SOLAR POWER

[John]

I don't like the idea of ideling my engine to charge the batteries and the marina doesn't allow us to leave the shore-power connected on unattended boats. So, I'm looking at adding solar pannels to keep the batteries charged and posibally supplying a few extra amps. Any info on solar pannel applications and technical data will be appreciatedJohn

 

[Roger Mummah]

Solar Panels Work Great

Hi John, We keep our solar panels hooked up all the time and they do a great job. Just to keep the batteries topped off at a dock won't take a very big panel. You can go to http://www.e-marine-inc.com and ask Joe Turner what you will need. It depends on your battery bank(s) and your latitude. We have three Siemens SM-55 (55 watt) solar panels. You will also need a solar panel charge controller to be able to leave the system unattended. There are some pictures of a bunch of solar panel mounts on Joe's site too. By the wqay, he has a C-34. Good Luck, Roger

 

[Frank]

small system

For my small system I use and 11 watt flexible panel made by Unisolar and have it connected directly to the battery. without a charge controller you don't want much more than 5 to 15 watts per average battery.