In this guide, we go over the best 12V solar battery chargers on the market based our choices on power rating, size, portability, wattage, price, and energy retaining features.
There are many options out there and we've narrowed down to just 5 to keep it simple.
Check it out!
4 Best 12V Solar Battery Chargers
Eco-Worthy
Why buy this one? For a complete kit, the Eco-Worthy 20W 12V is by far the best car batteries solar charger. It's the most versatile option among other options.
Charge A Dead Car Battery - If you car battery dies, this will save you when you most needed it. No worry & use it with a peace of mind
Off Grid Rated - Got a RV, trailer, truck battery, boats? This is the ideal solar power kit for all that outdoor applications
Protects From Overcharging - Get as much battery juice as you need and the built in safety feature protects you and the battery. Check charging status at anytime
No Worry If It Gets Wet - Water splash proof that lasts over 20 years
Specs:
- Wattage: 20W
- Charge time: 8 to 12 hours
- Efficiency rating: high
- Cables and connectors: yes
- Voltage: 12V/24V
- Reverse charge blocking diode: yes
- Size and weight: 5.4 pounds, 20.5 x 14.4 x0.7inches
Why Get This One? - If you need an all in one backup 18V charger, this one is it. It works great for pretty much like any other 18V battery chargers for any outdoor vehicles including RV, boats, cars and more. Strong, Easy to attach, and Easy to use!
All In One Package - Includes cigarette lighter plug, suction cups mounting kit, and alligator clips
Durable - Made with ABS plastic and heavy duty silicone solar cells for easy maintenance
Specs:
- Wattage: 7.5W or 10W
- Charge time: 8 to 10 hours
- Efficiency rating: high
- Cables and connectors: yes
- Voltage: 18V
- Reverse charge blocking diode: yes
- Size and weight: 1.4 pounds, 13.9 x 0.5 x 5 inches
Why Get This One? - If you need an all in one backup 12V charger, this one is it. It works great for pretty much like any other 12V battery chargers for any outdoor vehicles including RV, boats, cars and more. Strong, Easy to attach, and Easy to use!
Doesn't Take Up Space - If you got room, this thing will fit. Suction cups let you attach it on any flat surface and you're good to go
No Guessing On Charging Status - LED light indicator blinks to let you know its working properly.
Warranty Protected - Don't like it or it fails, you got 12 months to get what you paid for or get your money back
Specs:
- Wattage: 8W
- Charge time: 8 to 10 hours
- Efficiency rating: high
- Cables and connectors: yes
- Voltage: 15V
- Reverse charge blocking diode: yes
- Size and weight: 1.4 pounds, 13.9 x 0.5 x 5 inches
Why Get This One? Battery Tender 12V Solar Battery Charger is similar to the Eco-Worthy above with only 5W for most applications without lengthy cord.
Works In The Cold - Single digit temperature? no worry it keeps your car battery charged as long as its placed well to receive sunlight
Safest Charger Around - 3 microcontroller for smart charging to prevent overcharging and fire hazard.
Specs:
- Wattage: 5W, 10W & 15W
- Charge time: 8 to 12 hours
- Efficiency rating: high
- Cables and connectors: yes
- Voltage: 12V
- Reverse charge blocking diode: yes
- Size and weight: 3 pounds, 14 x 16 x 1-inches
Buyer’s Guide
Major Usage
- Car Battery
- RV Power Source
- Tractor Battery
- Snowmobile Battery
- Solar System Setup
- Back-up System
Benefits of 12V Solar Battery Charger
Ecological Benefits: Obtaining battery power without energy source from the grid.
Battery Health: Keeping the battery percentage from dropping too low that reduces the risk of overcharging the battery.
Free Energy: Pretty much free energy from the sun
Portable: Super lightweight and carry it with your vehicle anywhere you go
Simple Use and Installation: Plug and play, just that simple without even needing a user manual
Compatible Battery Types
This charger will essentially work with any 12-Volt battery including:
- AGM Battery
- Gel Battery
- Deep Cycle Battery
- Starting Battery
Charging Speed & Efficiency
Charging speed is dependent on the size and wattage of the solar panel. We recommend higher wattage 10 or above that are made with monocrystalline being the most efficient.
In addition, just keep your solar panel clean and you are good to go.
Other Features
The most commonly features include
- Reverse charge blocking diode (Protects battery against reverse drainage to keep the charge without loss)
- Connectors & cables
- Cigarette lighter adaptors
Common FAQ
How Do You Prevent Overcharging When Using a 12V Solar Battery Charger?
The best way to go about this is to connect a battery monitor. It's convenience and you can be hands off to monitor the charge status via your smart phone.
Can a 12V Solar Car Battery Charger Be Used With Other Batteries and Devices?
Many solar car battery chargers have a USB plug option for the cigarette lighter plug. Any device with a compatible connector can work with a 12-volt solar car battery charger.
Regular Battery Charger VS Trickle Charger VS Maintenance Charger
The difference between a regular battery charger and a trickle charger is the rate of charge.
A trickle charge outputs energy to a battery equal to the rate of discharge to maintain battery levels.
A regular charger recharge a depleted battery at a faster pace.
A maintenance charger stays connected to the battery. Once a charge level is set, the charger will automatically turn off and on to maintain specified range.
Can I Leave a Solar Trickle Charger on All the Time?
Trickle charger can be left on for a long period of time to prevent the battery from going completely dead specially for devices that are not in use.
Basically it's slowly charging the battery around 1-2 amps to keep the battery alive.
For example, a vehicle that is stored away for the winter or inactive.