B473 (2003 version) - Batteries and Solar Panels

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PGM

I am about to replace my dead factory supplied domestic battery bank with 3 x gel giving around 500 a/h; the starter battery will be moved to either port or stbd aft cabin to give more roo in the engine compartment. To provide near enough continual trickle charge am planning to have installed 2 x 55w flexible solar panels mounted on the coach roof port and stbd sides, plus regulator, shunt etc. Have discounted wind generator as they are too noisy, too intrusive on the design and liable not to produce the a/h I need especially downwind, in harbours/shelter etc. There is always daylight, especially as I'll be cruising Med, Caribbean and the like. BEFORE I start to commit money I would really appreciate some enlightened feedback on my intentions and would welcome any advice on pitfalls, technical poo-traps etc. Regards, PGM on 'Dignity'
 
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Randy

Got to use it all

I went through the workings of power and how to get it and keep it without stress.. The wind charger stayed(four winds) and I added 300 watts of solar atop the bimini and I store it all in 8 ea-4d gell cells. But I do like the comforts of home while cruising.. The wife and I are Photographers so We have a complete Meda Center for processing photos and video.. I also like long hot showers so a spectra watermaker was installed in the forward water closet.. We also have a three stage charging system on motor. This is all packaged in a neet little First 42 of mid 80s vintage. We've found that one system lacks enough to keep the boat operating smooth but with all three systems, things work well.. when the clouds hang overhead or winter months come about, the solar lacks the output to keep all charging up.. and sometimes the winds dont blow so the wind charger lacks..And we have to fire the motor up. We've found that even in following winds we still have a fair charge rate on the wind charger and one 24 hour day at anchor, we measured over 300 amps recieved from the four winds.. you wont find that in a solar panel. and as for noise......THATS THE SOUND OF MONEY...... Normally, we shut down everything at night while at anchor and let the batteries balance themselves. In the morning we'll fire the motor up for a half hour to top off the system and warm the waterheater, at the same time well kick on the watermaker to top off the tanks, and cook breakfast using the inverter if needed.. The rest of the day, the power is kept up by the wind and solar.. and uasally in the evenings we'll watch a movie or two, using the 110 off the inverter for power.... I manage the whole system between 13 and 14 volts.. another note and it might interest you.. placement of the battries.. I've mounted them in places where there needed the most, 4 of them are under the nave station, 1 is under the windless, one next to the watermaker, and 2 in the rear quarter next the the smart pilot for the autohelm drive system.. All are conected with very large cable.. The idea is that I have maximum voltage at the place wher I need it... A couple years or so ago I burnt out a windlass because the power needed was being pulled 30 feet from the batteries.. when the voltage was checked, we only had 9 volts while the system was pulling hard... by mounting one of the battries under the windless.. we've got a full 14 volts at all times.. Randy on R3
 

PGM

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Dec 12, 2005
1
Beneteau 473 Weymouth, UK
Batteries and Solar Panels

Very many thanks indeed for your enlightened response Randy - you pays your money and you takes your choice!! From what you say my domestic ac/dc needs are a bit less than your at the moment (no water maker or a/c) so I'm trying to improve my system's capacity, build in some room for future growth and see some economy in what I get for the money. Maybe a wind or duo gen is inevitable a bit further down the road. I also note with gratitude your battery siting comments and have considered similar moves. My engine compartment will take the 3 gel batteries or 2 plus the one for cranking the engine. Placing one in the port aft cabin meets up with the main electrical control switches but I'd be happier if I could site closer to the 'application' itself. A separate nav system battery is now on the cards and will fit under my nav table (and clear of my feet etc) as is a separte unit to cope with bow thruster and windlass, both up under the fwd cabin berth. Many thanks once again Randy - the forum in action to good effect! Regards, Paul on 'Dignity'
 
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