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solar charge
We have two batteries and two solar panels. We have used the solar panel, for over five years. One of our batteries is seven years old. We run a stereo, depth sounder, knot meter, all our lights, bilage pump, etc. Works great!! They give a trickle charge. I think ours charges 1.4 amps per hour. Highly recommend one!
We have two batteries and two solar panels. We have used the solar panel, for over five years. One of our batteries is seven years old. We run a stereo, depth sounder, knot meter, all our lights, bilage pump, etc. Works great!! They give a trickle charge. I think ours charges 1.4 amps per hour. Highly recommend one!
Check the Fluids
I use a Solar panel for charging and it works too well. I don't use the electricity on my boat too much and after a year I was shocked
to find I had boiled most of the water out of my battery - ruining it. So check your battery fluid every month and replace with distilled water as you need to.
I use a Solar panel for charging and it works too well. I don't use the electricity on my boat too much and after a year I was shocked
to find I had boiled most of the water out of my battery - ruining it. So check your battery fluid every month and replace with distilled water as you need to.Regulating a Solar Panel
Jim: I was worried about my solar panel cooking my battery, because it is big, about 14 inches by 50 inches. (I got it for free, and we just lay it on the floor of the cockpit during the week when we are not using the boat). I ordered a voltage regulator from "Northern Arizona Wind & Sun". They have a website, www.solar-electric.com. I ordered Model SG-4, in May of 2000. It cost $28.00 +$5.08 shipping = $33.08. You should check out their website. The way the regulator is suppose to work is when the battery gets charged, the regulator just sends pulses to it, instead of continuously trying to charge it. I never looked at it with a scope, but my battery has been fine for the last 2 years. I've gotten more life from this battery (4 years) than from any other battery that I've ever had on the boat, so something must be going right. I should mention that I do agree with you about checking the water in the battery. I know that I had to add water to it at least once during the summer last year. Aldo
Jim: I was worried about my solar panel cooking my battery, because it is big, about 14 inches by 50 inches. (I got it for free, and we just lay it on the floor of the cockpit during the week when we are not using the boat). I ordered a voltage regulator from "Northern Arizona Wind & Sun". They have a website, www.solar-electric.com. I ordered Model SG-4, in May of 2000. It cost $28.00 +$5.08 shipping = $33.08. You should check out their website. The way the regulator is suppose to work is when the battery gets charged, the regulator just sends pulses to it, instead of continuously trying to charge it. I never looked at it with a scope, but my battery has been fine for the last 2 years. I've gotten more life from this battery (4 years) than from any other battery that I've ever had on the boat, so something must be going right. I should mention that I do agree with you about checking the water in the battery. I know that I had to add water to it at least once during the summer last year. Aldo
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