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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Solar panel questions

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Ben
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1234 Posts

Initially Posted - 03/11/2004 : 07:27:46

Hi All,

I recently acquired an 11-volt solar panel (same kind JimB517 has, I think) and with the season just around the corner I have some questions on how to use it. I have two "house" batteries.

Can anyone tell me how to hook the batteries up to the solar panel. Is it as simple running wires from the solar panel plug to the positive and negative posts on the batteries?

I'm really interested in getting something to make sure I don't overcharge the batteries. I don't suspect it is critical for me, but I would like to err on the side of caution. What should I get for this protection? I asked a guy at WM and he showed me something in his catalog for $60 or $70. I thought I read on here sometime ago that something could be gotten for around $35.

Thanks All!

Ben
Beneteau 361
Viking Kitty
Columbus, Ohio

Edited by - on

JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 03/11/2004 : 13:32:11

The United Solar Flex-11 panel comes with a cigarette lighter plug. If you've got a 12V adaptor somewhere, just plug it in. If not, cut off the end, put on jumper cable type connectors, and clip it on the battery any old way. Or plug it into your autopilot deck socket. You could even use the deck plug for the mast lights. DON'T REVERSE THE POLARITY.

One 11 watt panel will not over charge the battery. Since I have gel cells and 2 panels, I bought the regulator, which limits the voltage to 14.3 volts (you'll notice the panel puts out over 20 in direct sunlight but this won't damage the battery - as soon as you hook the panel up the overall system voltage comes up only a few tenths of a volt - the current is so low).

Solar Electric http://www.solarelectricinc.com/ has the regulators for $35 and will handle up to 12 amps.

I chose to wire my panels into the system in a slightly different way. I have a 3 way switch and I can choose to charge the battery from my engine, from a 3 amp shore power charger, or from the panel. I included a system volt meter on this mini panel. My voltage regulator is wired into this as well. The mini panel is mounted to the hull just above and to the right of the stove. All the wires run down behind the stove and to the battery selector switch and hence to the batteries. Using the battery switch, I can even choose to direct all the charging current to battery 1, 2 or all (however, I always operate on "both")

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Ben
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1234 Posts

Response Posted - 03/11/2004 : 14:42:12

Thanks Jim. Strange that my solar panel did not come with a cigarette lighter plug. Too bad too. I think I have a socket for that plug above the two drawers in my galley area. Can I route my charger from the mounting on the boom, down through the starboard lazarette, and then into the back side of the switch? I was wondering how I would charge both batteries at the same time.

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Ed Montague
Captain

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USA
499 Posts

Response Posted - 03/11/2004 : 19:05:16

Yes Ben it is just that simple with the solar panel you have, especially with it charging two batteries. No regulator is necessary. I have the same panel charging my two batteries. The batteries can be isolated from each other with the two way combiner I have. My combiner is always in the BOTH position. I have the solar panel electrical leads attached to one of the batteries so both are being charged when ever the sun shines. My solar panel is mounted on the top of my bimini, the cord runs down the frame through the companion way into the combiner. Very simple set up and I haven't had any trouble keeping up the batteries for the three years I have had this set up.

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.