Solar Powered Car Battery Charger/ Jump Starter

[joko]

has anyone used these? are they any good?

they are usually about a about a foot long and you stick them in the window of your car to charge from the sun - they have 2 crocodile clips and are meant to have enough power to charge minor devices and to jump start a car if need be.

i have one but never used it - on the 2 occasions when i really needed it - i had removed it from the car - (typical eh!)

cheers

[Old_Geezer]

Never used one, but surely they must be more than that. You'd also need a battery to hold the trickle charge you got from the solar panel.

[gingejbee]

I know two people who use these. They are used to trickle charge a car battery while the car is not being used often - and they work.
However, they are NOT meant to jump-start a car at all. The battery needs to be in good condition also.
Think of them as a mains trickle-charger (which will NOT jump-start!) - but powered by the sun.
If you're expecting a jump-start from it, you'll be sadly disappointed!

[gingejbee]

...should have said that croc clips aren't necessary...they usually trickle-charge via the 12v socket ("cigarette lighter"). A good idea if your car is parked outside and has periods of not being used.

[jomifl]

To jump start a car from a solar panel on a sunny day you would need one several times bigger than your car.

[jomifl]

Gingebee, some cars do not allow charging via the cigar lighter socket as it is either isolated when the ignition/accessories are off or there is a blocking diode in the circuit. Check first before you rely on it.

[gingejbee]

jom: indeed I did know that. Every car that I have owned has had a permanently "live" socket...except the new one I got a few months ago which doesn't!