Shore Power Socket or Solar Panel

[peterjaw]

Good day, gentlemen,

I need your advice about shore power socket and solar panel.

I am sure I won't have any chance to stay on the boat for over night, even in the harbor or marina. Therefore,
the shore power system is purely for charging the batteries while leaving my boat in marina, nothing else.

On the other hand, the solar panel is only for charging the batteries also.

From your opinion and/or experience, concerning about costs, maintainance, reliability, ease of use, ... etc. which
system should I install on my new boat?

Thank you very much for any input.

 

[MapisM]

You are wondering if it's worth installing ALSO solar panels, I suppose?
Having a shore power socket is a no brainer, imho.
Batteries aside, aren't you interested in having AC onboard to recharge a mobile phone, make a cup of tea, use a hair dryer, a heater in colder months, whatever...?

 

[peterjaw]

You are wondering if it's worth installing ALSO solar panels, I suppose?
Having a shore power socket is a no brainer, imho.
Batteries aside, aren't you interested in having AC onboard to recharge a mobile phone, make a cup of tea, use a hair dryer, a heater in colder months, whatever...?

Ahh.. I see you points, MapisM.

Without shore power system installed, there won't be AC onboard?

On the options list of Quicksilver 855, I only see two 12v cigaratte sockets but no110/220V socket. But on my friend's boat, I saw
at leat one AC sockets and he has shore power system installed.

If this is the case, then I will install the shore power.

Thank you very much, M.

 

[benchmark]

I have both, I recommend it for you too,

1. solar panels keep my batteries trickle charged and topped up always so the last longer, they are also capable of providing enough juice for my batteries when I am on the water drift fishing with the motor off and a few instruments on.

2. Shore power is to allow me 230volt access when I am roped to land, I can use my microwave, water kettle, electric room heater, etc etc . Likewise for my battery charger to replenish the batteries under heavy use when the engine is off.

 

[peterjaw]

I have both, I recommend it for you too,

1. solar panels keep my batteries trickle charged and topped up always so the last longer, they are also capable of providing enough juice for my batteries when I am on the water drift fishing with the motor off and a few instruments on.

2. Shore power is to allow me 230volt access when I am roped to land, I can use my microwave, water kettle, electric room heater, etc etc . Likewise for my battery charger to replenish the batteries under heavy use when the engine is off.

Good point, benchmark.
I will consider to have them both. Thank you very much.