I have a 50watt solar panel to keep both banks charged up and floating. I never connect to shore power, saves the fee at our marina and helps isolate the boat from the neighbors stray currents.
Standard Outlet vs. 30 amp Shore Power
- Thread starter kvalerio
- Start date
I have been seeing more and more about solar power. Our main goal is to keep the batteries charged and the auto bilge running so I imagine we would not need anything larger than a 50watt panel. Solar seems like an ideal option for us. What type of professional would we hire to do installation since we are not handy inclined? Also, any idea of price range in outfitting a 27 foot boat?
Hmm Here is a link to what I have going on I wrote last year.
My Solar write up... | Every good thing.... https://svknotaclew.wordpress.com/2014/03/31/my-solar-write-up/ The smaller panel was on our last boat, a C27.
We still have yet to permanently install our 50watt. It just sits on the port side top of the house tied to the traveler with the boom sheeted to starboard. We just untie it and stick it below when we want it out of the way.
Wiring it up is pretty easy. If you hire someone just make sure they use water tight (heat shrink) crimps done with the correct crimp tool or you get the all weather connectors to go with the panel (a bit more spendy). My entire setup cost under $200 and we have been using it exclusively since 2013.
My Solar write up... | Every good thing.... https://svknotaclew.wordpress.com/2014/03/31/my-solar-write-up/ The smaller panel was on our last boat, a C27.
We still have yet to permanently install our 50watt. It just sits on the port side top of the house tied to the traveler with the boom sheeted to starboard. We just untie it and stick it below when we want it out of the way.
Wiring it up is pretty easy. If you hire someone just make sure they use water tight (heat shrink) crimps done with the correct crimp tool or you get the all weather connectors to go with the panel (a bit more spendy). My entire setup cost under $200 and we have been using it exclusively since 2013.
Solar for beginners
http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/boat_projects
There's really nothing YOU can't do if you follow these handy tips & tricks.
Before you hire someone else, learn what you can do. And maybe slow down for a while until you do. Our joint experience here indicates many folks do all sorts of stuff with new-to-them boats, some not necessarily wise. In this case, it's a great idea, but do some homework and research first, YOU CAN do it!
Good luck.
I think we may have linked you to this website before:
http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/boat_projects
There's really nothing YOU can't do if you follow these handy tips & tricks.
Before you hire someone else, learn what you can do. And maybe slow down for a while until you do. Our joint experience here indicates many folks do all sorts of stuff with new-to-them boats, some not necessarily wise. In this case, it's a great idea, but do some homework and research first, YOU CAN do it!
Good luck.
That's only true if the batteries are dead. If they are full they'll only accept a few amps regardless of how many amps your charger can produce, or the size of the bank. Don't let your batteries get low if you are only going to have limited ability to recharge them.
Stu, Your advice is right on. You are describing me exactly! I need to step back and proceed with a more methodical approach. I am getting caught up in all the things I want to do to the boat…immediately. We just sailed her home yesterday so now she is close enough for me to run over and work on the smaller things (and do some more reading and research) before we go crazy committing to some of the larger modifications. I don't think I had the link you attached above so I will add that to my reading list. Once again, thank you for sharing your knowledge and advice!