Solar Panels?

[bradl79 10+ year member]

to help with voltage and to save the alternator, can you use a solar panel for more power and/or to get more power?

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[winkychevelle 10+ year member]

None of the current ones are efficient enough to make a difference. Really the best ones you can get for a car would only be around 10 maybe 20amps and for the cost a ho alt would be a better option

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

won't make a lick of difference while the car is on. solar panels will keep the batteries charged while the vehicle is parked outside and that will help everything.

 

[SamIam71]

I think it could help more than hurt. All of our humvees in the Army have a small 5"X5" solar panel mounted on top of the air intake snorkel, and it keeps enough juice flowing into the two giant 12 volt batteries to keep them charged when sitting for prolonged periods. Larger alternators, extra batteries, dual alternators will impact fuel consumption, take away horsepower, take up space and they don't come cheap. I would think if someone was in a borderline situation of needing more power, it might be the right way to go.

 

[jteske88 10+ year member]

I was thinking about this the other day, solid panel fitted to sun roof cover and can slide away when I open the sun roof. Just to keep batts charged during the times while I'm at work.