Charging via solar (to keep battery charged when sitting for long time)

[Ippolito]

My Maverick sits for long periods, only did 4k in 2025. Does anyone use solar to keep their battery charged?

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[Mavster Mechanic]

You can, but you need to buy a specifically made for battery charging solar panel that has a charge controller built in or add a charge controller.

Example: a plain solar panel can consume power at night, so you'll need one that automatically disconnects in the dark.

Also voltage can vary a lot with sunlight changes so you'd want one with good voltage control, and one that shuts off in daylight when the battery is 100%.

 

[Cherokee]

Mavster Mech,
Can you find us an example that meets your stated criteria ?
And tell us how to hook it up ?

I’d love to buy one that operates and can be controlled like you stated.
I’ve had no luck so far.

 

[Quest]

Built several for stock vehicles when I worked for a dealer
Cost about $30 each
15W & Plugs into the OBD2 connector

 

[icegradner]

Built several for stock vehicles when I worked for a dealer
Cost about $30 each
15W & Plugs into the OBD2 connector

Details? I assume you used a charge controller that could detect battery type and charge level?

 

[Quest]

Just a diode to prevent reverse current at night.
You need to remember its not always sunny, at least not where I am so overcharging will never happen.
It will extend the time the battery goes dead from a month to 6 or 7 months
Your Maverick has a constant draw when sleeping of about 15ma & 22ma for a hybrid
The TCU periodically sending data to Ford will also draw a few amps for short periods

Had 1 Ecosport on the lot for 8 months with the solar charger & it started up no problem although the brakes were so rusty the rotors had to be replaced

 

[Mavster Mechanic]

I am not recommending any one in particular.

But Amazon should have dozens to choose from.

 

[inline_five]

I am not recommending any one in particular.

But Amazon should have dozens to choose from.

I have this exact same unit and it's been in use for several years. It does charge but if put inside the vehicle with a sunshade, it will get EXTREMELY hot and the glue melts. Fortunately, I don't care about the sunshade but it's something to be aware of.

I park on the street but if it was in my driveway or away from others I would put it outside on the windshield. I try to park facing south to give it the best light.

It's extremely effective at keeping the battery charged up.

 

[Carlitos_92]

Does anyone use solar to keep their battery charged?

Yes.

https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/forum/search/6250074/?q=solar&c[title_only]=1&o=date

 

[Tim d]

My Maverick sits for long periods, only did 4k in 2025. Does anyone use solar to keep their battery charged?

Following...Great idea...if....you can find a panel big enough to sufficiently charge.

 

[2lbgill]

You can, but you need to buy a specifically made for battery charging solar panel that has a charge controller built in or add a charge controller.

Example: a plain solar panel can consume power at night, so you'll need one that automatically disconnects in the dark.

Also voltage can vary a lot with sunlight changes so you'd want one with good voltage control, and one that shuts off in daylight when the battery is 100%.

What they consume is off the grid and neglectable

 

[Mavster Mechanic]

What they consume is off the grid and neglectable

I think you are confused.
The grid is not involved.
Re-read the above.
Thanks.

 

[MaverickDragon]

Following...Great idea...if....you can find a panel big enough to sufficiently charge.

Considering the parasitic draw is milliamps, you don't need a large solar panel to keep your battery charged. A large panel will need a charge controller, as the risk isn't to sufficiently charging the battery, it's the risk of overcharging it which will cause damage.

 

[JonP_Maine]

One thing that works really well is using magnetic clamps for the solar panel vs. drilling or suction cups.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F6C1LPFL?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_5&th=1

I bought these on Amazon and used to mount a Renogy 50 Watt Panel. Allows me to pop on the top of the truck or remove for washing etc. You will need a charge controller/trickle charger of some type.

 

[icegradner]

Just a diode to prevent reverse current at night.
You need to remember its not always sunny, at least not where I am so overcharging will never happen.
It will extend the time the battery goes dead from a month to 6 or 7 months
Your Maverick has a constant draw when sleeping of about 15ma & 22ma for a hybrid
The TCU periodically sending data to Ford will also draw a few amps for short periods

Had 1 Ecosport on the lot for 8 months with the solar charger & it started up no problem although the brakes were so rusty the rotors had to be replaced

Yeah I need it. I use a battery maintainer, a bit of a pain with my truck parked outside, but it's back into deep sleep after 3-4 days even with regular driving to work.

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