the window instead. True, the window will block some of the sunlight, but I'd wager that it would still output enough to trickle charge/maintain the battery.
I just checked with the sun pointed direct at the panel mounted inside the rear window and only 8.5v. Besides, mounting the panel inside would obstruct more rear view.
Update:::: After 6 weeks, this solar panel ROCKS! The overcharge protection has kept my 3yr old NAPA legend battery at 12.5v parked in the driveway, and the panel is still crystal clear even after all the 90°F+ days here. The upgraded suction cup mounts I installed are still tight sealed secured to the window even after a couple high speed driving trips, and the stainless steel bolts/nuts on the mounts are still shiny stainless silver. My next plan is to add an additional protective coating to prevent the panel from clouding.
Cool info thanks for the update. I'm sharing a thought on another option to mounting is to use neodymium magnets with screw-on fittings, then you could put on the roof or tailgate. To keep from scratching the paint put an adhesive film on the magnet side, or you can buy some that are rubber coated. I've used these to mount LED daylight running lights on my classic car, so I can remove them when I get to the car shows. They hold great and at the worst sometimes just slide a little bit, but so far never let go.
Solar Battery Charger Maintainer
Hold my beer!!!!! Amazon vine previously sent me
I was using for my grand kids window mounted basketball backboard hoop, now the panel is PROPERLY SECURED! I haven't driven since I installed the panel 4days ago, yet I monitor the voltage daily with my plug in led voltmeter in the front outlet and +.4v so far since connecting the solar panel. Next test to see if the heavy duty suction cups hold on while driving.
