WirthCo Solar Powered Chargers

WirthCo Solar Powered Chargers for 12-Volt Battery Maintenance

A battery that sits unused for weeks can lose charge, and a depleted lead-acid battery tends to age faster. That is the problem WirthCo's solar powered chargers are built to address. The company markets these panels under its Battery Doctor® line, and they are designed to turn daylight into a steady trickle of power for vehicles and equipment that spend long stretches parked, stored or off the grid. This page focuses on that specific range. For the wider catalog, see the full WirthCo brand page, or browse all options in the Solar Powered Chargers category.

Amorphous Panel Technology

WirthCo's Battery Doctor solar panels use amorphous silicon rather than the rigid crystalline cells found in many residential panels. According to the manufacturer's product listings, WirthCo solar powered chargers are designed to keep generating output in cloudy and overcast weather, not only in direct sun. The company also says its panels use SiGe technology, and describes them as water resistant, shock resistant and rust resistant. That makes them a practical match for boats, RVs, motorcycles and other equipment that lives outdoors.

Panel Sizes and Kit Options

The Battery Doctor solar range is organized by wattage, so you can match the panel to the battery and the job:

• 5 watt trickle charger / maintainer: The entry-level kit is intended for cars, RVs, ATVs, motorcycles, personal watercraft, electric bicycles, scooters and small boats. Retail listings rate it at up to 420 mA.
• 9 watt charger / maintainer: A step up in output, rated at up to 750 mA, with an anodized aluminum frame and a plug-and-play bullet connection system for automobiles, watercraft and RVs.
• 20 watt panel: Listed with a 1.7 amp charging rating, a built-in blocking diode and a limited one-year warranty. It is aimed at larger 12-volt deep-cycle and AGM batteries.
• 40 watt kit: Pairs two 20 watt panels with a 4-in-1 adapter and a 10 amp solar controller for larger battery banks.

What the Kits Include

The smaller kits are built to be used straight out of the box. The 5 watt and 9 watt packages are described as including a cigarette lighter adapter, alligator clips, connectors, an LED voltage indicator and mounting hardware. Across the line, features include an E-Z Connect plug-and-play adapter, plastic corner sleeves to prevent scratching, and a built-in blocking diode that stops the battery from discharging back through the panel at night. The panels are intended for deep cycle, AGM, lead-acid and gel-cell 12-volt batteries.

Pairing a Panel with a Controller

For larger setups, WirthCo also offers a digital solar controller that handles up to 10 amps (120 watts) of array current and regulates the battery against overcharging and discharging. Smaller 5 and 9 watt maintainers are generally used as simple trickle chargers, while multi-panel kits benefit from a controller.

Why Shop WirthCo for Solar Charging

WirthCo Engineering has been manufacturing practical products since 1980, and the Battery Doctor line also includes disconnect switches, isolators and smart chargers. Its solar panels fit naturally alongside those products for anyone building a complete battery management setup. When choosing a panel, consider your battery size, how often the vehicle is used, and whether you need a controller. Browse the full WirthCo lineup or compare other makers in the Solar Powered Chargers category.