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Re: Solar Panel Tickle charger
Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2008 11:26 am
by Paul S
the sunseui is not weatherproof. I got the 500 sunseui and the mounting hardware. works quite well. Figure be a nice wireless way of keeping the batteries topped off. So far so good. You can get a deal on the 400s now that the 500 is replacing it
Re: Solar Panel Tickle charger
Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2008 11:29 am
by c130king
Maybe this Sunsui 400mA one with the stand.
Solar Charger Package
The stand is normally $50 but only $25 if you buy it packaged with the 400mA.
Re: Solar Panel Tickle charger
Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2008 12:08 pm
by Paul S
c130king wrote:Maybe this Sunsui 400mA one with the stand.
Solar Charger Package
The stand is normally $50 but only $25 if you buy it packaged with the 400mA.
I got the 500 for a few more than that on sale at defender, but that is a good deal still. good product. good price.
Re: Solar Panel Tickle charger
Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2008 2:35 pm
by Richard_Norman
Scott wrote:Still havent seen a reply to a solar charger hooked directly to a battery frying the battery.
Will it?, Can it?
I'll stick my neck out. I had a 5W panel directly connected to a 75AH battery for over 3 years with no problem. Just made sure to top up the water every month or so. I used the boat several times a week for a few hours (depth and knott meters on) and a weekend overnighter (several hours of running lights, some cabin lights and all night anchor light) a couple of times a year.
No frying of batttery involved. Go over 10-15W and you just might have a problem but below 10W is probably OK. I believe most charge controllers are designed for 10W or greater panels.
Re: Solar Panel Tickle charger
Posted: Sat Nov 15, 2008 1:05 pm
by DaveB
I used a 5 watt solar panel on my Compac 19 and it always brought up the charge during the week without overcharging the single 125 amp hr wet cell. No need for a overcharge regulator/Diode.
I now have built in auto charger in my Mac.X with shore power so all I do is plug in and leave it alone.
If you have twin 125 Amp Hr. Batteries you could use a 10 watt solar unit direct to batteries , but only for a Month or so than disconnect.
I live in S. Florida.
$40
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=41144
Dave