Solar Panels
- Thread starter JohnVTX
- Start date
John, the simple answer is we don't know. Unless and until you do an energy budget, which states the USE you make of your electrical system, then what you put back via a SOLAR system is meaningless. You could be running a bunch of electrical things: VHF (how much do you "chat" on your radio? even if you are on a lake); stereo (boom box or sophisticated amplifier); autopilot, etc. Or you could be using nothing electrical.
Most solar panel company websites explain what the panels can do to replace stored energy. https://www.emarineinc.com/
And you'll need a controller to avoid frying your expensive batteries.
Solar Systems: Selection, Installation & Controllers by Maine Sail SUPERB
http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/solar_panel
Do I Need a Controller for Solar?
http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=144557
Any small solar panel and controller will help charge up your bank during the week.
Most solar panel company websites explain what the panels can do to replace stored energy. https://www.emarineinc.com/
And you'll need a controller to avoid frying your expensive batteries.
Solar Systems: Selection, Installation & Controllers by Maine Sail SUPERB
http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/solar_panel
Do I Need a Controller for Solar?
http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=144557
Any small solar panel and controller will help charge up your bank during the week.
you mention its a 5 AMP panel... with your usage, thats a reasonable amount of power depending how you use your boat... if you consider on its worst day, it will probably be putting 25 amps back into the battery, and good days 25-30% more... providing the battery is good and adequate, this should be enough to recharge what you consume.... its hard to imagine using 20amps per 24hr period (average) with what you are running... unless you do a lot of engine starting and your engine does not have a charging system of its own...