I went to Radio Shack one day and saw this small solar panel that supposedly trickle charges your battery. When your car is parked, you plug it into the cigarette lighter, set in on your dash, and walk away. It's supposed to keep the battery from dying. Now I know that's what the alternator does while driving, but what if the battery were to die? Does anyone think that this thing would be good to recharge it?

 

ive seen what u r talking about.. It might be helpful when parking outside on cold winter days...But then isn't your cig lighter disconnected when the car is off anyways?

 

Those things have been around for a long time. It's mainly designed for use in a car that sits for extended periods without being started or driven.

 

I've seen those used a dealerships.

 

Well I went ahead and bought it anyway. (I'm in impulsive shopper, what can I say?) I connected to my lighter while the car was off, and while it's charging, a little red light is supposed to blink. And to my surprise, it did. So I guess it was charging even while the car was off and the lighter was disconnected as well. But how many people think I've wasted my money altogether?

 

It's your cheddar man. If you want to buy gadgets, buy gadgets.