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mashedcat
Navigator

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USA
194 Posts
Initially Posted - 06/23/2005 :  15:17:04  Show Profile
how will i wire two solar panels into my charging system?
dave
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Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1893 Posts
Response Posted - 06/23/2005 :  15:36:40  Show Profile  Visit Leon Sisson's Homepage
That depends somewhat on the details of your electrical system. A short answer would be: wire them in parallel. A related issue is how many voltage regulators to use, and where to wire them in.

-- Leon Sisson
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JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts
Response Posted - 06/24/2005 :  17:30:02  Show Profile  Visit JimB517's Homepage
United Solar Flex-11 panels come with cigarette lighter adaptors. If your 12 volt socket is correctly wired and you are just using the panel part time, you can just plug it in.

I wired 2 panels in parallel and use a simple voltage regulator. Mine plug into a socket I installed above the galley and wires are run to my main electical switch and master ground.


My little home made panel has a socket for the solar panels, a voltage meter, and a 3 way switch for charging batteries (solar, shore power, or engine). Made with plywood and a couple of Radio SHack parts for about $10.

Since my panels are flexible I can tie them to the boom, throw them on deck, or lay them on the cockpit seats.

United Solar Flex-11s are tough and waterproof. You can even walk on them.
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Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts
Response Posted - 06/25/2005 :  07:48:12  Show Profile
I use, and highly recommend, a Morningstar digital charge controller. It permits three phase charging of your batteries. It also has a digital readout which will tell you the amps your panels are giving you, the amps your system is drawing, and the voltage of your batteries.
Very nice
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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.