Solar Panel Charging?

[Calvin Smith]

I will be taking delivery of a 1996 Hunter in the next 2 weeks. The boat does not have a charger except for the alternator on the 9.9 motor. Will a solar panel be sufficient to keep the battery charged and will it possibly overcharge and do damage?? Thanks.

 

[Jim Covey]

United Solar

Calvin,I use a United Solar flexible panel on my H26 with 2 batteries. After sitting at the dock for the week both batteries are fully charged each weekend.While this panel is unregulated, West Marine's advisor states that unless the peak amperage exceeds 1.5% of the total battery capacity you don't have to worry about regulation. This panel only puts out a max of .30 Amps. It also has diodes to prevent discharge back into the panel overnight.I have a 9.9 Honda with alternator but it only puts out 6 amps so I don't rely on it much to charge batteries.Congrats on your new boat, I think you'll enjoy it.Jim Coveys/v Wampeter

 

[Ron Mehringer]

Ditto what Jim said.

And welcome to the club!

 

[Wanderer138]

Same here!

My 10W UniSolar panel keeps the battery on my 88 H23 fully charged (my 8hp Nissan has no alternator). I sail a lot at night and draw more current than most, but I have never had a problem with insufficient charge. Based on my experience, I would rate a solar panel as a must-have item, especially since I don't have to haul my battery home to charge it any more.PeterS/V Raven