Calcium Batteries

[kiwi]

All I can say is they are ok until you hit a period of inactivity and cooler conditions that suck the power away eg Cold weather starts.

Does anyone know if the trickle charge of a solar panel has any extra benefit to these modern batteries that need a seven stage charger to bring up to a full load again.

More for keeping a charge in them and running the dashboard clock during periods of being parked up in the cold.

[MULLEY]

Can't answer your specific questions Kiwi, but i have heard rumours that calcium one's aren't much cop in older cars, something to do with lack of electrical load, so they don't last very long.

[Way2go]

Calcium batteries will not have the longevity of a Lead-Acid battery in older cars because the BX (& others) does not provide a high enough charge voltage to keep the battery in good shape.

[mat_fenwick]

It's only a small amount higher IIRC, and car charging systems are fairly crude anyway, so chances are never get a standard lead acid battery 100% charged.

I think if your charging system is marginal, you may get a problem, but one of the main advantages of lead/calcium acid batteries over lead/atimony acid types is a lower self discharge rate (as well as a lower water loss).

I've been using them for several years - both in everyday vehicles (BX battery is now 4 years old) and in occasional use vehicles although I'll do a top up charge once a month or so.

EDIT - Done a bit of research and as ever, there are conflicting views on whether they'll charge OK in older cars. What is your charging voltage?
However, in answer to the initial question about solar panels, so long as the output from the panel/regulator is more than your battery voltage, they will help.

[kiwi]

I got a feeling it maybe time to replace this battery anyways!

Just found the receipt for it April 2007. Could be a reason it is starting to get a bit erm slow.