Got a better solar charger than this?

[Stephen Trapani]

For this money and watts, anyone used this one or got a better one? This one looks pretty good. $134.95

http://www.batterymart.com/p-12v-15w-batteryminder-solar-battery-charger.html

 

[Mike B1026]

It may be the website, but it doesn't impress me. 15 watt panel won't do much. I doubt that controller is what I would call "marine grade" Again, that opinion was from a quick look.

What are you trying to do with it? Just keep your batteries topped off during periods of none use?

Here are a couple of other links:

http://www.solarblvd.com/Solar-Pane...20-Watt-12-Volt-Solar-Panel/product_info.html

http://www.morningstarcorp.com/en/sun-saver-duo

 

[rpwillia]

I have had that exact unit for 4 years

Love it. With the desulphination it brought a battery back from the dead. The only drawback was I had to make my own mount which wasn't all that bad. For my use the 15 watt panel keeps my batteries (two 4D's) topped off where unless I am somewhere I do not plug into the dock.

 

[Bill Roosa]

Try googling "DIY solar panels" or "3x6 solar cells". You will find kits (some assembly required) for about a $1 per watt. So instead of 135/15=$9/watt you can get a 135 watt panel. The construction is well within the scope of most folks and it gives you the option to produce oddly shaped panels to accommodate you specific boat setup.

 

[DJN51]

Been using it for three years,keeps two 27 batts in parralell charged up .Would highly recommend it.

 

[zeehag]

i was lucky enough to know folks who believe that solar panels deteriorate with age.. got 2 of the 3.88 amp panels for reallly cheap-- under 100 dollars each-- was advised were only putting out less than an amp each--lol--i rewired them. made good connections and have now 2 3 amp output panels..LOL... and i have a goood 130 wtt one i was gifted-- is a lot of electrical charging capability--i have a blue seas regulator with 20 amp capacity---iam in heaven. all i need now is a wind generator. mebbe a towed one , too--- havent decided yet.... anda watermaker...LOl is our listing ever finished???

 

[FourPoints]

check out the Ganz brand panels (defender carries them), not sure they are any cheaper, but they seem to have better power density, and much lighter panel weight than the one posted... The charge controller looks interesting.

I'm looking at the stand alone charge controller and wondering if I should get it... I just got a Ganz 12w panel, but my batteries are getting old, I expected this to be my last year for them, but if this controller does what it says I may be able to get a few more years of life out of the batteries...

I picked up the cheap sunforce charge controller at west marine when it was on sale for about $20 last year, but that just disconnects the panel when the batteries are charged, or when the sun goes down...

 

[zeehag]

there is a brand of solar regulator that isnt worth its weight in rat dirt--- is simple and i fergit the name--- is a box with only lights (has 3) to light when batts are charging vs not ....they break-- bluesky(i think is that-- blue something--is pricey but good)-- has lasted me over 6 yrs so far---just dont get the lil box one with script lettering and only 3 lil lights on it. looks simple and is-- but mebbe is too simple???