I am looking for a recommendation for a small solar panel to keep my battery charged on our 23.5 as well as a new wind indicator . Did not find much at wholesale marine and a few at west marine . As usual Santa appreciated your input , Mike
solar panel
- Thread starter mmsailor
- Start date
There is a multitude of opportunities. If your intent is to just keep the battery topped up, then there are some simple opportunities in 3W, 5W and 15w flexible panel models. See http://www.westmarine.com/marine-solar-panels for just some selections. But review all retailers, the internet has so much info and companies to buy from and I recommend you plan for future expansion in your search and build. Being off the grid is a great thing.
Try Amazon. Try to think big on this as buying too small for future use just costs more later. I would recommend at least a 40w and I would buy a 100w if I were doing it. Chief
I purchased a 1.5 watt, N Power solar panel for my h23 with a large Interstate marine battery 4 years ago. My solar panel is mounted in my port side window that faces south in its slip. The battery is always fully charged and ready when I am. Purchased it from Northern Tool then for $15. I think they cost $20 now. I also use the same panel on my tractor, a spare car, 2 riding mowers, 2 travel trailers and an ATV. My batteries are always fully charged.
hello
For my 1967 Kittiwake 23 sailboat, I bought a 30 watt solar panel for $46 off ebay, and then a 15 amp solar controller for $6... it keeps my batteries (2) fully charged and all the extra power is diverted to other electrical items in the boat.... works great for me...
for my 1971 Morgan 35 sailboat, I bought 3 - 100 watt solar panels, and a 30 amp controller... again, when the batteries are full it diverts all the extra power to the fridge, and bilge pump to keep them running as needed....
sincerely
Jess
For my 1967 Kittiwake 23 sailboat, I bought a 30 watt solar panel for $46 off ebay, and then a 15 amp solar controller for $6... it keeps my batteries (2) fully charged and all the extra power is diverted to other electrical items in the boat.... works great for me...
for my 1971 Morgan 35 sailboat, I bought 3 - 100 watt solar panels, and a 30 amp controller... again, when the batteries are full it diverts all the extra power to the fridge, and bilge pump to keep them running as needed....
sincerely
Jess
"again, when the batteries are full it diverts all the extra power to the fridge, and bilge pump to keep them running as needed...."
I'm confused, how does this happen. I assume your solar is hooked up to your batteries with your controller. Then your batteries feed your panel or switches which lead to your accessories. How does the solar panel feed your fridge direct? Why would it feed extra power to your bilge which is switched? Neither accessories have power storage.
Can you enlighte me?
I'm confused, how does this happen. I assume your solar is hooked up to your batteries with your controller. Then your batteries feed your panel or switches which lead to your accessories. How does the solar panel feed your fridge direct? Why would it feed extra power to your bilge which is switched? Neither accessories have power storage.
Can you enlighte me?
Once your batteries are at full charge the panels will act as a power source for any currently running electrical units. Note that he says"as needed". This is good theory comprehension on Jess part as most seem to overlook this factor in their calculations. n fact this works so well that I run a DC beer cooler with just a 80w solar panel for its power source when RVing. Chief
hello
yes... once the batteries are fully charged, then any extra power is sent to the electrical panel and run the fridge and automatic bilge pump or any other electrical device that is using power... this way I am not drawing power from the batteries when not needing to, and keeps them fully charged for the night when I might need the power too...
the solar panels hook into the controller, the batteries hook into the controller, the electrical panel hooks into the controller.... the controller distributes the power as needed from the batteries or panels to the electrical panel as it is needed....
when the batteries need the power for recharging, then all the power from the solar panels are put into the batteries... when the batteries are fully charged, then the controller diverts the load to the electrical panel for use... if the solar panel output cannot keep up with the load needed for the electrical panel at that time, then it also draws power from the batteries too simultaneously...
sincerely
Jess
yes... once the batteries are fully charged, then any extra power is sent to the electrical panel and run the fridge and automatic bilge pump or any other electrical device that is using power... this way I am not drawing power from the batteries when not needing to, and keeps them fully charged for the night when I might need the power too...
the solar panels hook into the controller, the batteries hook into the controller, the electrical panel hooks into the controller.... the controller distributes the power as needed from the batteries or panels to the electrical panel as it is needed....
when the batteries need the power for recharging, then all the power from the solar panels are put into the batteries... when the batteries are fully charged, then the controller diverts the load to the electrical panel for use... if the solar panel output cannot keep up with the load needed for the electrical panel at that time, then it also draws power from the batteries too simultaneously...
sincerely
Jess
Controller
What make and model Controller do you have and don't remember
any wires going to my panel when I installed it.
I get a blinking light telling me that my batteries and power from the
solar panels shows on my monitor shows no input but have no idea
where it is going.
Nick
What make and model Controller do you have and don't remember
any wires going to my panel when I installed it.
I get a blinking light telling me that my batteries and power from the
solar panels shows on my monitor shows no input but have no idea
where it is going.
Nick
Here is how I have mine installed:see picture below
Thanks for the explanation. If I understand it correctly the controller is the master for distribution of all power. It must have a sequence manager built in, as it first recharges the batteries, then provides power to accessories where ever it finds them. That does not sound like a regular controller, must be a nice upgrade. Mine like Seadaddler's merely controls the power to the batteries and when full will shut off. Therefore any additional energy created is being wasted. Can i have a brand and model number of this upgraded controller to do some research? Thanks.
Thanks for the explanation. If I understand it correctly the controller is the master for distribution of all power. It must have a sequence manager built in, as it first recharges the batteries, then provides power to accessories where ever it finds them. That does not sound like a regular controller, must be a nice upgrade. Mine like Seadaddler's merely controls the power to the batteries and when full will shut off. Therefore any additional energy created is being wasted. Can i have a brand and model number of this upgraded controller to do some research? Thanks.
Attachments
Kito: My panels are mounted off the stern rail on ss railing made into a rack for the panels
Jess's explaination is a bit hard to follow but technically close. Most connections do not go directly to the controller but are in parallel with it hooked to the battery bank. It can even be explained that the reefer when on does draw from the fully charged battery bank and that quantity is being replenished by the panels. Chief
Jess's explaination is a bit hard to follow but technically close. Most connections do not go directly to the controller but are in parallel with it hooked to the battery bank. It can even be explained that the reefer when on does draw from the fully charged battery bank and that quantity is being replenished by the panels. Chief
hello all
chief... I ment what I said.... the controller I have, has connect points for the solar panels, the batteries, and the main load to the electrical panel.... it controls the distribution of the power from the panels....
I built a frame on my stern and mounted the 3 - 100 watt panels on top of it.... below the panels, I mounted arms for davits...
sincerely
Jess
chief... I ment what I said.... the controller I have, has connect points for the solar panels, the batteries, and the main load to the electrical panel.... it controls the distribution of the power from the panels....
I built a frame on my stern and mounted the 3 - 100 watt panels on top of it.... below the panels, I mounted arms for davits...
sincerely
Jess
How about it trainmanjes, can you spill the beans and give the make and model of your controller. Also pictures of your stern mounted frame? Thanks in advance.
Jes: I would like to know what controller you have also as your perception of what/how it performs is interesting. That controller must have some big wiring! Mine only controls the battery input and that is all it needs to do. Chief
hello all
I have the LMS series intelligent solar controller... it is the model LMS2430... it is 30 amp solar controller...
system voltage is 12/24... max charge current : 30 amps... max discharge current : 30 amps... has 2 usb ports in the front... led screen for programming.... heat balance design... 4 stage charging (equalizing, bulk, abs, and float)... it has a temperature compensation function... has overcurrent protection, load short circuit protection, and low voltage protection...
the 4 stage charging is :
equilibrium charge... this stage will be active only when the battey recovers from over-discharge to normal charge
Direct charge (Bulk)... this stage is used to bring the batteries back to full charge
Constant voltage charge (abs)... this stage uses the panel to stabilize the voltage in the b atteries to their mean value rated voltage
floating charge... this stage the float charge rating is monitored and kept at this charge level....
also there is the led panel... this lets you set commands for how you want the controller to work... like do you want the extra power shunted ,,, do you want the extra power to divert to the electrical panel,,,, do you want it to be on a timed cycle to control the power to the batteries, or to the electrical panel... and many more options....
in the led window, it lets you know when your batteries are fully charged and where the extra power being made from the solart panels are going.... very innovative....
I will try and get some pictures to add next time... I just got home from work and my Morgan sailboat happens to be 13 hours away right now.... I will check for pictures on my laptop in the morning....
I will send a picture of the solar controller tomorrow
sincerely
Jess
I have the LMS series intelligent solar controller... it is the model LMS2430... it is 30 amp solar controller...
system voltage is 12/24... max charge current : 30 amps... max discharge current : 30 amps... has 2 usb ports in the front... led screen for programming.... heat balance design... 4 stage charging (equalizing, bulk, abs, and float)... it has a temperature compensation function... has overcurrent protection, load short circuit protection, and low voltage protection...
the 4 stage charging is :
equilibrium charge... this stage will be active only when the battey recovers from over-discharge to normal charge
Direct charge (Bulk)... this stage is used to bring the batteries back to full charge
Constant voltage charge (abs)... this stage uses the panel to stabilize the voltage in the b atteries to their mean value rated voltage
floating charge... this stage the float charge rating is monitored and kept at this charge level....
also there is the led panel... this lets you set commands for how you want the controller to work... like do you want the extra power shunted ,,, do you want the extra power to divert to the electrical panel,,,, do you want it to be on a timed cycle to control the power to the batteries, or to the electrical panel... and many more options....
in the led window, it lets you know when your batteries are fully charged and where the extra power being made from the solart panels are going.... very innovative....
I will try and get some pictures to add next time... I just got home from work and my Morgan sailboat happens to be 13 hours away right now.... I will check for pictures on my laptop in the morning....
I will send a picture of the solar controller tomorrow
sincerely
Jess
hello all
I have the LMS series intelligent solar controller... it is the model LMS2430... it is 30 amp solar controller...
system voltage is 12/24... max charge current : 30 amps... max discharge current : 30 amps... has 2 usb ports in the front... led screen for programming.... heat balance design... 4 stage charging (equalizing, bulk, abs, and float)... it has a temperature compensation function... has overcurrent protection, load short circuit protection, and low voltage protection...
the 4 stage charging is :
equilibrium charge... this stage will be active only when the battey recovers from over-discharge to normal charge
Direct charge (Bulk)... this stage is used to bring the batteries back to full charge
Constant voltage charge (abs)... this stage uses the panel to stabilize the voltage in the b atteries to their mean value rated voltage
floating charge... this stage the float charge rating is monitored and kept at this charge level....
also there is the led panel... this lets you set commands for how you want the controller to work... like do you want the extra power shunted ,,, do you want the extra power to divert to the electrical panel,,,, do you want it to be on a timed cycle to control the power to the batteries, or to the electrical panel... and many more options....
in the led window, it lets you know when your batteries are fully charged and where the extra power being made from the solar panels are going.... very innovative....
I will try and get some pictures to add next time... I just got home from work and my Morgan sailboat happens to be 13 hours away right now.... I will check for pictures on my laptop in the morning....
I will send a picture of the solar controller tomorrow
sincerely
Jess
I have the LMS series intelligent solar controller... it is the model LMS2430... it is 30 amp solar controller...
system voltage is 12/24... max charge current : 30 amps... max discharge current : 30 amps... has 2 usb ports in the front... led screen for programming.... heat balance design... 4 stage charging (equalizing, bulk, abs, and float)... it has a temperature compensation function... has overcurrent protection, load short circuit protection, and low voltage protection...
the 4 stage charging is :
equilibrium charge... this stage will be active only when the battey recovers from over-discharge to normal charge
Direct charge (Bulk)... this stage is used to bring the batteries back to full charge
Constant voltage charge (abs)... this stage uses the panel to stabilize the voltage in the b atteries to their mean value rated voltage
floating charge... this stage the float charge rating is monitored and kept at this charge level....
also there is the led panel... this lets you set commands for how you want the controller to work... like do you want the extra power shunted ,,, do you want the extra power to divert to the electrical panel,,,, do you want it to be on a timed cycle to control the power to the batteries, or to the electrical panel... and many more options....
in the led window, it lets you know when your batteries are fully charged and where the extra power being made from the solar panels are going.... very innovative....
I will try and get some pictures to add next time... I just got home from work and my Morgan sailboat happens to be 13 hours away right now.... I will check for pictures on my laptop in the morning....
I will send a picture of the solar controller tomorrow
sincerely
Jess
Jess: Unless you or someone else can provide more info on your controller: I looked it up and its not as smart and does not appear to control in the manner you think it does. It appears to be a PWM not MPPT and does its job by V/A detection and system reaction like most other controllers rather than direct battery current through it. Regardless, it does appear to do the job. Happy Holidays! Chief
This is not what the "load" terminals on most controllers are for and many incorrectly use them. I have seen a couple of controllers failed due to incorrect use of the load terminals.
The main DC panel is connected to the battery switch and batteries. The "load" terminals are on these controllers were originally intended to supply low current and often low voltage disconnect for traffic lights, flashing signs, courtesy lights etc. but with most controllers are not intended to carry house loads unless they are very, very low.
Sometimes they are also used for security cameras but these are very low current uses.. If you want to use the Load or LVD, if so equipped, it is usually recommended to use an external contactor to carry the larger loads. On a 23' boat this may work okay but as boats get bigger the load terminals should not be used to power the house house loads....