Connecting a solar panel through shore power

[voice3]

Are there any solar panels designed to be connected through a shore power input plug?

[JomsViking]

It is possible to buy modules that connect directly to the grid, however that might not be able to supply the needed power to your charger. Basically they consist of a "normal" low voltage DC PV with an "advanced" inverter that creates AC based on that, so you would loose something during that, and again in your charger. So it's probably not worth it..

[denverd0n]

I think a little more explanation of what you have in mind would be in order, because at this point the question really doesn't make much sense.

[voice3]

In response to denverd0n, I was hoping to plug a solar panel directly into my shore power input during the winter month's in order to prolong the life of my batteries. However, I don't know anything about wiring solar panels, which is why I wanted to use the shore power input, it's also probably why my question doesn't make much sense. Do you have a better idea?

[Cruisingdad]

Your panels are wired (either in series or parallel) to a solar charge controller which is wired directly to your batteries. Your shore power is 110v (in the US) and I do not even know what effect (if any) wiring to it would be.

You need to decide the charge controller first. That decision will be based upon the total input of your panels. THen you will know how to wire your panels to the charge controller which will monitor and correctly charge your batteries.

Given the nature of what you are doing, I would suggest a thorough review of marine wiring and especially solar panels before attempting any major battery/boat related activities. I mean this with no dissrepect.

- CD

[btrayfors]

Solar panels are designed to charge your batteries using low-voltage direct current (DC).

The shore-power plug is designed for high voltage alternating current (AC) power....a totally different thing.

You need to connect the solar panel to your batteries with it's own connector and, if it's larger than a very small panel, you'll need some sort of solar controller to be sure you don't cook your batteries.

Bill

[voice3]

Yes, it's true, I don't know a thing about marine wiring. In general, what is the most cost efficient way to keep batteries charged while dry docked in the winter?

[sailingdog]

Why would anyone design a solar panel that way. It doesn't make sense and would increase the cost of the panels incredibly. Solar panels are generally used to charge batteries. As such, they need to output relatively low voltage DC... trying to convert the low-voltage DC output to a high voltage AC output would require fairly sophisticated and inefficient hardware—specifically an inverter. Then to use the electricity on the boat, say to charge the batteries, you'd have to convert it back to DC... incurring even further losses.

The most cost efficient way to keep the batteries charged when dry docked is to take them home and put them on a three-way smart charger about once every two weeks.

[Cruisingdad]

Originally Posted by voice3

Yes, it's true, I don't know a thing about marine wiring. In general, what is the most cost efficient way to keep batteries charged while dry docked in the winter?

Shore power with a good charger. You batts will lose (assuming wet cells) about 5%/month just sitting there.

Off the grid apps require either a generator, wind, or solar. Which is best for you would be impossible to say. My best guess is that you will be stuck with solar if you are off grid. However, they are not awesome up north with your cloudy days.

You may be best off just pulling the batt out periodically and putting her un der a charge and returning it to the boat the next day. The other options, assuming you have no electricity, start getting a lot more expensive.

- CD

[voice3]

In response to Sailingdog, that's not the most cost efficient way to keep batteries charged if you live in NYC!