MS50
Gold $$ Contributor
Typical solar battery tenders will maintain a battery, but it won't charge it. They will allow you to start a motor. The alternator takes over to charge the battery. If you partially or completely deplete a deep cycle battery, a standard sized portable solar panel will do nothing to recharge it. It must be placed on a charger to be replenished. If the battery is not subjected to significant drain, a solar panel should be OK. I've searched extensively for a way to charge my fishing boat deep cycle battery without hauling it off the dock to the marina for charging. Solar chargers that will actually charge the battery were at least 3ft x 2ft x 2in thick. This will take up the entire area of one of the jon boat seats. I also use an aftermarket overcharge device on my solar maintainer. Does it work? I have no clue. If a reasonably sized solar charger is available that will charge a battery, I'd be interested.