Solar panel / Electrics question

[harstonwood]

I have two solar panels I would like to use occasionally when sailing, and rather than any new hard wiring/re-wiring would like to connect the controller to the batteries using a cigarette lighter plug into a already present socket at the nav station

Is this feasible? Any risks?

Otherwise I guess it's some new wiring direct to the batteries

Many Thanks

 

[kocha44]

Hi there,

when installing solar panels, one must always make sure to connect them first to a solar panel regulator prior to connecting them to the batteries as to avoid overcharging. A direct connection via a lighter plug is therefore to be considered a non-regulated connection between solar panel and battery and carries the risk of overcharging and in essence destroying your batteries...

Hope this helps

 

[ianj99]

Hi there,

when installing solar panels, one must always make sure to connect them first to a solar panel regulator prior to connecting them to the batteries as to avoid overcharging. A direct connection via a lighter plug is therefore to be considered a non-regulated connection between solar panel and battery and carries the risk of overcharging and in essence destroying your batteries...

Hope this helps

He did mention connecting his controller via the cig socket, which is fine.

 

[kocha44]

He did mention connecting his controller via the cig socket, which is fine.

Another proof of my lack of attention on a Friday evening, for which I sincerely apologise. With a controller, it is indeed fine...

 

[ianj99]

Another proof of my lack of attention on a Friday evening, for which I sincerely apologise. With a controller, it is indeed fine...

That's a feeble excuse - or so I've been told when I've used it in the past!

 

[JumbleDuck]

I have two solar panels I would like to use occasionally when sailing, and rather than any new hard wiring/re-wiring would like to connect the controller to the batteries using a cigarette lighter plug into a already present socket at the nav station

Is this feasible? Any risks?

Depends what sort of controller. If it has any smattering of intelligence it will want to know the battery voltage as accurately as possible, which means attaching it with short, thick wires. Unless it's a horrible job, I'd just get wiring if I were you.

 

[TQA]

If we are only talking about small panels and low currents it should be OK.

Prolonged use of a cigarette lighter socket with currents over 2 or 3 amps usually results in a meltdown of the plug. Ask me how I know this.

 

[RichardS]

I know you didn't suggest this but ff you want to use the solar panels to keep the batteries topped up and in prime condition when you are not aboard you will need to rewire as when you leave the boat and turn of the 12V system you will disconnect the cigarette lighter sockets.

Richard

 

[johnalison]

I used a cigarette lighter socket as a temporary measure from a Halfords charger before my charger was fitted. A disadvantage is that the exposed contacts are carrying a voltage, so it is not ideal, but OK as long as care is taken.

 

[harstonwood]

Thanks for the replies
It's a temporary measure until I fit wiring dedicated for the panels, and yes its from the panel control/regulator box.
It's only 1-2 amps max
Thanks