solar panel for batteries

[cabayer]

hello Hunter big boat owners:

i have a 2003 Hunter 426 aft cockpit...enjoying it immensely!

i would like to install a solar panel system to keep my batteries 'hot'

any suggestions would be welcomed

thank you

Christopher Bayer
Syosset, NY

 

[Chuck Creel]

Ahoy chris,
The size of the solar depends greatly on your power needs . and the size of our house bank in AMP HOURS.
For example, I have 12v icebox, anchor/cabin lights/ laptop etc and inverter. i can usually stay on the hook for 4-5 days without starting the engine. My house bank is 2 group 27 12v batteries for abt 210 AH.

My system is 1 ea " one " kyocera 130WATT panel.. It will produce 7.3 amps for about 5 hrs a day in my region.

got it from

www.wholesalesolar.com

cost about $800 total

 

[KD3PC]

we have a single 110 watt and controller, rail mount and flips up or down. Love it, and although we can't stay motorless as long as Chuck...it does keep things topped up.

we bought from Hamilton Ferris and are very happy with their mounts and system

 

[Alan Johnson]

I now sail a Catalina 400 out of Port Jefferson NY and have adapted the area above my bimini to accept five 65 watt panels so a total of 330 watts. I have full time refrigeration on the hook and have never had to run the engine for refrigeration alone. I can e mail pictures or arrange for you to see the boat if you wish

 

[Rick Belew]

I have 4 panels at 125 Watts/panel for a total of 500 watts. Keeps freezer and refrigerator in good shape. It also keeps all my electronics etc fully charged. I anchor out a lot and will probably run my batteries (450 watts) down to 12.1 to 12.3 overnight and by noon the next day if sun is out the batteries will be fully charged by noon the next day. So where do you put that many panels? See picture, I had garhauer build me two towers then I mounted garhauer davits on the towers then mounted the panels on top of the davits. Sorry, I don't know how to do picture but you can see them on my avatar.

 

[EaglesWings]

Solar Panels

I have a 2008 Hunter 36. I'd appreciate seeing pictures of those solar panels.

I now sail a Catalina 400 out of Port Jefferson NY and have adapted the area above my bimini to accept five 65 watt panels so a total of 330 watts. I have full time refrigeration on the hook and have never had to run the engine for refrigeration alone. I can e mail pictures or arrange for you to see the boat if you wish

 

[André R.]

we have a single 110 watt and controller, rail mount and flips up or down. Love it, and although we can't stay motorless as long as Chuck...it does keep things topped up.

we bought from Hamilton Ferris and are very happy with their mounts and system

Hello KD3PC
Would you have some pics of your setup, particulary the brackets that holds to your solar panel ? Could you send them to me at : andre@microarl.com

Thanks
André

 

[coolbreezeTx]

source?

I have 4 panels at 125 Watts/panel for a total of 500 watts. Keeps freezer and refrigerator in good shape. It also keeps all my electronics etc fully charged. I anchor out a lot and will probably run my batteries (450 watts) down to 12.1 to 12.3 overnight and by noon the next day if sun is out the batteries will be fully charged by noon the next day. So where do you put that many panels? See picture, I had garhauer build me two towers then I mounted garhauer davits on the towers then mounted the panels on top of the davits. Sorry, I don't know how to do picture but you can see them on my avatar.

where do you buy your solar panels, if i may inquire?
I think the prices vary widely...