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I'm looking into a solar system to serve two purposes: (1) is to try to keep the batteries fully charged and ready to go during the sailing season. We don't motor long enough to get the charging system into its third stage (float), so probably the only time the batteries are close to 100% is at the beginning of the season when they are topped off "on the hard" and connected to 110v. (2) is to keep them topped off during the off-season.
My question is related to the charge regulation. I assume I'll need a multi-stage charger so that the solar panel can apply a float voltage to the batteries. Otherwise, it would be no better a charging system than my too short motoring regimen. Is there a way to use the same regulator that is connected to the alternator, or do I need a separate three-stage charger for the solar panel?
A recap from an earlier thread: I have a Pearson 323 with a 90A Balmar alternator and a 3 stage Balmar smart regulator (ARS III) to charge my two banks connected by a Blue Seas ACR relay. When at a dock (exremely infrequently) or on the hard, charging is via a TrueCharge 20+ multi-stage charger. The 3 group 27 house batteries and single group 24 starter battery seem appropriate to the loads we put on them/support our electronics addiction (Sea Frost reefer, radar, plotter, stereo, etc.).
TIA
My question is related to the charge regulation. I assume I'll need a multi-stage charger so that the solar panel can apply a float voltage to the batteries. Otherwise, it would be no better a charging system than my too short motoring regimen. Is there a way to use the same regulator that is connected to the alternator, or do I need a separate three-stage charger for the solar panel?
A recap from an earlier thread: I have a Pearson 323 with a 90A Balmar alternator and a 3 stage Balmar smart regulator (ARS III) to charge my two banks connected by a Blue Seas ACR relay. When at a dock (exremely infrequently) or on the hard, charging is via a TrueCharge 20+ multi-stage charger. The 3 group 27 house batteries and single group 24 starter battery seem appropriate to the loads we put on them/support our electronics addiction (Sea Frost reefer, radar, plotter, stereo, etc.).
TIA