Who is successfully using a small solar panel? (less than say, 30 watts)

[thinwater]

You've got room on the cabin deck. This 50W install is easier than a mast, keeps that battery well up, and will even recharge a good drop given a few days (~ 20 Ah/day). This is simple!

 

[Stu Jackson]

Okay, okay - fair enough. I’m convinced on the controller issue.
Cheers!

So I need:

• Panel (20-30amp) WATT
• MC4s to put on the panel leads --- No, hard to undo, find disconnects to use
• MC4 adapter to the controller --- ditto
• 10amp controller --- yes, or bigger $15 for 10A, $20 for 20A, buy 20A
• Battery terminal cables to the controller --- or to your busbar
• In line fuse holder and 10amp blade fuse --- good, size fuse to wire, not load
• Butt connectors and shrink wrap to splice in the fuse holder --- yes
• Crimper - worth getting a ratch now, you'll use it for years

 

[chriscampbell]

So I need:

• Panel (20-30amp) WATT
• MC4s to put on the panel leads --- No, hard to undo, find disconnects to use
• MC4 adapter to the controller --- ditto
• 10amp controller --- yes, or bigger $15 for 10A, $20 for 20A, buy 20A
• Battery terminal cables to the controller --- or to your busbar
• In line fuse holder and 10amp blade fuse --- good, size fuse to wire, not load
• Butt connectors and shrink wrap to splice in the fuse holder --- yes
• Crimper - worth getting a ratch now, you'll use it for years

What do you recommend for disconnects instead of MC4s?

 

[rgranger]

Okay, okay - fair enough. I’m convinced on the controller issue.

So I need:

• Panel (20-30amp)
• MC4s to put on the panel leads
• MC4 adapter to the controller
• 10amp controller
• Battery terminal cables to the controller
• In line fuse holder and 10amp blade fuse
• Butt connectors and shrink wrap to splice in the fuse holder
• Crimper

Cheers!

yep
and some dielectric grease....

Put a small dap in the butt connectors ... crimp and shrink wrap ....

 

[rgranger]

Also... if you opt to mount it on your mast crutch pole and run the line in the pole, I recommend getting these grommets (available at Lowes) to keep the edges of the holes you drill in the aluminum pole from nicking your insulation.

 

[Stu Jackson]

What do you recommend for disconnects instead of MC4s?

Trailer light connectors. They came on/with my old 11W panel. You can get extentions, too. Use dialectric or SuperLube on the tips.

 

[thinwater]

Trailer light connectors. They came on/with my old 11W panel. You can get extentions, too. Use dialectric or SuperLube on the tips.

Better know as SAE 2-pin. There are 4-pin and 5-pin versions that you don't need... unless you have a 4-5 pin need.
Also available in bulkhead versions.

Any good waterproof grease will do. Regrease twice per year to insure long life. Dielectric is not required or benificial in this application, good wash out resistance is.

 

[SailingLoto]

I charge my catalina 25 with a $35 ebay panel and controller. I believe it is 50w. It lays in the cockpit when not using the boat and goes below while sailing. Easy to use and install. Runs my lights all night, charges my phone, no problem

 

[william24424]

Not sure if this helps? Or perhaps different solution to similar issue? I use a Jackery 100w solar panel with the Jackery 500 full power station. My onboard battery's stay lit, because they are charged when motoring then left alone. The panel can be secured to mast, easily folded and stowed. I've got 5 people aboard with all types of devices, cell phones, ipads, fans, Gps, computers, USB rechargable devices (shower, flash lite) cabin lights ect.... The benefits 1) Jackery 500 comes home for off season (great for outages) 2) Available for camping 3) Is portable, light weight, charges in 3hrs full sun 4) Can run many devices. 5) If run down, I can still start boat.