Hi,

I brought this up during Tuesday night net.  I was concerned about solar charging outdoor 18650 (and other) batteries if temperature drops below freezing.  I contacted some battery experts and was told that applying charge current to 18650s when temp is freezing or below will shorten the battery life or even damage battery.  Discharge is ok, even below zero F.  Options are, if temp drops below freezing, to bring it in, cover the solar panel, or fabricate a heater for the outdoor enclosure.  If I’m to cover a Seeed Technology solar Meshtastic, the solid child size shower cap fits completely. There are heating elements that can fit along side an 18650, but they need power from somewhere.  I’d like to hear your ideas at the upcoming Saturday meeting.  Thanks/Jack