Voltage regulator/protector?

Question

Is there some device to connect to a circuit that would prevent a solar cell set to a trickle charge from overcharging (and thus boiling) a 12 V automotive battery?

I want the cell to charge until the battery is full, and then stop.

Answer 1

you need a charge controller. You can get them at various online shops that sell solar cells.

Charge controllers are setup for the requirements of the battery and will make maximum use of the power from the solar cells.

A diode will not do this, and a voltage regulator will not do as good a job as a charge controller.

Answer 2

A diode in the line will cut off the charge and a 12 volt regulator in the line will stop charging at 12 volts.