Solar Chargers
Solar Chargers
Has anyone had any feedback personal or otherwise on solar panels. Specifically pertaining to the charging of a battery. We are heading to desolation sound for awek and we still only have the single battery installed with the boat .
I use a solar charger. I have only one battery as well. I have a depth sounder, fan, radio, stereo and lights hooked up to the battery. I think mine is 11 wats??? kinda forget.
I just hooked it up to the battery...and lay it flat on top of the deck. It isn't tied down... as I slide it around...depending on if the hatch is open or shute.
I just hooked it up to the battery...and lay it flat on top of the deck. It isn't tied down... as I slide it around...depending on if the hatch is open or shute.
-
Chip Hindes
- Admiral
- Posts: 2166
- Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2004 6:13 am
- Location: West Sand Lake, NY '01X, "Nextboat" 50HP Tohatsu
This topic has been covered before in excruciating detail. Read this first: Solar Panels.
Then, perform an evaluation of how much power you are going to need from your solar panels. Realistically, you can't put enough solar panels on a Mac to power more than a few lights and some low power electronics.
Then search the archives for previous comments.
You may find solar just doesn't make sense for your needs.
Note that the 11 Watt panel mentioned is going to provide about 2.7 amp hours per day on a sunny day. This may be of some value in keeping a fully charged battery fully charged, but only if you don't use any electrical stuff. It's not enough to burn your 5-watt anchor light overnight, and won't make any appreciable difference on your overall power situation. You can get the same by running your outboard for about 20 minutes.
IMO, before you spend any time or money on solar panels, you'd be way better off spending that money to install a second, "house" battery which you will charge by running the motor.
Then, perform an evaluation of how much power you are going to need from your solar panels. Realistically, you can't put enough solar panels on a Mac to power more than a few lights and some low power electronics.
Then search the archives for previous comments.
You may find solar just doesn't make sense for your needs.
Note that the 11 Watt panel mentioned is going to provide about 2.7 amp hours per day on a sunny day. This may be of some value in keeping a fully charged battery fully charged, but only if you don't use any electrical stuff. It's not enough to burn your 5-watt anchor light overnight, and won't make any appreciable difference on your overall power situation. You can get the same by running your outboard for about 20 minutes.
IMO, before you spend any time or money on solar panels, you'd be way better off spending that money to install a second, "house" battery which you will charge by running the motor.