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solar panels

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weluvlife
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166 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/10/2003 : 23:23:29

Hello,

Does anyone here use a solar panel to keep their batteries charged?
If so, is a voltage regulator necessary? What do these cost?

Thanks,

Mark Eichman
'96 c25 tall rig swing keel

Edited by - on

JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 07/11/2003 : 00:31:57

I use 2 United Solar Flexible 11 watt panels. These put out 0.65 amps each, at about 22 volts in direct sunlight. I can give you a link to get them mail order here in San Diego for $99 (they are cosmetic seconds).

I use the voltage regulator, it sells for $30. This limits voltage to 14.5 volts. Since I have gel batteries (very sensitive to over voltage) I bought the regulator.

Even though the panels put out about 22 volts with no load, when you connect them to your batteries (which are at, say, 12.5 volts) the system voltage comes up to about 12.75 and climbs throughout the day (as the bank charges) to 13.5 or so.

If you were getting a couple of panels to use for cruising and had gel or AGM batteries, I'd get the regulator. If you are just going to throw one 11 watt panel on the boat and leave it hooked up all week to keep the wet cell batteries topped off you could probably get by without it (but check the water frequently).

By the way, the flexible panel is the way to go. It's laminated on a vinyl backing, and can be partly rolled up, and is so tough you can walk on it. I bungee cord mine to the boom and run a wire down into the salon. When not in use I toss them in the quarter berth.

<img src="http://www.indiscipline.org/cat25/pictures/icon.jpg" border=0>Indiscipline 1978 FK #398

Edited by - on

Bryan Beamer
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1038 Posts

Response Posted - 07/11/2003 : 02:35:37

I have 2 batteries in the v-berth with the 1,2 or all battery switch mounted on the stern storage area. The rigid solar panel mounted behind the starboard stern rail seat next to the outboard motor. In the stern storage area I have a Flex-charge model #PV70 regulator (this one is made for 2 batteries). It is easy to wire 5 wires are well marked. 2 wires 1+ and 1- go to solar panel, 1- to the negative terminals of the batteries, 2+ leads one to each positive terminal on the batteries. I have mine hooked to the 1,2,or all switch, the same terminal as the lead coming from the batteries. The system was an option at the dealer it has been almost 3 years (boat in water year round) no problems with system. I also have an inverter/charger 120-volt ac 975-watts to 12-volts dc 55-amps with a charge rate of .5amps Magnetek model #7455 it is the size of a shoebox and weighs in at 8lbs. witch I added. This allows me to charge the batteries with shore power and with the inverter allows me to not use the batteries to work all the 12-volt equipment in the boat.

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3df05b3127cce93a98040c8b30000004610" border=0>

Bryan Beamer
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3da35b3127cce961d8ff3fd0b0000001010" border=0>
Daylight Again
C250wk #495
2003 National Champion

Edited by - on

EricCS
1st Mate

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USA
40 Posts

Response Posted - 07/11/2003 : 13:22:38

Mark,

I bought a UniSolar 5-watt flexible panel the first year I had my boat and it was sufficient to keep my single 85-ampere hour battery charged for the next couple of years. The power of that panel was insufficient to over-charge the battery, so I just connected the panel directly to the battery and never had a problem.

However, when I installed a Tiller Pilot my electrical use increased beyond the capability of the 5-watt panel so I bought a 32-watt unit. That panel is capable of over-charging the battery, so I also bought a charge controller as well. My experience has been that the 32-watt panel can charge the battery on a sunny day even though the boat is heeled away from the sun and the Tiller Pilot, radio, GPS and depth sounder are all on. It can maintain a float (current flowing in and out variously as clouds go by) during a dark and rainy day at anchor.

The charge controller I bought cost only something like $30. Mine is the model (ICP) used by Practical Sailor for their recent (May 1, 2003 issue: Volume 29 Number 9) solar panel survey. Both the solar panel and controller are available at various locations, both on-line and off.

HTH

Eric Spitzner, AP (eric@snet.net)
Catalina 25 #4445 "Charm"
41°16.18'N 72°54.03'W

Edited by - on

weluvlife
Navigator

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166 Posts

Response Posted - 07/11/2003 : 20:39:46

Wow, another great response to one of my many questions. I'm taking notes. Thanks guys!

Mark
Lake Don Pedro, CA

Edited by - on

Ben - FL
Admiral

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880 Posts

Response Posted - 07/12/2003 : 02:12:58

Bryan,
You do not mention how many WATTS your rigid solar panel puts out? It looks rather small in the photo. I am interested because I found when I went to Bimini last April that my batteries started running low. A solar panel will be my next upgrade. And maybe also a LED anchor light. I believe the mast head light used up a lot of my battery power.

Safe voyages,
Ben, FL s/v Chick-a-pea C250wk
<img src="http://www.members.aol.com:/benraye/pictures/fullsail.jpg" border=0>

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 07/12/2003 : 08:44:05

Ben,

Like Eric above, I use a 32 watt panel rated at just under 2 amps of working charge rate. It's larger than required for maintenance charging at a slip or mooring... but works well for cruising if space can be found on the boat.

I've cruised for three weeks at a time, and between the solar panel and motor charging have never ran short and characterize use as fairly heavy.

Anchor lights almost every night on a cruise do eat up juice... combined with leaving the gps/sounder on for anchor alarm.

Space for a 32 watt panel while cruising is tough... the best location I've found is under the midship life line... on hangers that allow rotation. These panels also need tennis balls attached to the corners to make them friendlier to the boat and crew.

<img src="http://www.stewartfam.net/arlyn/tennis%20balls.jpg" border=0>

Arlyn C-250 W/B #224
<img src="http://www.stewartfam.net/arlyn/rr.jpg" border=0>
N/E Texas and Great Lakes

[url="http://www.cox-internet.com/arlynstewart/"]Arlyn's C250 Mods n Cruisin Stories[/url]

Edited by - on

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 07/12/2003 : 10:06:46

99 Bucks for an 11 watt solar panel is a great price. I would like to know where to get one. I have one already, and would like to add another.

I use a digital charge controller by Morningstar. It does 3 phase charging, and also has a digital readout which gives you the amperage that your panels are putting out, amperage your loads are drawing, and the voltage of your battery. All very useful information. The three phase charging is important if you have absorbed glass matt batteries, like I do.

Once again, where do you get those panels?
Thanks

Frank Gloss
89WK/TR

Edited by - on

eric.werkowitz
Captain

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USA
283 Posts

Response Posted - 07/13/2003 : 11:21:29

A quick Google search found this Arizona supplier with an attractive price list:

https://www9.ssldomain.com/presenceknown/azsolar/catalog/poscatalog.asp?category=Solar+Panels+-+Uni-Solar

I think I would go with the rigid panel and hang it off my aft pulpit since my slip has my boat facing north.

Eric Werkowitz
C25 #4969

Edited by - on

kurt
1st Mate

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27 Posts

Response Posted - 07/14/2003 : 09:35:36

A picture is worth 1000 words

11.5 watt solar
7 amp flex charge regulator charges two battary

<img src="http://www.snowfish.org/vent.jpg" border=0>

Kurt
86' C25 #5275
Snowfish

Edited by - on

John G-
Admiral

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793 Posts

Response Posted - 07/14/2003 : 11:27:23

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
A picture is worth 1000 words

11.5 watt solar
7 amp flex charge regulator charges two battary
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>
 Kurt,
Could you take a picture of how the leads to the batteries are wired? Do you split the leads after the regulator?
I want to charge both of my batteries with one solar panel.
Thanks
 

[url="http://www.peregrinefund.org/"]<img src="http://www.peregrinefund.org/images/intro_mid_image.GIF" border=0>[/url]
[url="http://www.catalina25-250.org/photo/peregrine2.jpg"]"Peregrine"[/url] C25-#4762 FK

Edited by - on

Bryan Beamer
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1038 Posts

Response Posted - 07/14/2003 : 12:05:20

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote> Bryan,
You do not mention how many WATTS your rigid solar panel puts out? <hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

Ben I don't have the information here at the house and I can't remember the output. I will look next time I'm at the boat.

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote> I want to charge both of my batteries with one solar panel.<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

I don't have a picture but here is an easy written description.

I have a Flex-charge model #PV70 regulator (this one is made for 2 batteries). It is easy to wire 5 wires are well marked. 2 wires 1 positive and 1 negative go to solar panel, 1 negative to the negative terminals of the batteries, 2 positive leads one to each positive terminal on the batteries. I have mine hooked to the 1,2,or all switch, the same terminal as the lead coming from the batteries.

Bryan Beamer
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3da35b3127cce961d8ff3fd0b0000001010" border=0>
Daylight Again
C250wk #495
2003 National Champion

Edited by - on

kurt
1st Mate

Members Avatar

27 Posts

Response Posted - 07/14/2003 : 12:51:47

The regulator has two out puts that charge each battery independently. It will stop charging either battery when it becomes charged. It is the PV7D link http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10001&productId=7774

I also like the Ample Power one link http://www.amplepower.com/products/cntlr/index.html

I wired the leads to the back of the 3-way battery switch.

Kurt
86 sr/fk #5275
Snowfish
<img src="http://www.snowfish.org/sw.jpg" border=0>

Edited by - on

Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1893 Posts

Response Posted - 07/14/2003 : 15:36:04

Kurt,<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>I want to charge both of my batteries with one solar panel.<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>You might want to consider a battery combiner. That way, both batteries would be automatically charged from a single source, no matter what that source is, or which battery it's wired to, or what position your (OFF/1/BOTH/2) switch is in.

<img src="http://www.yandina.com/graphics/C50.jpg" border=0>
[[url="http://www.yandina.com/c50Info.htm"]50A Combiner Specs[/url]] [[url="http://www.yandina.com/Refurb.htm"]$50 for a factory refurb.[/url]]

Disclaimer: I have no financial interest in Yandina Ltd., but I do have two of their 50A combiners.

-- Leon Sisson

Edited by - on

John G-
Admiral

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793 Posts

Response Posted - 07/14/2003 : 18:26:06

Thanks guys. I think I am finally getting it.
Great info and it really helps that you listed the websites so I can visualize the options.
 

[url="http://www.peregrinefund.org/"]<img src="http://www.peregrinefund.org/images/intro_mid_image.GIF" border=0>[/url]
[url="http://www.catalina25-250.org/photo/peregrine2.jpg"]"Peregrine"[/url] C25-#4762 FK

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rustynbigd
1st Mate

Members Avatar

31 Posts

Response Posted - 07/27/2003 : 22:38:24

I just bought a cataline 25 with a Siemens 50 watt solar panel. The man i bought the boat from insisted that the voltage regulator was necessary. knowing next to nothing about electronics, i took his word and would expect the advice is sound.

Edited by - on

lcharlot
Master Marine Consultant

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Antigua and Barbuda
1301 Posts

Response Posted - 07/28/2003 : 08:38:48

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
I just bought a cataline 25 with a Siemens 50 watt solar panel. The man i bought the boat from insisted that the voltage regulator was necessary. knowing next to nothing about electronics, i took his word and would expect the advice is sound.
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

Agreed - I read somewhere that any unregulated solar panel larger than 5 to 10 watts can overcharge a size 24 battery in the summer months when there is maximum hours of direct sun on the panel.

Larry Charlot
Catalina 25 #1205 "Quiet Time"
Sacramento, CA

Edited by - on

Ed Montague
Captain

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USA
499 Posts

Response Posted - 07/28/2003 : 13:19:30

Mark, I am also at Lake Don Pedro, slip 24. If you would like to take a look at my system feel free. I have a 10 watt flexable that I keep bungied to the top of my bimini. No regulator needed for two group 24 wet cell batteries. I haven't needed to use the 110V charger for 3 years. Power on my dock is sketchy at best. What slip are you in?

Ed Montague on 'Yahoo'
1978 #765 SK, Stnd, Dinette ~_/)~

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weluvlife
Navigator

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166 Posts

Response Posted - 07/30/2003 : 00:26:45

Hello Ed,

Yes, I'd like to see your solar power system. I am over in slip 320. I'm the only Catalina with the frameless windows. Still searching for a name for the boat.

E-mail me at weluvlife@lakedonpedro.net and we can discuss this out of this forum.

By the way, all of these postings and pictures are very helpful. Very interesting and informative reading. Thanks,

Mark Eichman
Lake Don Pedro,CA
'86 c25 TR, SK

Edited by - on

CSY Man.
Deckhand

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1 Posts

Response Posted - 08/07/2003 : 09:33:41

Hi all.

Brand new to this here forum, just stumbled onto it using a Google search on LED anchor light.
Focused on the name Sailor Forum and signed up.
Then realized it is a Catalina forum..Ooops.

Well, I don't have a Catalina, but rather a CSY 33.
Read the solar panels stuff and have some comments, althought it may not be very useful to a Catalina 25 due to the size of panels I put on.

Here goes:
I installed 2, 150 Watt Siemens panels over the bimini top of my boat.
They are putting out 8.3 amps AFTER the regulator, (An NC-25)at 1PM here in Florida. At 6PM they are still cranking out 2.0 amps.
Happy with the setup and the 2 panels should be able to "drive" my fridge/freezer compressor.

To find the amp output divide the watt rating in 3 for Florida and 4 for up North.
My 150 watt panels for example, divided by 3 should yield 50 amp hours per day.

For rock bottom prices on solar panels, try this guy in Colorado.
(I paid half of West Marine Prices for my 2 panels.)

http://www.cosolar.com/

We have a CSY page, sort of.
If anybody wants to come and read or say hello: www.turtlebones.com/forum

Sorry for butting in, took me a while to realize this was a Catalina 25 forum.

(Not as smart as I look..:-)

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