Solar Power Anyone????

[NoGin]

So it looks as though my twin 470s stators have taken a poop.

I am considering going to solar power to maintain my 4 batteries rather than doing the alternator upgrade on both engines. Anyone do this, research this or have any input for me with this?

Thanks!!

 

[Don S]

Re: Solar Power Anyone????

Get a grip on reallity dude. You need an alternator on at least one of those motors to keep 4 batteries up.

 

[NoGin]

Re: Solar Power Anyone????

Thanks for the response Don but it's not getting a grip on reality it's trying to learn. This is my first boat and first time encountering such a situation.

I do appreciate the advice though.

Thanks.

How can I do just 1 engine with the alternator conversion when I have 2 separate banks of 2 batteries each bank for the twins?

 

[studdy05]

Re: Solar Power Anyone????

I use a 5 watt solar cell to keep my 9000 lb winch battery half arsed charged on my boat trailer which is used maybe every two months. Been doing this since Christmas and so far so good, but thats hardly a real benefit. Under full sun on the Gulf Coast, too, mind you.

The cells are getting stronger and the technology getting better but it would take a full array to just keep the trickle drain manageable on a big boat. Such an array can be had for about $200 at Harbor Frieght - giving you 45 watts or maybe 4 to 5 Amps of true charge.

Here is a post I just read from a few months back to better illustrate the point:
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You'll need at least 30 watts of solar panels to keep your batteries up while it sits at the dock. That's exactly what we do and only use the boat on weekends. We have 30 watts of panels and a 7 Amp charge controller. Given average daylight and cloud conditions we get just enough to keep the batts fully charged. We use 2 deep cycle 180 amp hour rated batts for all house loads.

We have, in the past, killed all batts and the solar panels got us enough juice to start the engine in about an hours worth of daylight.
~~~~

 

[Glastron_V210]

Re: Solar Power Anyone????

I disagree about the 30W panel, a 10W will suffice with no usage, however:

The solar panel will need to be sized to your application.

I have a 130W panel running an electric fridge. 130W ($800 CDN, btw) is a facticious number. For most panels, take the wattage and divide by 2 to start.

Then if it is not direct sunshine, divide by10. Not kidding.

I think you'll see where this is going....It's not sufficient to maintain a running ignition system and onboard systems. Plus you need a charge controller etc...


PV solar is just not that great a deal.

Chay