Is solar panel shortening battery life?

[Steve]

My starter battery needed to be topped off with distilled water at the end of the season, and I will probably need to replace it after only two seasons. The same thing happened to my previous battery. I put a volt meter to the cables (with the battery disconnected) and the voltmeter read 18 volts on a very cloudy day. Is there a regulator that should prevent the solar panel from overcharging the batteries? Thanks.

 

[Terry]

HI STEVE, YOU NEED TO INSTALL A QUALITY

voltage regulator between your solar panel and batteries, otherwise, overcharging will shorten its life.Terry

 

[Pete Shaw]

Solar regulator

You didn't mention what wattage solar panel you use,however a regulator is always a good idea!I run only a 10 watt solar panel on our Hunter 280 to keep 2 batteries topped off and was told by a few folks "you don't need a regulator".The batteries are an 80 amp hour and a 90 amp hour size.The panel puts out about .66 amps,well under the 1% of total battery amps (1.7 amps)that would require a regulator.In spite of the low amperage,I installed an ICP brand 7 amp regulator in line and the batteries remain about 13.6 volts. At 14.2 volts the regulator will cut out.Smooth sailing~~~~~ Pete

 

[Bob F]

Installation Help

Where do I find these regulators and is the installation simple? I have the same issue with my 376.

 

[Steve and Betsy Lazerow]

Sail Net but how many amps

SailNet has solar panel regulators but in a variety of amps. Any idea what amp solar panel Hunter uses on the 376/380?

 

[Pete]

Solar regulators

Well, first you need to know how many amp hours you want to replace in the batteries. Just enough to keep batteries topped off whileidle(which is my case), or enough amp hours to replace use while cruising.(Lights,instruments etc.)? I got my ICP 7amp regulator at West Marine Model # 1684620.page 608 of 2002 master catalog.It will handle solar panels 15 to 105 watts.It is easily installed in the line from solar panel to battery.Mine is crimped in line. A rough estimate of amps put out by the panel is to divide the watts by 16 volts ,the approx output.Thus a 32 watt panel would put out Approx 2 amps per hour in maximum conditions.Again it's close but not exact.Fair winds~~~Pete