cigarette lighter socket / Solar charger set up Question

[mitchizm]

Does the cigarette lighter socket become inactive when the vehicle is turned off?

I am wondering because I am considering a high output solar battery charger and would rather use the socket than hard-wire to the battery.

Any other info towards the matter would be appreciated. Like - whats the best amperage, wattage towards emergency needs to start a vehicle that has a dead battery for whatever reasons.

[loystock]

Welcome to NICO!

The Ignition Switch must be at ON/ACC position to power the cigarette lighter.

A solar battery charger may seem like a good idea but in my opinion, I would rather invest on a good quality battery - Enersys Oddysey battery or Sear DieHard Platinum (@ $200 or more). Optima batteries used to be top notch but quality has gone down since factory moved south. Even regular flooded -cell batteries (@ $60 or more) have good warranties and usually last for at lest 3 years..

For one, placement of the solar panel may be problematic - illegal on the windshield and a safety issue on the dashboard. Placement at the rear deck requires routing of wires front-to-back. A solar battery charger may also overcharge your battery. There is no solar battery charger currently in the market that can start your car, with a dead battery. The OEM battery spec is 582CCA. You will be lucky to find a 10-Amp solar battery charger and that will cost probably $1000.

[mitchizm]

Thanks loystock for your information and insight.

After giving it some more thought, I am now considering adding a solar panel on the sliding sunroof cover (there seems to be enough space between it and the sunroof itself) to power / charge peripheral devices, etc. other than the car battery ;-p

[MinisterofDOOM]

The Audi A8 has solar panels in the roof for the purpose of powering climate control to keep the cabin cool when parked in the sun. Just food for thought.

[NutriaforBreakfast]

Test drove a ford hybrid two weeks ago. They actually dont wantyou parking in the sun (they DIDNT say it would weaken the batterybut gee hint hint!)