Renogy 10W Solar Battery Trickle Charger Maintainer

The Renogy 10W Solar Battery Trickle Charger Maintainer Helps Keep a 12V Lead-Acid Battery Topped Off With Sunlight

The Renogy 10W Solar Battery Trickle Charger Maintainer is a 10W solar panel with an SAE output and three plug-in cables. It turns sunlight into 12V DC power to help offset the natural self-discharge of a battery that sits unused.

It's made for vehicles and equipment that sit between uses. Renogy lists boats, SUVs, RVs, electric fences and accessory batteries. Renogy's user guide says the unit works only with 12V lead-acid batteries.

Renogy 10W Solar Battery Trickle Charger Maintainer Features

Three Cables for Three Hookups

The SAE connector on the panel plugs into an SAE to cigarette lighter plug cable, an SAE to alligator clip cable or an SAE to ring terminal cable. Renogy's photo gives the lengths as 20.1 in, 20.5 in and 21.6 in. Pick the one that suits your battery or your vehicle.

Plug and Play Setup

Connect the SAE plugs and the panel is ready. Renogy's guide shows the cigarette lighter route as three steps: plug in the panel cable, join the SAE connector and put the panel on the dash.

Suction Cups for a Windshield or Dash

Eight suction cups are included to attach the panel to a windshield. Renogy's guide says dark window tints can seriously reduce performance when the panel sits inside the glass. In that case it says to route the cable through an open window and place the panel outside the vehicle.

Thin 0.2 in Panel

The panel measures 13.19 x 9.29 x 0.2 in (335 x 236 x 5 mm) and weighs 403.4 g (14.23 oz). Its black fabric border has a mounting tab at each short end.

Made to Offset Self-Discharge

Renogy's guide says the unit is designed to compensate for battery self-discharge. It says not to rely on it for a full charge.

Real-World Applications

Parked vehicles. Plug the panel into the cigarette lighter port and place it on the dash in sunlight.

Seasonal equipment. Clip it to a 12V lead-acid battery in a boat, an RV or other equipment that sits for weeks.

Fixed hookups. Use the ring terminal cable for a battery with bolt-on terminals.

Practical Comparison

Solar Maintainer Versus Plug-In Battery Charger

A plug-in charger needs an AC outlet. This panel needs sunlight and no outlet, but it only maintains a battery and is not a full charger. Renogy says not to rely on it for a full charge.

Cigarette Lighter Cable Versus Battery Clips

The lighter plug is the quickest hookup and keeps the clips off the battery. Renogy notes that some vehicles do not power the lighter port with the ignition off, so connect to the battery directly in that case.

Buyer Guidance

Battery Type and Voltage

Renogy's user guide says the unit is only compatible with 12V lead-acid batteries. Do not connect it to other battery types or to batteries with a nominal voltage other than 12V. Doing so may cause irreversible damage and battery explosion.

Use It Safely

Disconnect the maintainer from the battery or cigarette lighter port before you start the engine or drive. Renogy says surges from the alternator may damage it. Face the panel due south or north, with no shadows on it. Do not leave it connected and unattended for long periods. Check the battery often. Renogy says the unit is designed to withstand splashes and spills but is not fully waterproof, so do not submerge it or leave it in the rain.

This May Be A Good Fit If

• You have a 12V lead-acid battery that sits unused
• You want a no-outlet way to offset self-discharge
• You want a cigarette lighter, clip or ring terminal hookup

Common Questions

Will It Fully Charge a Dead Battery?

No. Renogy says it is designed to compensate for self-discharge and should not be relied on for a full charge.

Why Is the Cigarette Lighter Port Not Charging?

Some vehicles switch the lighter port off with the ignition off. Renogy says to connect the maintainer to the battery directly in that case.

What Temperatures Can It Work In?

The working temperature range is -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C).

What's Included

• 1 x 10W Solar Battery Trickle Charger Maintainer
• 1 x SAE to Cigarette Lighter Plug Cable
• 1 x SAE to Alligator Clip Cable
• 1 x SAE to Ring Terminal Cable
• 8 x Suction Cups
• 1 x User Guide

Simple Solar Maintenance for Your 12V Battery

The Renogy 10W Solar Battery Trickle Charger Maintainer gives you a thin 10W panel with three hookup cables and suction cups for a parked 12V lead-acid battery. If you'd like help deciding whether it fits your battery, the Outbound Power team is happy to help.

Renogy 10W Solar Battery Trickle Charger Maintainer Manuals

User Manual

Data Sheet