1.5 Watt Solar Battery Charger

Comments about THUNDERBOLT MAGNUM SOLAR 1.5 Watt Solar Battery Charger:

This has been a great product for me. I have multiple vehicles and keeping the batteries fully charged was a chore. I used to plug in a 2amp battery tender slow charger for several cars. I had to run an extension cord to the car (which limited where I could park) and kept the charger in the car... Now, I don't have to think about it anymore. I just plug into the cigarette lighter, plop the solar panel on the dash and forget about it.

When I need to use the vehicle, it is ready to go with a strong charge. This is especially important on AGM type batteries because a discharged battery may never come back.... This solar panel prevents the battery from discharging.

I have several of these and the design now is much better looking than the older version. The newer model's ebony plactic is less conspicuous compared to the bright red (that fades to an ugly orange) on the previous model. Even the oldest model is still working great for me and keeping my batteries ready at all times.

Great product, I have recommended these to all of my family, friends and customers.

Comments about THUNDERBOLT MAGNUM SOLAR 1.5 Watt Solar Battery Charger:

I bought two of these panels to keep the batteries charged on two pieces of equipment that sit idle all winter. They are doing exactly that. During periodic inspection of the equipment I check battery voltage, water level, and specific gravity (SG). Water levels remain good, and the voltage and SG indicate the batteries are fully charged.
Based on this experience, I see no evidence a charge regulator is needed. Yes, the panels show 22 volts in bright sun when not connected to a battery, but as soon as they're connected, they go down to battery voltage.
I don't know what's going on with those who have had negative experiences with this product. These solar panels are working great, and as expected, for me.

Comments about THUNDERBOLT MAGNUM SOLAR 1.5 Watt Solar Battery Charger:

Got this on sale at my local Harbor Freight in Roanoke, VA. It does a great job of maintaining the charge of the 12 volt battery in my '08 Prius. 12 Volt battery is original and still going strong with the help of this nifty gadget, keep in mind, this is not being connected to the hybrid battery pack, just the 12 volt battery used to start the vehicle.

Comments about THUNDERBOLT MAGNUM SOLAR 1.5 Watt Solar Battery Charger:

when i bought this about five moths ago works perfec.are rv bateries whent dead ever week puting in at 7.3 volts now ever time we check it its 12v

Comments about THUNDERBOLT MAGNUM SOLAR 1.5 Watt Solar Battery Charger:

I bought 3 of these back when they had the Red frame around the panels - a couple of years ago. I use 1 to keep my riding mower's battery topped off; I use another to keep my motorcycle battery topped off; and the 3rd I keep for a spare - or in case I buy something else with a 12 volt battery. I usually get up to 2 years use on a mower battery; this is my 3rd year on my present one while using one of these chargers - and it only gets about a half days worth of direct sunlight. These are NOT battery chargers, and they should not be purchased thinking they are!

Comments about THUNDERBOLT MAGNUM SOLAR 1.5 Watt Solar Battery Charger:

WATTS = VOLTS x AMPS

1.5 WATTS = 12V x ?

Solving for amps, we get 0.125 amps. Sorry but you cannot charge a car battery with 0.125 amps. This thing is only good for a battery maintainer, to maintain the charge on an already-charged battery. Battery charger? No. Battery maintainer? Yes. Get it if you plan to leave your car sitting for several weeks -- it will help keep the battery from going dead. But you will need to park outside where it will be sunny. You should also park your car facing south to maximize the amount of sunlight that it gets.

Comments about THUNDERBOLT MAGNUM SOLAR 1.5 Watt Solar Battery Charger:

I have a diesel VW and i need all the cranking amps I can get when starting in the winter. This makes sure I am ready to go. I also think this will help my battery life. I am going to get a few more for my motorcycles and cars!

Comments about THUNDERBOLT MAGNUM SOLAR 1.5 Watt Solar Battery Charger:

I use this charger to keep the battery up on my John Deer tractor. It won't charge a dead battery, but it will keep a battery that sits most of the time charged up.
I also use it on a 12 volt battery that runs my electric fence charger. It keeps the battery charged for over a month at a time. Mine is several years old and still puts out over 1 watt....I checked it a while back.

Comments about THUNDERBOLT MAGNUM SOLAR 1.5 Watt Solar Battery Charger:

I use these to keep batteries charged that I forget about or store in places that have no power (plow truck, motorcycles, cars in the summer when you switch to the bike, etc.) They have been excellent, and the next time they are on sale I will pick up a gang more of them.

Comments about THUNDERBOLT MAGNUM SOLAR 1.5 Watt Solar Battery Charger:

Bought 2, one for my pickup truck and one for an ag tractor in storage. Works well on both. Keeps the batteries topped up, no issues.