I will be keeping my 1992 Hunter 28 on a mooring in Maine. I would like to add a solar panel to keep the batteries topped off. The intent is to keep the batteries ready to start the iron sail (2GM20F) and to support the bilbe pump running occasionally. My batteries are in the Port Aft locker. I would like to have a small solar panel that I can attach to the stern rail. The panel leads could have clips that I attach to one of the batteries or the system could be "installed." Does anyone have a suggestion on the type of panel, wattage, and installation/mounting? I currently have a 300ma hard panel (with clips on the end of the leads) that I bought for my previous boat.
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Steve, I used to have a Catalina 30 on a mooring and I used a 5 watt panel ($79 from West Marine) to keep my two #24's topped off. Over the long haul, it kept the batteries (paralleled) at about 13.3 V. You mentioned a 300 ma panel, which is about the same size as the 5 watt panel (350 ma or so). The 5 watt panel works only if the batteries are pretty much near full charge. Michael
Charge with solar
I recall reading an article by Don Casey that recommended at least a 10W solar panel specifically for maintaining and getting a quick recharge on your batteries. WM has a 5W that is inexpensive ($80) and will supply a trickle (slow) charge to one battery. You can't depend on it for rapid recharge(WM model #5361597). Your 300mA is almost equivalent. I have used the 5W panel with one series 24 deep cycle battery with great satisfaction. WM also has a 15W panel. They claim that this one will supply enough charge to operate small appliances when used in combination with an inverter. When selecting a solar panel above 5W to charge batteries you will need a battery charge controller. Incidentally, I don't work for West Marine. You can find panels at other sources. Mounting a solar panel will require some inventiveness on your part. There are a variety of was to go about it depending on the layout of your boat. The prefered method seems to be mounting panels to stern rails. This is a simple as using rail clamps and building a frame out of aluminum or stainless steel to attach the panel. The topic has been covered on this site. There might be something on it in the photo forum. Best of luck to you.
I recall reading an article by Don Casey that recommended at least a 10W solar panel specifically for maintaining and getting a quick recharge on your batteries. WM has a 5W that is inexpensive ($80) and will supply a trickle (slow) charge to one battery. You can't depend on it for rapid recharge(WM model #5361597). Your 300mA is almost equivalent. I have used the 5W panel with one series 24 deep cycle battery with great satisfaction. WM also has a 15W panel. They claim that this one will supply enough charge to operate small appliances when used in combination with an inverter. When selecting a solar panel above 5W to charge batteries you will need a battery charge controller. Incidentally, I don't work for West Marine. You can find panels at other sources. Mounting a solar panel will require some inventiveness on your part. There are a variety of was to go about it depending on the layout of your boat. The prefered method seems to be mounting panels to stern rails. This is a simple as using rail clamps and building a frame out of aluminum or stainless steel to attach the panel. The topic has been covered on this site. There might be something on it in the photo forum. Best of luck to you.
Have used WM 15W
...and have had good success. From the product listing: "Current Regulation: 1.8W, 5W: Self-Regulated 15W: 7A charge controller recommended (sold separately) Model 5361670"
...and have had good success. From the product listing: "Current Regulation: 1.8W, 5W: Self-Regulated 15W: 7A charge controller recommended (sold separately) Model 5361670"
To Clip or Not to Clip
The solar panel I have has factory attached winres and clips. Is it acceptable to mount the panel on the stern rail and run the wires through the locker hatch and attach to a battery with the clips? I suppose I could mount the panel when I leave the boat at the mooring or even leave it attached while underway? Is it OK to leave it clipped onto the battery while the engine is running?
The solar panel I have has factory attached winres and clips. Is it acceptable to mount the panel on the stern rail and run the wires through the locker hatch and attach to a battery with the clips? I suppose I could mount the panel when I leave the boat at the mooring or even leave it attached while underway? Is it OK to leave it clipped onto the battery while the engine is running?
Some answers
Stern Rail would be fine though attaching and leaving attached to the battery without a regulator could leave you with a possible overcharge situation. The previously mention controller should help with that situation. Your panel should have diodes in it to prevent back charging the panel at night or while running the engine. I have had very good luck with this site - www.jackrabbitmarine.com
Stern Rail would be fine though attaching and leaving attached to the battery without a regulator could leave you with a possible overcharge situation. The previously mention controller should help with that situation. Your panel should have diodes in it to prevent back charging the panel at night or while running the engine. I have had very good luck with this site - www.jackrabbitmarine.com
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