Solar panels and controller

slawosz

slawosz

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Hi,
this year I want to install solar panels to top up batteries. Its the only way I can charge, as I don't have inboard and my outboard does not have this option (nor I planning to upgrade).
I will make exact calculations regarding how much energy I need, but its not much - just the radio, topping up the usb devices - phones and maybe tablet when I have one, and autopilot (one day, when I will buy one - maybe this season, maybe not).
So I know I need controller - I am thinking about this one (cheap): Solar Charge Controller 12/24V | Marine Super Store
Can I buy non-marine one instead?
Also, panels - which one to get - in chandlery or I could go for good seller on ebay?
Also, does above controller allow connecting any amount of panels in case I want to update?
 
Second the Photonic Universe kit, installed a 100w panel and controller last year and very pleased with it and the service. Give them a call.
Also no marine mark up!
 
PaulRainbow said:
. How much room you have will determine the size of panel, fit the biggest you can, can't have too much power.
Click to expand...
Paul is right it is the physical mount possibilities that dictate what panel size you fit. Get the biggest that will fit on the boat. If you have room the domestic PV panels are cheapest at 200w or so but are 40v no load so need a MPPT controller for 12v charging. Cheapest because of huge global demand for this size. (about 1.8 x.8metre)
Watched a show on Tv last night made in 2017. He was setting up off grid solar PV and went to a lot of expense to make a solar tracking machine. ie panels are tilted during the day to face the sun. I think since then he would find it far cheaper to fit more panels than mechanically tracking. Being on land no restrictions on space. ol'will
 
slawosz said:
Hi,
this year I want to install solar panels to top up batteries. Its the only way I can charge, as I don't have inboard and my outboard does not have this option (nor I planning to upgrade).
I will make exact calculations regarding how much energy I need, but its not much - just the radio, topping up the usb devices - phones and maybe tablet when I have one, and autopilot (one day, when I will buy one - maybe this season, maybe not).
So I know I need controller - I am thinking about this one (cheap): Solar Charge Controller 12/24V | Marine Super Store
Can I buy non-marine one instead?
Also, panels - which one to get - in chandlery or I could go for good seller on ebay?
Also, does above controller allow connecting any amount of panels in case I want to update?
Click to expand...
My electrical power demands are similar or just a little more than yours I think

I have an autopilot, VHF, cabin lights, navigation lights and a hand-held spotlight. I have converted my tricolour light to LED although kept filament bulbs in the deck level lights which would normally only be used when the engine is running.
I have also converted the cabin lights to LED. I have not reduced the power consumption but I get more light for roughly the same power

I have a measly amount of charging from the outboard but it is negligible unless the it is run for lengthy periods

I have found that I can keep my 60Ah leisure battery topped up with just a 5 watt solar panel.
I do not have a controller because it is not necessary with my panel size to battery capacity ratio
A common rule of thumb is that if the panel power in watts is less than 10% of the battery capacity in Ah an controller is not necessary although should be fitted for panels over 10watts

I would have fitted a 10 wat panel, and a controller, but I do not have a suitable position to fit one. I have considered buying a "brief case" panel that could be plugged in as additional charging if needed but have not in fact found it necessary for weekend use and just the occasional single week.

I have also considered a camping power hook up like this Eurohike Mobile Mains Kit with USB (15m) | GO Outdoors to provide an occassional shorepower connection
 
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Thank you for your answers. And regarding connecting solar panels, I believe its fine to connect them parallel, as long as voltage output is same in each panel?

For now, I was using 2 W maintainer and was enough for log and deepsonder. I have little room on my deck, so I will take a look on possible solutions after lockdown. I believe for starters 10 to 20 W will be enough, as I don't use boat that much and can't really imagine (sadly) possibility of longer trips then 4 days - only day sailing.
 
I got my panels and controller from Bimble Solar. You can do a power audit on their website, answer a few questions and they'll email you a quote with recommendations and various options. Excellent service.
I have no connection with the company apart from the fact that I bought 600w of panels and a controller from them three years ago and have been very happy with the result.
Bimble Solar
 
slawosz said:
Thank you for your answers. And regarding connecting solar panels, I believe its fine to connect them parallel, as long as voltage output is same in each panel?

For now, I was using 2 W maintainer and was enough for log and deepsonder. I have little room on my deck, so I will take a look on possible solutions after lockdown. I believe for starters 10 to 20 W will be enough, as I don't use boat that much and can't really imagine (sadly) possibility of longer trips then 4 days - only day sailing.
Click to expand...

My understanding is that parallel connection is best if one panel or the other is likely to be shaded at times

If you connect in series they must be the same current/power output and will need an MPPT controller.
I believe series connection can give you a bit better low light performance / a few extra minutes at dusk and dawn
 
Hi, I am quite close to buying panels, I would like to have the possibility to disconnect them, so I need some plug I could mount on deck. I believe it should have a cap to protect pins when not used. Is there anything you could recommend?
 
I'd echo the positive comments about photonicuniverse. I have a small panel that I lash to the sprayhood when not onboard and when the spray hood remains up. Works a treat and has kept my batteries in top condition over the winter break. Cables are detachable if I want to stow below for any reason, but I don't have protection caps (but that's not been a problem as I typically leave it connected). A small plastic bag would probably suffice, sufficiently secured, but I've not tested it.
 
slawosz said:
Hi, I am quite close to buying panels, I would like to have the possibility to disconnect them, so I need some plug I could mount on deck. I believe it should have a cap to protect pins when not used. Is there anything you could recommend?
Click to expand...
2 twenty watt panels is what I had on a small boat with small demand for electricity with a third 'roaming' panel going to a second hand Marlec solar controller. That controller you initially showed is pants and looks a bit like the cheapo £6.99 ebay ones.

One cannot have enough solar panels in the UK; cloudy days and all that.

Dri -plug?

dri plug - Google Search

Shop around or look for second hand.

Silicon grease the pins or "contralube" if you want the best and have deep pockets; gramme for gramme it increased to the price of silver some years back.
 
slawosz said:
Hi,
this year I want to install solar panels to top up batteries. Its the only way I can charge, as I don't have inboard and my outboard does not have this option (nor I planning to upgrade).
I will make exact calculations regarding how much energy I need, but its not much - just the radio, topping up the usb devices - phones and maybe tablet when I have one, and autopilot (one day, when I will buy one - maybe this season, maybe not).
So I know I need controller - I am thinking about this one (cheap): Solar Charge Controller 12/24V | Marine Super Store
Can I buy non-marine one instead?
Also, panels - which one to get - in chandlery or I could go for good seller on ebay?
Also, does above controller allow connecting any amount of panels in case I want to update?
Click to expand...


Well, it sounds like you have a few options for your charging needs! The charge controller you linked to would be fine either on a boat or land based use - but if you're just going for budget and want a non-marine version, you can certainly search online. As far as panels go, you can go for a marine grade panel or check out eBay. You should get a panel that produces the right voltage and current rating for your charge controller, so it's important to make sure these are compatible. The controller you linked allows up to 100V input with maximum load of 120Amps, so unless you're planning on using more than 6 panels in parallel (each with up to 20A), this should work for your setup. Just make sure you use the right cables and connections Good luck! :)
 
amyjones329 said:
Well, it sounds like you have a few options for your charging needs! The charge controller you linked to would be fine either on a boat or land based use - but if you're just going for budget and want a non-marine version, you can certainly search online. As far as panels go, you can go for a marine grade panel or check out eBay. You should get a panel that produces the right voltage and current rating for your charge controller, so it's important to make sure these are compatible. The controller you linked allows up to 100V input with maximum load of 120Amps, so unless you're planning on using more than 6 panels in parallel (each with up to 20A), this should work for your setup. Just make sure you use the right cables and connections Good luck! :)
Click to expand...

peteK said:
I would have thought the op would have got what he needs as it was 2.5 years ago.
Click to expand...

But welcome to the forums!
 
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