Solar panels - Direct charging and battery life

AI Thread Summary
Directly connecting a solar panel rated at 6 volts to a 6-volt device can negatively impact the device's battery life due to potential overcharging or reverse current issues. Without an electronic controller, the solar panel may draw current from the battery at night, leading to battery drain. Using a diode or a controller is recommended to prevent this reverse current and ensure safe charging. Small solar panels typically won't damage larger batteries, but caution is advised with direct connections. Proper regulation is essential for maintaining battery health and longevity.
ramonegumpert
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Dear Experts

There are solar charging devices in the market for electronic devices.

These contain some electronics which I suppose is to regulate the power or as controller.

Lets say I have a 6 volts device and I have a solar panel rated at 6v.

If without any electronic controller, I just hook up the panel to the device, will this sort of what i call 'direct' charging affect the device's battery life? If so, in what way ?

Thank you for reading my post.

I wish you a nice weekend.

regards
Ramone
 
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It depends on the current that is produced, as you might expect. A small solar panel is unlikely to damage a car battery, for example.

However, directly connecting a solar panel to a battery is not a good idea because the solar panel can draw current from the battery during the night.
A diode or some other method of stopping this reverse current is usually added. Your controller would already include this.
 
Thanks so much Vk6kro!
 
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