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Solar Charging a Battery

dgraham1995

There are 2 parts to my question, I have a mobility scooter that assists me when a great deal of walking is required. I am going to add a 5 watt solar charger to it to try and lengthen run time. Will it charge as i am using the scooter in full sun. Also when i use the battery charger for the device do i need to disconnect the solar panel of can I add something to isolate it? A switch or a diode isolator circuit?

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    Hi David, Yes, if it is in the Sun it will provide power while you are using the Scooter. Depending on how the voltages work out it probably will not charge but it will use slightly less of the batteries power. If the Solar Panel doesn't already come with an isolation diode it would be a good idea to install one before hooking up the regular charging unit to the scooter. A diode would be better than a switch as you will not have to remember to switch or disconnect it. Keep in mind the 5 Watts is not a lot of power and you may not notice much difference in the distance you get unless you stop and leave the unit in the sun charging. I could give you a better idea if I knew how much power your scooter consumes while in use.

    John

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    Hi David, Yes, if it is in the Sun it will provide power while you are using the Scooter. Depending on how the voltages work out it probably will not charge but it will use slightly less of the batteries power. If the Solar Panel doesn't already come with an isolation diode it would be a good idea to install one before hooking up the regular charging unit to the scooter. A diode would be better than a switch as you will not have to remember to switch or disconnect it. Keep in mind the 5 Watts is not a lot of power and you may not notice much difference in the distance you get unless you stop and leave the unit in the sun charging. I could give you a better idea if I knew how much power your scooter consumes while in use.

    John

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