Solar charger - again

[PhilF]

Sorry to go on about this but can't get a straight answer from the suppliers.
With a 10.3 watt solar paner and a 90 amp hr battery in the med, do I need a regulator. Any experience with this issue will be welcome.
Ta
phil

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[Talbot]

Your question is along the lines of how long is a piece of string, which is why you have not been able tyo get a straight answer. It depends totally on your useage. You need to do an energy budget i.e. nav lights overnight = 15 amp/hrs(illustrative but not accurate) + fridge + whatever else you have, then compare with engine use and output of your bits. Some people will always use a regulator to enable them to forget about the problem, others will prefer to get the raw power into their batteries, and control the input by watching the charge state and then switching of the chargers - a good way to get faster charger, but a high risk of frying your batteries. a 10w panel is not exactly heavy (I will be fitting a 170w panel) but if you leave the boat for a long time without anything switched on,, you might eventually get enough charge to do something - suggest you ask for advice from http://www.bardenbatteries.co.uk/solar/index.html

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[PhilF]

I only want it to avoid arriving in med to flat starting battery.

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[andyball]

At full output, into a fully charged good condition 90AH battery, pretty sure even a 10.3W panel will take the voltage over 14V,probably over 15V. Some batteries seem to take a higher current than others at "float" voltages though, so if a regulator's lots of £ I'd try it first & see. Whether 14-15V is a problem depends on your battery type & condition,but it's not ideal.

Have seen a "charge controller"
for solar panels up to 7Amps for £30+vat in Northern Tools catalogue : www.northerntooluk.com <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.northerntooluk.com/product/default.asp?action=&k=&i=&s=&page=&x=0&h=5&g=4&id=1424&catId=33&subCatId=255&x=0&h=5&g=4>here</A>.



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[kindredspirit]

10.3W a bit small but should be OK for Med.

Get the regulator, as you will be away from your boat for long periods. Anyway it's only £23.

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<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.begleys.com/kevin/weather.htm>Useful links for when cruising in Irish waters.</A>