Another solar panel question. Sorry

[Highndry]

I have a heavy duty deck plug that I connect an electric outboard to. Between it and the battery there's a 50a breaker. Could I simply plug a 10W solar panel into that deck plug and expect it to work?

 

[Rigger Mortice]

Yes.

If I were doing it though I would want to think about a fuse, particularly if I was leaving the boat unattended with the panel connected up. An in line 1amp fuse might do the trick, but I'm not sure, as it would be exposed to the elements, if suitable genuinely waterproof ones are available.

 

[Highndry]

Something like this http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/waterproof-in-line-1andquarter-inch-fuseholder-dr82d?

 

[Rigger Mortice]

Something like this http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/waterproof-in-line-1andquarter-inch-fuseholder-dr82d?

I've used those but found that they are, at best, damp proof. I had to wrap self amalgamating tape round them where the two halves fit together and at the wire entry points.
They are probably fine under a car bonnet but not really up to marine use.

 

[simonfraser]

Would def charge the battery.
The fuse is there to protect the wire, so unless it's a very large solar panel, the fuse is likely to be a tad over rated.
The panel & wire might go wrong and then you'll have 50A going through it until it fries.
Depends if you think that is likely / going to bother you.

 

[Highndry]

Yes.

If I were doing it though I would want to think about a fuse, particularly if I was leaving the boat unattended with the panel connected up. An in line 1amp fuse might do the trick, but I'm not sure, as it would be exposed to the elements, if suitable genuinely waterproof ones are available.

Why a 1amp fuse?

 

[Rigger Mortice]

Why a 1amp fuse?

The panel is only 10w so 1amp will be fine.

 

[William_H]

Yes OP can use the power outlet to feed in solar charge. The wiring to the outlet will presumably be rated to suit the 50 amp circuit breaker.
The wiring from the panel to the power outlet will presumably be quite light.
Question becomes is it likely to short one wire to the other?
Is the wiring likely to cause real damage or fire if it gets red hot and melts.
If the answer to both these questions is no then you might risk no fuse. Certainly a fuse will be a further fault source. olewill