Solar Chargers ?

[cnccustom]

Looking for a battery maintainer /charger to hook up while my boat is stored.....problem is I have no power outlet there so I am looking into a Solar charging unit

do these work and what are the downfalls....Thanks

 

[carljh]

Re: Solar Chargers ?

I have a 1.8w solar panel which keeps my deep cycle battery almost fully charged. After 4 months it takes 20 minutes for the battery to reach full charge when connected to the charger.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Solar Chargers ?

The right unit can work good.
Downfalls can be several. Most unit are too small to charge the battery. The one above is .15 amps so not even 2/10 of a amp.
Some unit will discharge battery at night and charge in daytime. Make sure it has a diode built in to prevent this.
Many units large enough to charge the battery have no voltage regulator so will over charge.
Unit needs a flat surface and the sun so you can not cover your boat to keep the dirt, rain and bird stuff out.
Good units big enough to do any good with a voltage regulator and blocking diode are quite expensive and really have no track record of how long they will hold up.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Solar Chargers ?

Put a quick-connect system on the battery and take it home with you for charging with a smart charger. Solar will get stolen.

 

[cnccustom]

Re: Solar Chargers ?

Thanks for all the replys......actually the boat is stored at my Dads in his driveway... I live in a apt. and can't store it here...just don't want to have him tripping over a ext. cord....

I don't like storing it without the cover on and did not even think about that..

I may have to just put a fast charge on it before we take it out everytime.....

What amp fast charger should I get just for topping off.....?

oh yea its a deep cycle battery

 

[cuzner]

Re: Solar Chargers ?

If left too long you can also over-charge, and ruin your battery. ( I found that out the hard way). They make a controller to prevent this. If you only need to maintain your batteries a solar charger will work, as long as you don,t expect to charge drained batteries.

Jim

 

[Boatist]

Re: Solar Chargers ?

Your batteries will last longer if you charge at least once a month all year round. When you discharge battery charge it as soon as possible. The longer it is discharged the more damage is done.

Get a smart charger that will not over charge or a automatic charger. I would not get smaller than 10 amps and if your useing a normal size boat battery group 24, 27 or larger 15 or 20 amps will not hurt it.