DuraLite Solar Pannels

[82Venture22]

Hello:

I have a duralite solar pannel that came with my boat. I think its the 20 watt.

Looks like:

Duralite Solar Panels :: Alter Systems On-line Shop - Go Green for Life™ ::


My question is as follows. If my two 12 volt batteries are installed in parallel. What and which terminals of the battery do the leads from the solar pannel go on.

Someone told me that for 20 watts or 30 watts the solar pannel will not charge both batteries at the same time so I have to go back and forth? Perhaps make a switch and switch back and forth on the batteries.

Also do I need a regulator to stop over charging can I over charge the batteries with a 20 or 30 watt solar pannel?

I don't see that Duraline makes one.

Thanks happy sailing everyone.. Were just getting the boats in the water now. Its been a cold yukkie winter in Toronto.

[tigerregis]

Sorry mate, you need a couple of genius bulldogs and a solar stik and your life will be perfect(lousy as possible for the rest of us).

[82Venture22]

Don't have a clue what your saying?

[camaraderie]

You do need a regulator just to be safe despite the low amperage as the voltage can go as high as 16.5V which is too high. The little Sunguard4 on the same linked page will suffice. You can put a float charge on both batteries as you will get about 1.4 amps in direct sunlight so you can keep your batteries from discharging while you are away. As you'll only average about 7 amp hours on a sunny day...the panel is not useful for much more than that except for maybe a very ocaasional bige pump cycle. Just connect the controller to either batteries positive and negative terminals. The batteries will equalize their charge to be at the same level.

[tigerregis]

You are a gentleman, Cam.

[82Venture22]

Yes thanks Cam,, not sure why Tiger bothers posting at all.