How to connect a solar panel ?

[Michel Galy]

I want to connect a Unisolar flexible panel USF-32 on my 29.5 Hunter 1995 to insure that my 2 batteries (2 x 105AH) remain permanently fully charged. How do I connect the panel ?Should I use the solar socket located near the battery switch and turn the switch on 1 and 2 or connect the panel directly to the switch, if possible ?Thanks for your helpMichel Galymgaly@sunline.net

 

[Miles]

What I did...

I hooked the same panel up to two 4D (210 AH) batteries. Actually I hooked it to a regulator that is in turn hooked up to battery #1. Then I leave the switch in the "1 and 2" position. Works just fine. You don't want to hook it to the output pole on the switch (although it is tempting) because then there will be juice in the system even when you have the switch turned to the "Off" position as long as the sun is out. I'm not sure about the "solar socket", on my boat (1998 340) it's just a hole where you can mount a fuse for the solar panel. It is VERY important to use appropriate fuses when doing this so there's no chance of a dead short in the panel wiring. On the average day I'm getting about 5-6 AH from that same panel but could probably get more if it wasn't fixed on top of the bimini so I could point it at the sun better...

 

[Michel Galy]

Reply to Miles

Miles,Thanks very much for your helpMichel Galy