SOUTHLAKE, Texas — The new SP-5 OTR Solar Charger Maintainer is designed to eliminate jump starts and extend battery life.

The SP-5 OTR harnesses the power of sunshine to reverse the normal loss of battery power, sulfation buildup and parasitic draw on erratically used vehicles, according to the company. The charger typically requires only a couple of hours of sunlight to maintain the connected batteries.  

The new 5-watt system utilizes a temporary plug-in instead of a permanent, more complicated installation, company officials said. It attaches to the vehicle’s exterior hood with four suction cups and plugs directly into the OBD connector for power, allowing for easy installation and removal in seconds.

Manufactured by PulseTech Products Corp., the SP-5 OTR is a commercially rated solar panel that is half the size of comparable solar chargers, and can maintain up to four 12-volt batteries connected in parallel, and replace the power loss from electrical accessories that occurs even when the ignition is turned off, company officials said.

Additionally, PulseTech’s patented Pulse Technology also removes damaging sulfate crystals from the battery plates, allowing the battery to receive a full charge and operate at top efficiency.

“A large problem, especially for those vehicles sitting on lots to be sold, is how fast batteries can lose their charge,” said Rick Miller, PulseTech sales manager. “The SP-5 OTR is a simple and effective solution that can be temporarily coupled via the OBD connector to provide daily maintenance and be removed for future dealer use when the vehicle is sold.”

The SP-5 OTR works with all types of 12-volt batteries, including conventional flooded, gel, AGM and VRLA types, according to the company. The charger uses higher efficiency, higher quality crystalline silicon cells, and is protected against weather, aging and damage with a clear, polyurethane plastic coating mounted on a laminated aluminum substrate.

MSRP for the SP-5 OTR is $249.99. It is available through www.pulsetech.net distributors and resellers.