Solar (Trickle) Charger Compatibiilty?

3002 tii · 04-12-2011, 05:02 PM

Has anyone ever used a solar charger? I used to have this on my old VW and was wondering if I could use it on the Z4. The OEM BMW part is nearly $300 whereas the VW ones can be had for less than $40 lol.

BMW p/n 82300143365
http://www.shopbmwusa.com/ProductDet...&ProductId=473

VW (can only find used ones on eBay as the newer ones use an interface different from the cig light)
http://motors.shop.ebay.com/i.html?_...+solar+charger

Nikki · 04-12-2011, 05:51 PM

Haven't used one but having been in the solar industry prior to my current job I'm surprised they don't mention the wattage. It's kind of useless without knowing that, but either way $300 is too expensive from what I can see. $40 might be worth it, but really a panel that size isn't going to do much, especially when it's inside the vehicle behind a UV protected windshield.

Hawkeye · 04-13-2011, 10:23 AM

She brings up good points, also, your car would have to be parked outside in direct sunlight for extended periods of time and since this only covers part of the dash you would probably get noticable "sunlight wear" lines on your dash.

SCHMOUPE · 04-13-2011, 10:28 AM

maybe if you install that on top of the garage roof with an extended cable to your cig lighter. Either way not the best way to spend 300 or 40 dollars

3002 tii · 04-13-2011, 10:34 AM

All good points, its just that the car is not really driven in the winter so I'd have to start it up every once in a while. I figured this might be a good backup/alternative.

Nikki · 04-13-2011, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dubbedown

All good points, its just that the car is not really driven in the winter so I'd have to start it up every once in a while. I figured this might be a good backup/alternative.

The most efficient way to take advantage of solar is to install the panel(s) either on your garage roof or lawn (depending on where you get sun). If you don't get any direct sunlight at your house, or its blocked by trees, then it really isn't worth it.

Hawkeye · 04-14-2011, 10:19 AM

If youhave an outlet anywhere close I usually run a battery tender on an extension cord to my car during the winter. It works really well.

04-12-2011, 05:02 PM	#1
3002 tii Lieutenant General 2289 Rep 12,565 Posts Drives: Z4 M, X5, GX460 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: CT iTrader: (99) Garage List F15 X5 xDrive35i [8.75] E86 Z4 M [10.00] F10 550i (Retired) [9.17] F25 X3 xDrive35i (R ... [9.43] E82 135is (Retired) [9.50] E85 Z4 M (Retired) [9.41] E90 328i xDrive (Re ... [9.25] E86 Z4 3.0si (Retired) [9.24]	Solar (Trickle) Charger Compatibiilty? Has anyone ever used a solar charger? I used to have this on my old VW and was wondering if I could use it on the Z4. The OEM BMW part is nearly $300 whereas the VW ones can be had for less than $40 lol. BMW p/n 82300143365 http://www.shopbmwusa.com/ProductDet...&ProductId=473 VW (can only find used ones on eBay as the newer ones use an interface different from the cig light) http://motors.shop.ebay.com/i.html?_...+solar+charger __________________ Follow for latest mods
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04-12-2011, 05:51 PM	#2
Nikki Major General 992 Rep 6,381 Posts Drives: Sepang Z4MC Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: LA iTrader: (9)	Haven't used one but having been in the solar industry prior to my current job I'm surprised they don't mention the wattage. It's kind of useless without knowing that, but either way $300 is too expensive from what I can see. $40 might be worth it, but really a panel that size isn't going to do much, especially when it's inside the vehicle behind a UV protected windshield. __________________ Nikki
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04-13-2011, 10:23 AM	#3
Hawkeye Brigadier General 2070 Rep 4,365 Posts Drives: '07 Z4 Coupe, '21 X3, '16 GMC Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Iowa iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 GMC Sierra SLT [10.00] 2008 Yamaha R6 [9.00]	She brings up good points, also, your car would have to be parked outside in direct sunlight for extended periods of time and since this only covers part of the dash you would probably get noticable "sunlight wear" lines on your dash. __________________ 2007 Z4 3.0si Coupe • 6 MT • Black Saphire Metallic • PP • SP 2016 GMC Sierra SLT Z71 Premium Plus 4x4 2017 Harley StreetGlide • Denim Black • V&H Tune 2021 BMW x30i • Phytonic Blue Metallic • Fully loaded
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04-13-2011, 10:28 AM	#4
SCHMOUPE Lieutenant Colonel 128 Rep 1,772 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4M Coupe Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: NJ iTrader: (7) Garage List 2007 Z4M Coupe [0.00]	maybe if you install that on top of the garage roof with an extended cable to your cig lighter. Either way not the best way to spend 300 or 40 dollars __________________ Gruppe M CAI / Euro Headers / Rogue Engineering X-pipe / RE Diablo Exhaust
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04-13-2011, 10:34 AM	#5
3002 tii Lieutenant General 2289 Rep 12,565 Posts Drives: Z4 M, X5, GX460 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: CT iTrader: (99) Garage List F15 X5 xDrive35i [8.75] E86 Z4 M [10.00] F10 550i (Retired) [9.17] F25 X3 xDrive35i (R ... [9.43] E82 135is (Retired) [9.50] E85 Z4 M (Retired) [9.41] E90 328i xDrive (Re ... [9.25] E86 Z4 3.0si (Retired) [9.24]	All good points, its just that the car is not really driven in the winter so I'd have to start it up every once in a while. I figured this might be a good backup/alternative. __________________ Follow for latest mods
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04-14-2011, 10:19 AM	#7
Hawkeye Brigadier General 2070 Rep 4,365 Posts Drives: '07 Z4 Coupe, '21 X3, '16 GMC Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Iowa iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 GMC Sierra SLT [10.00] 2008 Yamaha R6 [9.00]	If youhave an outlet anywhere close I usually run a battery tender on an extension cord to my car during the winter. It works really well. __________________ 2007 Z4 3.0si Coupe • 6 MT • Black Saphire Metallic • PP • SP 2016 GMC Sierra SLT Z71 Premium Plus 4x4 2017 Harley StreetGlide • Denim Black • V&H Tune 2021 BMW x30i • Phytonic Blue Metallic • Fully loaded
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