Solar panel advise

[SkywalkerII]

I'm installing to 10 watt flexible Unisolar panels to my C&C. They are rated at .62 amps each. I have a battery bank of two 27 series deep cells with a amp hour capacity of about 75 hours each.

Do I need to use a regulator?

I combined the leads to one lead, ran it through the deck and down to the battery box. It is fused protected in line. How should I connect it to the battery/batteries?

Thanks for the help.

Skywalker

[Ilenart]

I have a similar setup with a 10W flexible solar panel. I don't have a regulator, fairly sure your amperage is too small not to need. Mine is connected to all the batteries via the switchboard, so I can switch it between the batteries. However you can probably wire it directly to your batteries.

Ilenart

[gtod25]

If the output of the solar panels exceeds 1% of battery capacity you need a regulator. From your figures you do not need one.

[TRMN8R]

Might want to insert a blocking diode which will prevent the panels from draining the batteries at night or depending on your electrical setup, preventing the alternator (motor) burning out the panels. Also, the hotter it gets the less effective solar panels are (interesting thought, isn't it?). Hope this helps!

[sailingdog]

Be aware that using a blocking diode will reduce the effectiveness of the panels a bit, but it is a necessity, since solar panels will otherwise drain the batteries at night.

[Cruisingdad]

Originally Posted by TRMN8R

Might want to insert a blocking diode which will prevent the panels from draining the batteries at night or depending on your electrical setup, preventing the alternator (motor) burning out the panels. Also, the hotter it gets the less effective solar panels are (interesting thought, isn't it?). Hope this helps!

True.

However, as SD said, it will slightly reduce the effectiveness of the panels. You need to weight the loss compared to the gain in making the decision to put in a diode. Note: Many panels (larger ones typically) come with them already installed. ANother option is to put a switch on the input side to manually flip off at night. I know that is how it "used" to be done by many long disctance cruisers.

I have a sneaky suspision you will be disapointed with the panels. Solar works, but you need a fairly nice (and generally rigid) array to maximize its potential. But I guess every little bit helps.

- CD

[Valiente]

It's basically a trickle charger. I agree with the diode idea, though. This will do very little more than keep the batteries topped up on a moored boat, however, having had a moored boat without panels lose a few tenths off reasonably fresh and charged batteries in only a couple of weeks of non-activity, I can see a good reason for having such small panels pushing even a minimal amount of juice.

[SkywalkerII]

Thanks everyone.

I consulted a friend in the electronics industry, and he supported these comments. He suggested I add a toggle switch so I can designate which battery will be charged. In this way, I keep the batteries isolated but have options.

Now that this is done, back to the business of getting this boat moving fast for the summer racing season.

Skywalker

[MedSailor]

I have one of these panels. I believe they have a diode built in.

MedSailor