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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Solar Panel Photos

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3462 Posts

Initially Posted - 12/30/2005 : 07:35:43

I loaded solar panel photos onto my website. Still need to add the text blocks about the installation and won't be able to do that until at least next week since I'm going out of town Saturday morning.

http://catalina25.homestead.com/olarryr.html

The photos/installation was done during a semi-overcast day. As a result, the photos do not seem to be as crisp/bright as they should be and so I may add a few addl photos under better weather conditions.

Note that the controller indicates only .7 amps and not anywhere near the solar panel max of 1.2 amps. I have been able to get the 1.2 amps rate but need full sun and during the winter would have to further tilt the panel toward the sun. Right now, I prefer keeping the panel tilted as it is set up and settle for a little lower charging rate.

Initially, the easiest way for me to hook up the panel/controller to the DC circuit was by plugging into the 12 volt accessory plug. Later on, I will be hooking it up to the boat wiring directly. As long as the solar controller is not hooked up in series with the outboard wires, then there should be no problem with the panel or the outboard generator. At present, the accessory plug since it goes thru the battery switch enables charging of either battery or both at same time. The solar controller current readings are only of the solar panel. However, since the solar controller also monitors battery voltage, the controller not only shows the battery voltage when the panel is charging the batteries but if the outboard is on, you can see the further bump-up in battery voltage as the outboard generator charges the batteries.

Larry

Larry

Larry
'89 Robin's Nest#5820, Potomac River/Quantico, Va
http://catalina25.homestead.com/olarryr.html

Edited by - on

Tom Potter
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1913 Posts

Response Posted - 12/30/2005 : 10:41:39

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by OLarryR
 since the solar controller also monitors battery voltage, the controller not only shows the battery voltage when the panel is charging the batteries but if the outboard is on, you can see the further bump-up in battery voltage as the outboard generator charges the batteries. <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

One of the cool features of my lowrance M68C GPS/Depth finder is it measures voltage as well. The unit allows you to over lay data, so I'm able to see my battery voltage on the screen of the GPS/Depth finder at all times. Like Larry said you can see the bump in voltage when I plug in a solar panel or start the outboard. I have the unit set up so when looking at the map page (which I use 99% of the time) you can see the water depth, time, speed, battery voltage, along with tide info, all that data is displayed in the upper left corner of the screen. I stumbled across these features in my unit, I expect other brands and types have these features as well, might be worth breaking out that manual again.

Edited by - Tom Potter on 12/30/2005 14:37:33

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3462 Posts

Response Posted - 12/30/2005 : 13:29:37

Tom,

That is a good feature. Did not know that some of the depth finders display the voltage. The benefit whether it is from a solar controller or a depth finder is that when looking to replace the switch panel and considering opting for one with a battery meter, there is really no reason to go to that extra expense for the meter if you can get some inkling of battery voltage off other electronics.

Larry