When you are on your most awaited trip that somehow includes a battery, you do not wish to fall into a situation where your battery runs out of power. And if that battery is the battery of your boat, you are in big trouble. That is why you need to follow our instructions on finding the best solar charger for trolling motor battery.
A solar charger is essential nowadays. Not that it will help you turn nature power into your work, but it is very environmental-friendly as well. You will find that once you start using a solar panel, things will be more natural for you.
But finding a good solar charger that will provide you with seamless performance is quite hard. Mostly due to weather conditions, a lot of chargers will not be sufficient enough. That is why you need to look through all the options to get on to serve you the best.
To help you out, we have done our research on finding the best ones. We found the top five products, and we put them on a list with all the necessary information. So, keep reading ahead to know everything.
Top 10 Best Solar Charger for Trolling Motor Battery
Minnkota Trolling Motor Power Center
MinnKota Trolling Motor Power Center
- This battery box / power center contains easy access external battery terminals that allow trolling motor leads and charger leads to be connected to the battery posts without opening the box
- Protects your battery (not included) on a small boat, transom application (boats that do not have battery compartments)
- This battery box / power center contains easy access external battery terminals that allow trolling motor leads and charger leads to be connected to the battery posts without opening the box
- Protects your battery (not included) on a small boat, transom application (boats that do not have battery compartments)
- Built-in, push button battery meter with 4 LEDs displays current “state of charge”
- Two 12-volt accessory plugs
- 60A resettable circuit breaker connected to top
- 10A resettable circuit breaker connected to two accessory ports
- Ring terminals on inside battery connectors
- Carrying handles on both sides
- Compatible with group 24 and 27 size batteries
- Overall dimensions: 7" x 13.5" wide x 12" tall
The first product from our list for you is going to be the MinnKota Trolling Motor Power Center. This product is an excellent choice for those who own a comparatively smaller size boat.
There are some fantastic features this solar charger is going to offer you. Initially, it has two manual reset circuit breakers, which is one of the reasons behind the quality product it is. The size charger is as close as to the battery, so you will not have a hard time fitting the battery or the charger in your accurate destination. Another cool feature you will have in this is that there is an indicator that will show you the battery status at the exact moment.
The charger is too easy to install. You will have all the mounting equipment shipped with the package. All you need to do is follow the instruction to install all the hardware. The charger is good at performing, but it is also very safe for your battery and other stuff. It has a gold-plated exposed stud that will help the battery and other equipment get damaged of over-heat. The construction of the charger will come with a sided and a carry-on arm. Combining with all the features, the price it comes with is also quite affordable.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Easy to carry around
- Protects from high-temperature
- Fits perfectly
- Status indicator
Cons
- Only two sizes are available.
Bmk 12v 5a Smart Battery Charger Portable Battery Maintainer
BMK 12V 5A Smart Battery Charger Portable Battery Maintainer with Detachable Alligator...
- 【UPGRADED DEFECTIVE BATTERY DETECT/FAST CHARGING CAR BATTERY BOOSTER】Updated with battery condition diagnose to detect the defective battery before charge. Input 100-240V AC, With 5A DC output current, BMK 12V 5A car battery charger is suitable for charging batteries with 15-100Ah. NOTE: To better tender the battery, please make sure the battery capacity is higher than 15Ah, it can also charge over 100Ah batteries, just more charging time. ETL Certified for performance and safety
- 【UPGRADED DEFECTIVE BATTERY DETECT/FAST CHARGING CAR BATTERY BOOSTER】Updated with battery condition diagnose to detect the defective battery before charge. Input 100-240V AC, With 5A DC output current, BMK 12V 5A car battery charger is suitable for charging batteries with 15-100Ah. NOTE: To better tender the battery, please make sure the battery capacity is higher than 15Ah, it can also charge over 100Ah batteries, just more charging time. ETL Certified for performance and safety
- 【UPGRADED 72-HOUR SAFETY FEATURES/MULTI SAFETY PROTECTIONS - BATTERY RESCUE & RECOVER】Updated with 72 hours safety feature to commence anytime the charger is onto protect marginal batteries from over charging. Made of high quality ABS, multi-protects of Short Circuit/ OV/ OC/ Overload/ Polarity Reverse, featured with Constant Pulse Current Maintenance function to avoid overcharge and discharge; Full-loaded and burn-in test prove its high reliable efficiency, stable performance
- 【4-STAGE SMART CHARGING - FULLY AUTOMATIC BOAT BATTERY CHARGER】 12V smart charger operated with 4 stages automatic charging process by MCU controller, 25%/50%/75%/100% to indicate quantity of electricity and monitor the whole charging progress. Stop automatically when the battery is fully charged. LED indicator designed to display different charging status of the marine battery charger
- 【UPGRADED WITH 10A FUSE ONTO RING CONNECTORS & MULTI-PURPOSES DEEP CYCLE BATTERY CHARGER】Pb/SLA/VRLA/GEL/AGM lead acid battery charger tender, operated with vulcanization function, BMK battery maintainer charger is a great choice for lawn mower, boat, car, motorcycle, electric vehicle, electric tools and emergency battery charging, lightweight(15.87oz) allows you take it to anywhere, used as Trickle Battery Charger as well
- 【QUALIRY ENSURANCE & IN TIME SERVICE】BMK is devoted to provide boat battery trickle charger with higher qulality to meet buyers' needs better and timely after-sale services, eliminate all your worries about getting this trolling motor battery charger. Just get your Automotive Car Battery Charger Maintainer with confidence, and contact us if you have any problems about the item when using
The next product we have for you is the BMK 12V 5A Smart Battery Charger Portable Battery Maintainer. If you are looking for something that will store some voltage for you, this one will help you the most.
This battery charger is what you need if you are setting for a trip or some quality out-time as you might need the help of additional voltage. The storing process will not damage your actual battery at all. The main reason many people prefer this product is the combination of reliability, longevity, and high-quality performance that this product will offer you. It is quite versatile as well as it is capable of charging several items at once.
You can easily use it for your boats, cars, or even lawnmowers. The charger has the capability of fast and smart charging with an additional boost to your battery life. There are going to be four stages of load, and an indicator will allow you to know the current steps of the charge when you are preparing your battery. With the help of this quality, you can easily understand when to turn the charger off.
The compact charger is the easiest to store and handle when you are going on a trip. It is also very safe for your use. The charger has protection such as over-charging, discharging, short circuit, and it can even automatically shut off when the charging is done. You will get a lifetime warranty once you purchase it. The product is very travel-friendly, portable, and lightweight.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Has four stages of charging
- Safe and has much protection.
- Lightweight and portable
- Can store voltage
Cons
- Might get a little bit hot
Allpowers 12v 5w Portable Power Solar Panel Battery Charger
ALLPOWERS 12V 5W Portable Solar Car Boat Power Solar Panel Battery Charger...
- ☀️ ALLPOWERS trickle battery charger maintainer can charge 12V batteries with the power of the sun and create 5 watts of energy
- ☀️ Mono-crystalline silicon panel works in all daylight conditions and is weatherproof（rain drop is OK, but not completely waterproof）for added durability
- ☀️ ALLPOWERS trickle battery charger maintainer can charge 12V batteries with the power of the sun and create 5 watts of energy
- ☀️ Mono-crystalline silicon panel works in all daylight conditions and is weatherproof（rain drop is OK, but not completely waterproof）for added durability
- ☀️ Works with automotive, motorcycle, tractor, boat batteries, car battery and more
- ☀️ Built-in blocking diode to prevent reverse discharge, not only maintains the battery lifetime but also extends its usage life.
- ☀️ Package: ALLPOWERS car battery charger, cigarette lighter plug, clip line, suction cupds, instruction manual, 18-month warranty and friendly customer service
As for this one, we have the ALLPOWERS 12V 5W Portable Power Solar Panel Battery Charger for you. This one is one of the most reliable solar power chargers and a unique design on the list.
Although the charger owns a lot of power, the size is quite small. That is why it is extremely portable and travel-friendly. You can easily keep it inside your bag or store it in your boat or car without worrying about space. The fantastic construction method of this panel makes it the way it is.
The charger has a monocrystalline silicon panel that will manage all the secure charging and power-saving ability. It helps to keep the charger small but strong at the same. And for which these kinds are currently very trendy on the market. Another great feature it has is that it will be able to charge even when there isn’t enough light to get the power from.
As far as the product will provide you with all the facilities regarding charging, some are lacking in it as well. When it comes to protection, it is quite good but might meet all the checks on your list. The charger can block discharge, but it will not help you with overcharge. The product is made to be waterproof, but you cannot expect to throw it underwater to survive. Apart from that, you will get this fantastic product at the most affordable price possible.
Pros
- A powerful charger
- Portable and lightweight
- Affordable
- Can be used in low light
Cons
- Not waterproof enough
Sunway Solar Car Battery Trickle Charger
Sunway Solar Car Battery Trickle Charger & Maintainer 12V Solar Panel Power...
- [Solar Panel Power Up To 4W]--Keep your 12 Volt batteries topped off with this solar battery trickle charger ,which helps to manage 12v battery drain in all seasons. Designed to compensate for small, steady battery drains from the vehicle's clock or alarm system.
- [Solar Panel Power Up To 4W]--Keep your 12 Volt batteries topped off with this solar battery trickle charger ,which helps to manage 12v battery drain in all seasons. Designed to compensate for small, steady battery drains from the vehicle's clock or alarm system.
- [Simple And Very Easy to Use]--This solar trickle charger will NOT overcharge the battery or cause any damage if the battery capacity is 20Ah or greater, .The solar charger panel mounts easily to the windshield or dash and conveniently plugs into your car's 12 volt cigarette lighter! Suction cups available with the solar charger. {If you need a Quick Connect And Disconnect Extension Cable For this solar charger,Please search the ASIN:B06X6LJTD6.}
- [Stronger and Durable]--This solar powered battery charger is Covered with ultra clear PV glass which is more efficient and also with Durable ABS plastic housing which makes this solar panels charger more stronger. Low Maintenance!
- [For Any Rechargeable 12Volt Batteries]--This solar battery trickle charger is the eco-friendly way to maintain and safely charges any 12volt Wet, Gel, SLA,AGM, LiFePO₄,Lithium-Ion and Deep Cycle batteries. It can maintain the charge of any cars, trucks, marines, motorcycles , tractors, ATVs, snowmobiles, boats and personal water crafts or RV 12 volt battery!
- [Reverse Charging Protection]--With BUILT-IN DIODE for prevents reverse charging from batteries.With a 12volt LED charge indicator. The Led light up when it is charging. The solar charger maintainer Includes cigarette lighter adapter and alligator battery terminal clamps. We offer 12-Month warranty and good customer service.
The next product we have from our list is the Sunway Solar Car Battery Trickle Charger. This charger is another one from our list with a unique design and a good price point.
The best feature of this charger has to be the power, close to 15 volts on any sunny days. As long as you maintain the solar charging ability, you will have all the seamless power supply. But on top of that, you will also get a power cable, which has an excellent construction to provide you with an exchangeable 12 volts adapter to direct connections. This feature makes it more reliable and easier to use.
Another significant factor about this product is the design. It has quite a sleek body that you will not have to worry about storing. There is a glass protector on top of it that will protect the solar panel from getting harmed. Another feature that is highly appreciated is the LED light monitoring ability. There is an LED light that will inform you about the charging status.
The LED light will start to flicker as soon as the charging begins, and it will keep on doing until the charging is thoroughly done. And after the charging is finished, the light will stay on put to show you that it is all done. Although they could have made it more useful by making it waterproof but with all the features it comes with, the product is highly satisfying.
Pros
- 15 volts solar panel
- LED light indicator
- Glass protection
- Power cable to change to direct connection
Cons
- Not waterproof
Schumacher Sp-200 2.4w 12v Solar Battery Charger and Maintainer
Schumacher SP-200 2.4W 12V Solar Battery Charger and Maintainer
- TRICKLE CHARGE: Delivers 2.4-watt trickle charge to boat, car, motorcycle, ATV, snowmobile, truck, RV, and other 12V batteries to maintain your 12V battery
- EXTEND BATTERY LIFE: Maintaining your 12V batteries with the SP-200 optimizes the health of the battery and extends battery life
- TRICKLE CHARGE: Delivers 2.4-watt trickle charge to boat, car, motorcycle, ATV, snowmobile, truck, RV, and other 12V batteries to maintain your 12V battery
- EXTEND BATTERY LIFE: Maintaining your 12V batteries with the SP-200 optimizes the health of the battery and extends battery life
- SOLAR-POWERED: Solar panel battery maintainer utilizes amorphous solar technology to convert sunlight into power
- NO ELECTRICITY NEEDED: Charge the maintainer by placing it panel-side up in an area exposed to daylight such as a dashboard or the hood of a vehicle
- EASY TO USE: Simplified, environmentally safe design offers plug-and-play usability and requires minimal maintenance; 96-inch cable allows you to position the unit nearly anywhere on your vehicle
- THIN-FILM TECHNOLOGY: The panel absorbs a larger spectrum of light than other solar panels, allowing it to work under low-light and cloudy conditions
- WATER-RESISTANT: The unit is water resistant to withstand light rain or water splashes
- POWER FARM AND RANCH TECH: Use the SP-200 to power electric fences and deer feeders in remote locations on your property
- IN THE BOX: SP-200 2.4W Solar Battery Maintainer, 12V DC adapter, clamp adapter, (4) mounting screws, and user manual
The next product we have for you is the Schumacher SP-200 2.4W 12V Solar Battery Charger and Maintainer, which is known for being a fantastic battery maintainer alongside being a charger.
This product is suitable for those who own a 12 volts lead-acid battery. If you want to take care of your lead-acid battery, you better get one of the Schumacher chargers plus maintain to ensure that your battery stays healthy for a long time. This one is surely here to extend your battery life for a better purpose.
The charger comes with many amazing options, and one of the remarkable ones is that it is a great source to turn the natural power to your use while saving your environment. The product is made to be extremely environment friendly. You can easily use it for both indoor and outdoor purpose that includes your boat, cars, motorcycles, trucks, RV, etc.
The design includes a very sturdy construction and space-saving options as well. The whole dimension of the product will not require to take a lot of space. The product is made to be water-resistant, and that point brings us to the fact that it will work just fine even during the cloudy days. This is great for those of you who want to take it for traveling or camping purposes. You are also going to get one year of warranty.
Pros
- Extends battery life
- Environment friendly
- Space-saving
- Works during cloudy days
- Waterproof
- One-year warranty
Cons
- The cables are short.
Newport Vessels Trolling Motor Smart Battery Box Power Center
Newport Vessels Trolling Motor Smart Battery Box Power Center with USB and...
- EXTERNAL BATTERY PORTS - Safely and easily connect your trolling motor or accessory to the battery ports without opening the box.
- DUAL INTEGRATED CIRCUIT BREAKERS - Integrated with 10 Amp and 60 Amp circuit breakers to protect your trolling motor and other accessories from electrical damage.
- EXTERNAL BATTERY PORTS - Safely and easily connect your trolling motor or accessory to the battery ports without opening the box.
- DUAL INTEGRATED CIRCUIT BREAKERS - Integrated with 10 Amp and 60 Amp circuit breakers to protect your trolling motor and other accessories from electrical damage.
- DIRECT USB CHARGER AND ACCESSORY PORT - Provides one USB Charger and one 12V accessory port for convenient connection of various DC accessories.
- PRODUCT DIMENSIONS: 17 x 12 x 10 Inch, Fits Group 24 & 27 batteries, LED meter measures battery charge level (battery not included), Non-slip rubberized feet keep your battery box in place.
The next one from the list is the Newport Vessels Trolling Motor Smart Battery Box Power Center, an excellent choice for small boats with no additional battery compartment.
This battery charger is another high-powered one for you. It comes with a dual-integrated circuit breaker. The circuit’s breaks consist of 10 Amp and 60 Amp. These will surely help you’re a lot by saving your batteries from getting electrical damaged. It is an essential feature when you are setting out for a long ride on your boat.
As you purchase this product, you are going to get a USB charger and a 12 volts accessory port alongside the product. The solid construction of this charger is a great way to keep things in proper check. The dimension of the charger is about 17 inches in length, 12 inches wide, and 10 inches deep. This is the right size for keeping inside your vehicle. There are going to be rubberized feet to keep the box stable on the ground. And lastly, you are going to have two years of warranty after your purchase.
Pros
- Safe for use
- Dual integrated circuit breaker
- USB charger and accessories included
- Rubberized feet
- Two years warranty
Cons
- The construction material is not high-quality.
Suaoki 12v Solar Car Battery Charger
SUAOKI 12V Solar Car Battery Charger, 18W Trickle Solar Panel Charger, Portable...
- CAR BATTERY MAINTAINER: perfect for keeping automobile charged to lengthen the life expectancy of car batteries; output voltage of 18V and 18 watts of energy
- 18W SUNPOWER SOLAR PANEL: made of premium quality SunPower solar panel with high solar cell efficiency of 22.5%; 18W output works better than 4.5W, 7W of other similar products
- CAR BATTERY MAINTAINER: perfect for keeping automobile charged to lengthen the life expectancy of car batteries; output voltage of 18V and 18 watts of energy
- 18W SUNPOWER SOLAR PANEL: made of premium quality SunPower solar panel with high solar cell efficiency of 22.5%; 18W output works better than 4.5W, 7W of other similar products
- BUILT-IN BLOCKING DIODE: prevent your batteries from discharging backwards through your solar panels at night when charger’s voltage is lower
- PORTABLE & DURABLE: weighs only 345g/ 12.49oz for easy transport; made of water resistant and heat resistant material; designed for long term use
- CHARGE VIA CIGARETTE LIGHTER PLUG: no need to open the car bonnet, you can charge the car battery directly using cigarette lighter plug
Up next on the list, we have the SUAOKI 12V Solar Car Battery Charger for you. If you need something for a fast charging ability, this one should be the first one from your try list.
The best feature of this product is that it is the most efficiently performable battery charger for you. It will offer you a boosted performance of a 22.5% efficiency rate. You may think this is not the best, but what you get from other products, this one is quite useful if you think carefully.
The design and construction of the product is yet another great feature. At the initial look, you will say it has a big surface area, but once you look closely, the product is extremely thin. That is a great quality if you are dealing with finding adequate space. The product is also very lightweight, which makes it portable.
The charger is built in a way that will prevent any energy from being waste by reverse charging or other issues. The product is also made to be waterproof, so you know you can use it when the weather is not on your side. From the price point it comes, it has quite nice things to offer you.
Pros
- 18 volts ability
- Highly efficient
- Lightweight and thin
- Waterproof
Cons
- The size might be a little too big for some people
Duravolt Marine Solar Panel Battery Charger
DuraVolt Marine Solar Panel Battery Charger, 8.3 Watt
- NO EXPERIENCE Plug & Play design
- Free Ring Battery Adapter Included- Free Tech Support
- Self-Regulating - Batteries rated 25 Amp Hours or more a solar regulator is NOT needed
- Semi-Flex NOT Bendable, BEWARE bendable panels can crack the fragile solar cells.
- NO EXPERIENCE Plug & Play design
- Free Ring Battery Adapter Included- Free Tech Support
- Self-Regulating - Batteries rated 25 Amp Hours or more a solar regulator is NOT needed
- Semi-Flex NOT Bendable, BEWARE bendable panels can crack the fragile solar cells.
- Low-Profile & Lightweight Design 11.8" L x 10.0" W x 1/4" Thick. 10' cable.
- Contact us for Senior or US Military Discount Codes.
- 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
The next one we have for you was exclusively made for the people who loves to go on adventures with their boat. This is the uraVolt Marine Solar Panel Battery Charger for you.
This one has some unique features to it as well. The charger is semi-flexible to make it more useful. It is covered with plastic film and aluminum baking that will help the product to be protected from unwanted things. There is a mounting hole on each corner to help you set the product properly. The dimension it is going to offer you is about 14 inches x 16 inches x ¼ inches.
The charger will come with a free adapter for your absolute convenience. The batteries needed for this charger is about 25 Amp. You will not need a solar regulator to use this product. The design of this product does not only give you the opportunity to place is properly, but as it is also very lightweight, you will not have a hard time storing it. You are also going to get tech-support whenever you need it.
Pros
- Comes with free adapter
- Lightweight design
- Covered with plastic film and aluminum baking
- Mounting holes
Cons
- Doesn’t have any charge controller
Aeiusny 12v Solar Car Battery Trickle Charger & Maintainer
Aeiusny 12V Solar Car Battery Trickle Charger & Maintainer 5W Solar Panel...
The next product we have for you is the Aeiusny 12V Solar Car Battery Trickle Charger & Maintainer.
This solar power charger is another 12-volt product from our list. It consists of monocrystalline silicon solar cells that are going to provide you with a 20% high photoelectric conversion rate. The size of the product is pretty small, and it is also very lightweight. That is the reason it has high portability, and you will be able to carry it around with you.
Out of all the great options, a very useful one is the available LED light on it. As soon as you place the charger under the sun, the indicator light will start to work. It will show you the process from 20% to 100%. There is also a reverse diode on it that will prevent any discharging from happening.
This product is not only a solar power charger but also a maintainer. It is constructed in a way to keep your batteries safe and up to charge all the time. You can use it on any of your vehicles that need a battery. There is no boundary to it. After you purchase this product, you will also get a one-year warranty.
Pros
- 12-volt power
- Small and lightweight
- Affordable
- LED light indicator
- One-year warranty
Cons
- It can drain batteries when it is not charging
Acopower 100 Watt Poly Solar Panel
ACOPOWER 100 Watts 100w Poly Solar Panel with PV Connectors for 12...
- 【Efficient conversion】Solar panels is made of high-efficiency poly cells which have an effective conversion rate of up to 20.1% to provide up to 100 watts power. A companion bypass diodes protect the solar cells from overheating and bypass the underperforming cells, which minimize power drop caused by shade and ensure excellent performance in low-light environments.
- 【Efficient conversion】Solar panels is made of high-efficiency poly cells which have an effective conversion rate of up to 20.1% to provide up to 100 watts power. A companion bypass diodes protect the solar cells from overheating and bypass the underperforming cells, which minimize power drop caused by shade and ensure excellent performance in low-light environments.
- 【Sturdy & long lifespan】100W solar panel is made of lightweight anodized aluminum frame and anti-reflection 3.2mm thick coated glass, which reinforces safety and impact resistance. Poly solar panel is suitable for excellent outdoor use, which can work in the tempreture between -40°F to 176°F, and withstand severe weather such as storms(2400Pa), blizzard (5400Pa) and hail.
- 【Easy and fast installation】Pre-drilled holes on the back of marine solar panel allow for fast mounting and securing, which compatible with different mounting systems such as z-brackets, pole mounts, and tilt mounts. And each rv solar panel comes with 12AWG cable with PV male/female quick connectors, which can directly connected with charge controller.
- 【Wide apply scenarios】Size 40.2*26.4*1.4 inch of 100 watt solar panel is ideal for off-grid application which help increase space efficiency. Polycrystalline solar panel can charge different 12V DC batteries, such as RV, car, boat, camping, jet ski, caravan, shed, greenhouse, rooftop etc.
- 【What will you get】Package is including 1PCs 100W 12V off-grid solar panel with 5 years workshop warranty and 20 years output warranty. ACOPOWER solar panels are factory-automated production without manual participation, so the probability of damage is low. If the panel you received is damaged due to transportation, please contact us as soon as possible.
The final product from our list of the best solar charger for trolling motor battery is going to be the ACOPOWER 100 Watt Poly Solar Panel.
This high-powered solar panel is going to provide you up to 100W worth of power. The construction of this product will offer you with an advanced encapsulation material with multi-layer performance ability. The solar panel is definitely one of the longest servicing life owners. It has a bypass diode that will minimize any sorts of power drop as well.
The product is very easy to install. There are going to be pre-drill holes in it that will let you hook it up wherever it is sufficient for you. You will get 12AWG worth of cables with it as well. The product is also very lightweight and easily storable one. You will find it quite comfortable to use when you are traveling.
The construction of this product will provide you not only safety from power dropping but also other obstacles. It is totally waterproof, so you will be able to use it during bad weather as well. The long-lasting product is also going to comes with five years of warranty options.
Pros
- 100 watts solar panel
- Multi-layer encapsulated performance ability
- Bypass diode
- Waterproof
- Lightweight
- Easy to install
- Five years warranty
Cons
- It is very expensive
Why Use Solar Charger for Your Trolling Motor?
Solar is a renewable power source that will never run out. So, with the right solar charger for your trolling motor, you’ll always be able to charge its battery up and get back on the water fishing tomorrow morning.
A lot of people are discovering this great benefit because they want more time relaxing out in nature rather than sitting around waiting for their batteries to recharge all day long. Plus, it’s better for Mother Earth as well.
The sunbeams down energy all over our planet every day, so we can enjoy these benefits without any negative effects whatsoever on our natural resources or environment.
That’s why there has been such an uptick in solar-powered products like these chargers that can keep up with demand when other sources are out of commission. The other awesome thing about this is that you don’t need to be at the mercy of Mother Nature either.
Maybe it’s cloudy or raining where you are? No worries, these chargers will still work! They’ll take a little bit longer because they use an artificial light source rather than relying solely on natural sunlight. Lucky for us, though, they’re oftentimes much cheaper too and can charge up batteries in less time, so it’s worth checking one out.
How Much Sunlight Do I Need?
One of the most common questions we’ve been asked is how much sunlight you need to charge a trolling motor battery fully. Of course, other factors affect this, including what type of solar charger and what size of battery you have.
The short answer is about 15 hours per day or more indirect sunshine for your 12-volt batteries, while higher wattage chargers may be able to do it quicker with less sun time required on cloudy days.
Type of Solar Charger:
There are two types of solar chargers. The most common type is a panel that attaches to the battery and charges it while you’re using your motor. This type doesn’t charge when not in use, and so it can be left on all day long without any worries about overcharging your batteries.
Batteries will eventually need maintenance, but this system takes care of them for you automatically. These panels often come with an inverter built-in because they also power lights and other small appliances that require AC, which comes from the generator.
A second option is a portable solar charger: these are usually smaller than regular panels at around two feet wide by one foot high by six inches thick, making them easy to transport. They’re also designed to be used in different positions, from lying on the ground or roof of your vehicle to being propped up against a surface like a tree or a wall. The downside is that you’ll need to use them near an open window for ventilation.
Solar Battery Selection & Long Term Use Tips:
- Perform Monthly Maintenance On Solar Battery: Check the battery terminals for corrosion and tightness. Clean if necessary, using baking soda or a wire brush to remove any loose material around terminal posts.
- Keep The Charging Area Clear Of Debris And Direct Sunlight: Be sure that there is nothing blocking sunlight from reaching the solar panels on your charging station, such as tree branches, leaves, or other debris. Blocking sunlight will decrease how quickly you can charge your trolling motor batteries while fishing in remote locations.
- Choose A Solar Panel That Is Appropriate For Your Trolling Motor Station Usage & Environment: Make sure to choose an appropriate panel size that will meet your needs based on usage during a typical day – more power needed equals a larger solar panel.
- Connect Solar Panel To Charging Station: Take the cables and connect them to your trolling motor station battery posts in order of polarity, making sure they are tight and secure with no corrosion or looseness. It will take about six hours for you to charge one 12 volts deep cycle battery using direct sunlight on an average day (and up to two days if it is cloudy).
- Install A Protected Battery Box For Your Trolling Motor Batteries: By installing this protective box that has holes drilled into the top, sides, and front for ventilation purposes as well as hooks at the bottom so you can hang weights below it, you’ll be able to keep these batteries safe from dirt particles entering through the holes.
- Mount Your Solar Panel To The Top Of A Vehicle: This will allow you to position your panel so that it is well exposed to the sun at all times, giving you more light and better power production as opposed to if you were simply using a ground mount solar array that would only be able to produce energy when there was direct sunlight on it.
Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Solar Charger for Trolling Motor Battery
The thing about buying a product is that if you do not put a lot of concentration and try out all the necessary consideration, the chances are that you may end up with something not too good for the price.
We have already provided you with all the best options for your solar chargers. But before you can move onto choosing one, we want you to look through a few of these factors that you should be keeping in your mind when making a choice.
Resistance
The first thing to consider has to be the resistance that includes the safety of the product as well. It is always better if your solar panel is waterproof because when you put it on in here for power conversion, you never know when it starts to rain, but you surely know that you do not want your product to be damaged.
Size
The next thing you should be considering is the size. There are various sizes available, and it depends on where you want to use it. If you want to use it on your boat, you better get one that is quite small enough to be fitted.
Power
The last thing to consider is the power the product will offer you. It is not easy to say what is the best range of power, but you should be getting one according to your need. A 100watts should be essential for any purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions of The Best Solar Charger for Trolling Motor Battery
How Long Should I Charge a Battery With a Solar Panel?
It totally depends on the battery.
Do I Need to Put the Solar Panel Directly Under the Sun?
Some of the products will require to put directly under the sun.
Conclusion
That was all from our completed list of the best solar charger for trolling motor battery. We tried our best to include all the necessary information to help you out. If you are still confused, we will suggest you go with the MinnKota Trolling Motor Power Center, which stood out the most to us.
Let’s Check Our Best Pick:
MinnKota Trolling Motor Power Center
- This battery box / power center contains easy access external battery terminals that allow trolling motor leads and charger leads to be connected to the battery posts without opening the box
- Protects your battery (not included) on a small boat, transom application (boats that do not have battery compartments)
- This battery box / power center contains easy access external battery terminals that allow trolling motor leads and charger leads to be connected to the battery posts without opening the box
- Protects your battery (not included) on a small boat, transom application (boats that do not have battery compartments)
- Built-in, push button battery meter with 4 LEDs displays current “state of charge”
- Two 12-volt accessory plugs
- 60A resettable circuit breaker connected to top
- 10A resettable circuit breaker connected to two accessory ports
- Ring terminals on inside battery connectors
- Carrying handles on both sides
- Compatible with group 24 and 27 size batteries
- Overall dimensions: 7" x 13.5" wide x 12" tall
