Does the PV cell on the roof of the SL make a difference?

[Ingineer]

Is there a problem with leaving the 12 volt connected and putting a float charger on it? I have been doing this with all of my other vehicles for years while in Hawaii for the summer.
The traction battery would be unplugged and at 50-70% charged.

No, this is fine as long as it's a "smart" unit capable of at least 200ma. I recommend one like this so it will actually offset the LEAF's draw and keep the battery charged with a proper algorithm. (The Desulfation can't hurt!)

-Phil

 

[LTLFTcomposite]

I won't be surprised if the biggest difference that solar panel makes is when the car is older, after it has sat out in the sun for several years, the plastic gets all cloudy and nasty like polycarbonate headlights do, then just to top it off with a cherry, gets a big crack in it and shorts out.

WAH-WAHHH