Solar charging solution?

[FrankThompson]

I don't drive my truck much and I've found that this truck really loves to use the battery when it's sitting still (my '17 would run low, but not like this!).

I installed a NOCO charger under the hood, but I don't normally park near a power source. I park across the street an undeveloped piece of land because we only have a single car driveway.

Is anyone aware of any Solar solutions I could install? I don't mind putting up panels when I park it, but something to keep it topped off while it sits there (even something that site in the windshield).

I'm in FL so I definitely should get enough sun

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[Davexxxx]

This was briefly discussed the other day.

If there is a port that is live all the time, I think its a viable strategy.

https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/threads/cigarette-lighter-state-after-power-down.17249/

 

[FrankThompson]

Thanks, @Davexxxxi. I'll have to look around. I don't think a port is live all the time, but I could add one.

One issue I've found right now is that my 2amp trickle charger won't charge the truck (at least insanely slow). It looks like the truck is still drawing 6amps even with the charger connected. Could be after the 75minjtes for it to sleep it draws less, but I don't know if there is a way for me to verify that (as I have to connect to the truck to see it's draw, unless there is a way I can do it with a multimeter).

I'll keep looking though.

 

[GrandpaD]

I just did a quick Google... I'm sure there are other similar is just the first I came across... This is a trickle charger that connects via OBD-II connector -

https://www.amazon.com/Sunforce-58104-Battery-Trickle-Connector/dp/B00IXXT4HQ#customerReviews

Interesting.....

 

[JohnMcClane]

This would likely be overkill for your purposes, but I’d love to see how one of these paired with with a Powerboost would perform.

https://uncrate.com/terravis-solar-truck-tonneau-cover/

Imho, you seem more than capable of making some 100w solar setup that you could plug in a flexible/foldable panel that lives on the dash when it’s parked, then stores behind the backseat when you’re mobile.

 

[HammaMan]

If you can find something that'd eat say a 25-50w solar panel's voltage and regulate it to 13.5v, I think you'll find that to be a very happy truck you'd have on your hands.

With 13.5v you'll have enough power to get your battery around 90% SOC and hold it there in perpetuity w/ out over charging. If it's low it will charge, but that voltage level itself should keep it ~90% give or take and never have power problems. I've documented power draw of the truck in my LFP thread. What the numbers show is that it doesn't take but about 10ah to leave the battery before you're getting sync sleeping, etc....
https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/thr...ce-of-7ah-aux-batt-power-draw-analysis.16674/

 

[FrankThompson]

Well the truck did finally charge over night from 64% to 84% but opening the doors doesn't turn on the screens (like it's in deep sleep mode). My charger also is supposed to change to green pulsing when it's over 75%, but it hasn't done that. I wonder if this is because I believe the truck tries to charge to 80% so maybe it's only really at 84% of the batteries 80%? That or the charger can't read the actual charge level? Not sure at this point.

I saw the deep sleep mode issue yesterday but the truck only reported 0% until I pulled the fuse from the charger and plugged it back in.

If you can find something that'd eat say a 25-50w solar panel's voltage and regulate it to 13.5v, I think you'll find that to be a very happy truck you'd have on your hands.

With 13.5v you'll have enough power to get your battery around 90% SOC and hold it there in perpetuity w/ out over charging. If it's low it will charge, but that voltage level itself should keep it ~90% give or take and never have power problems. I've documented power draw of the truck in my LFP thread. What the numbers show is that it doesn't take but about 10ah to leave the battery before you're getting sync sleeping, etc....
https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/thr...ce-of-7ah-aux-batt-power-draw-analysis.16674/

I really like this option. I'm guessing you aren't aware of any available plug and play(ish) solutions for this are you?

 

[ReverendQ]

I don't drive my truck much and I've found that this truck really loves to use the battery when it's sitting still (my '17 would run low, but not like this!).

I installed a NOCO charger under the hood, but I don't normally park near a power source. I park across the street an undeveloped piece of land because we only have a single car driveway.

Is anyone aware of any Solar solutions I could install? I don't mind putting up panels when I park it, but something to keep it topped off while it sits there (even something that site in the windshield).

I'm in FL so I definitely should get enough sun

Hey Frank, hood solar installed and being evaluated https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/thr...owerboost-bap-tremor-hood-installation.22951/

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