Rigger Mortice
N/A
If you are getting the 5 watt panel I wouldn't bother with a regulator. It is most unlikely that the panel would overcharge your battery.
Solar charger help plz
- Thread starter skipper681
- Start date
If you are getting the 5 watt panel I wouldn't bother with a regulator. It is most unlikely that the panel would overcharge your battery.
skipper681
Well-Known Member
Thanks for the reply, I was thinking about the 10w panel to be safe.
VicS
Well-Known Member
I'd think that means without a regulator. Fit a regulator and you will be fine.
Specs for the panel and the regulator look fine. PWM regulator so better than a simple on off controller.
Sure you have space to mount the panel ?
ghostlymoron
Well-Known Member
I would contact the supplier and ask whether the combination would be OK. I can't see why it wouldn't be. They are probably referring to the possibility of overcharging if a regulator not used.
skipper681
Well-Known Member
That's a good question lol, I'll measure up tomorrow but I'm hoping at 361mm x 270mm I'll get it in somewhere
Once again thanks, everyone's been very helpful.
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William_H
Well-Known Member
That's a good question lol, I'll measure up tomorrow but I'm hoping at 361mm x 270mm I'll get it in somewhere
Once again thanks, everyone's been very helpful.
Nice looking boat my kind with no frills. You really should have a UV protection cover on that mainsail however.
You have choices of fitting a small solar PV panel onto the sliding hatch or onto the front hatch cover permanently.
However after losing some solar panels to damage with panels mounted in both places I have settled on lashing mine to the boom and sail cover with bungee. I remove and unplug before I go sailing so not so much chance of damage. You can angle the panel towards the south for best performance if you have a fixed mooring. Mine is a swing mooring so mostly panel stays horizontal. good luck olewill
skipper681
Well-Known Member
Would it be wise to mount the panel in front of the sliding hatch? When the hatch is opened it would be covered I know but if I mounted it on the hatch the wires would be a problem when opening and closing, I'd prefer a fixed mount.
Has anyone any pictures of where your panels are?
Thanks again and I really do appreciate all your help, I've never had a sailing boat before and I just want to do this right first time.
Has anyone any pictures of where your panels are?
Thanks again and I really do appreciate all your help, I've never had a sailing boat before and I just want to do this right first time.
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VicS
Well-Known Member
Mine is on the sloping cabin front ... no help to you I'm afraid.
( I think there would just about be room to fit that 10watt one you are looking at )
skipper681
Well-Known Member
Where is your battery kept Vic?
Can I have your bow rail and stancions plz lol
Can I have your bow rail and stancions plz lol
ghostlymoron
Well-Known Member
You could fit one either side of the mast.
skipper681
Well-Known Member
Two 5w?
VicS
Well-Known Member
Under one of the forecabin bunks, Stb'd side immediately forward of the main bulkhead. Lower centre of this picture.
ghostlymoron
Well-Known Member
My advice would be to fit the largest size possible - within reason - price per watt is less for larger panels.
VicS
Well-Known Member
Somewhat surprisingly two 5 watt ones from the same supplier at £26 each work out at the same price as the 10 watt one
Two of THESE from the same supplier might also be an option . Inexpensive at £10 each!
ghostlymoron
Well-Known Member
Very surprising. My advice would still be : measure the space either side of mast and fit the largest panels you can. You can't have too much leccy! Specially at those prices.
pathfinderstu
Well-Known Member
am lost with all the tecknowledgy...am sold on solar panels and am in e.med so plenty of sun.
have quite a bit of expense coming out of my pocket money for my sail boat at the moment but am planning on buying a solar panel to keep the batteries topped up.
i can afford a 7.5 w panel from force4 chanlery at 65 quid, says it will maintain and or charge batteries.
do you guys in the know think this is a good buy or can you recommend a better option....cheers.
have quite a bit of expense coming out of my pocket money for my sail boat at the moment but am planning on buying a solar panel to keep the batteries topped up.
i can afford a 7.5 w panel from force4 chanlery at 65 quid, says it will maintain and or charge batteries.
do you guys in the know think this is a good buy or can you recommend a better option....cheers.
Cardo
Well-Known Member
If you can fit something bigger, go for 80 or 100w panels. Chinese ones can be had off ebay for less than £100 and in the Med sun you should see 4 - 5 amps or so from them.
It appears to me the only reason to have a small panel (I think 7.5w is pitifully small for anything) is to keep the batteries topped up if you're in a swinging/mid river pontoon. For any real use you want to go into the 100's of watts.