I have a C25 with twin battery setup and a 8 HP sailmaster Johnson with charging system and would like to ad a small Solar panel which I already have. The question is: does the charging system interfere with the solar panel in any way, and if so, what must I do to avoid any problems? Thank you all.
Solar panel and battery charger
- Thread starter Michel16053
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Should not be a problem
I have had two boats with solar panels. Just install it and forget it. Keep an eye on water in the battery and top up with distilled water as it is always being charged. If you have gel or agm battery I cannot advise you on those. Other than that no problems.
I have had two boats with solar panels. Just install it and forget it. Keep an eye on water in the battery and top up with distilled water as it is always being charged. If you have gel or agm battery I cannot advise you on those. Other than that no problems.
Don't forget...
Don't forget a solar charge controller! If you don't you can easily over charge your batts or drain them at night..... Usually, there is no need for a charge controller with very small maintenance, or trickle charge panels, such as the 1 to 5 watt panels. But if its more than 5 watts you'll need one. Even with a panel bellow 5 watts it's still a good idea. A rough rule is that if the panel puts out 1/60th or less per day of the rated battery capacity, you don't absolutely need one. Here's a 4.5 amp controller that should be perfect for a small panel. http://www.e-marine-inc.com/products/charge_controllers/sunguard.html
Don't forget a solar charge controller! If you don't you can easily over charge your batts or drain them at night..... Usually, there is no need for a charge controller with very small maintenance, or trickle charge panels, such as the 1 to 5 watt panels. But if its more than 5 watts you'll need one. Even with a panel bellow 5 watts it's still a good idea. A rough rule is that if the panel puts out 1/60th or less per day of the rated battery capacity, you don't absolutely need one. Here's a 4.5 amp controller that should be perfect for a small panel. http://www.e-marine-inc.com/products/charge_controllers/sunguard.html
An isolation diode
would keep the panel from discharging the battery at night, if needed. A Schottky diode like the 1N5819 is rugged enough that you can solder it inline with the cable and cover it with some shrink wrap. You can connect an amp meter in series to see if the panel is discharging your battery. It may be that your panel already has one wired in or doesn't need one. Also an inline fuse for 1 - 2 amp to possibly protect the panel if it gets connected the wrong way; no guarantee on that though.
would keep the panel from discharging the battery at night, if needed. A Schottky diode like the 1N5819 is rugged enough that you can solder it inline with the cable and cover it with some shrink wrap. You can connect an amp meter in series to see if the panel is discharging your battery. It may be that your panel already has one wired in or doesn't need one. Also an inline fuse for 1 - 2 amp to possibly protect the panel if it gets connected the wrong way; no guarantee on that though.
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