BatterySaver Pro 5W
Larger vehicles such as pick-ups, vans, RV's, or boats have larger battery drains simply because they have more electronics (example: bilge pumps, small appliances, etc). For this type of use, we recommend the BatterySAVER PRO5W model.
Q1: What types of batteries can I trickle charge?
You can trickle charge all types of 12 Volt batteries including lead-acid automotive batteries, deep cycle (traction type) batteries, gel-cell batteries, and heavy-duty (stationary type) batteries.
Q2: How long will it take for the BatterySAVER PRO5W to charge a dead battery?
The PRO5W is designed to trickle charge batteries. Batteries have a natural rate of discharge, which varies depending on battery type, age and condition. The natural rate of loss on new batteries can be as high as 5% or more. The BatterySAVER PRO5W is designed to compensate for these losses in addition to losses due to on board electronic instrumentation. In an automobile, truck or RV it may be clocks and alarms that drains your battery. The BatterySAVER PRO5W will replenish these losses so that you can rely on a full battery after long periods of storage. If you would like to recharge a depleted battery, we suggest you try the ICP BatterySAVER PRO15W solar panels.
Q3: Can I trickle charge more than one battery at a time with the BatterySAVER PRO5W?
The BatterySAVER PRO5W is able to trickle charge more than one battery at a time. However keep in mind that the charge will be split between the batteries included. Therefore, depending on the age, size, discharge rate and condition of the battery, you may be able to trickle charge up to 6 small batteries such as those for motorcycles and ATV’s etc and up to 3 automotive batteries.
Q4: Do I need a charge controller with a BatterySAVER PRO5W?
No. A charge controller is needed for the BatterySAVER PRO15W (15 Watt) panel or greater. The BatterySAVER PRO5W panel is not powerful enough to overcharge your battery.
Q5: Can the BatterySAVER PRO5W drain my battery at night?
No. All ICP Solar panels are equipped with a built-in diode, which prevents any reverse current.
Q6: Can my panel be left outdoors without protective covering?
Yes, the PRO5W panels have been weather protected and can be mounted outdoors. ICP PRO5W panels are completely weatherproofed and can withstand ½ inch hailstones, up to180°F heat and operate under 3 inches of snow (on sunny days).
Q7: Can I mount the solar panel directly to a surface or do I need to use some sort of bracket?
ICP Solar panels can be installed directly to a flat surface, using the screws provided. Simply secure the panel using the mounting holes at each corner. Should the mounting surface be rubberized, we suggest that you use rubber spacers to create an air gap between the two surfaces (to prevent heat build-up when exposed to high temperature conditions).
Q8: Can I run an appliance, without a battery, by connecting it directly to my solar panel?
Yes. However, without a battery to store the power, the voltage and current supplied by the solar panel may vary and drop as soon as some clouds pass over, possibly causing your appliance to slow or stop working. Running directly from the solar panel may be perfect for an application that is designed to only work on sunny days, like a solar operated fan. In most cases however, users connect solar panels to 12 Volt batteries, which then provides steady reliable power to the 12 Volt appliances.
In addition, for the appliance to work directly from the panel, it must be designed to operate within the maximum voltage and amperage range of the PRO5W. (350mAmps @ 15 Volts max.)
Q9: Can the wiring be extended?
You can extend the wiring of our solar chargers up to 35 feet, using 16-gauge wire, without any significant loss of power.
Q10: Can I install a cigarette lighter connector to my BatterySAVER PRO5W panel?
Yes. However for safety, please make sure to include a 5 Amp fuse on the positive wire.
Specifications
5 Watts rated power at 15 volts operating voltage.
Constant maintenance for larger batteries.
Weatherproof.
Includes 10ft 16-gauge wire, built-in diode for reverse current protection, and battery clamps.
