solar panels

[rowey2006]

hi
as my berth has no electric hook up.
i am looking into solar power to charge bank of batteries up (2x 110amp leisure 1x135 marine starter) while iam not there.
just a quick question
is it better to get one big panel to charge all three batteries via a regulator or to buy two or three panels each one charging the one battery.
all your comments would be great, and any recommendations of manufacture or retailers.

regards
marc.

 

[simonfraser]

i'd get a few smaller ones connected to one regulator to charge the batteries.

less chance of a whole panel being in the shade, they don't like that one bit.

a recent, ? 8 months ago, pbo article tested a variety of panels, you could order a reprint ?

 

[Talbot]

agree that unless you have a good space for the panel which keeps it clear of shade, you are better off having more than one panel.

 

[Allan]

In one of the articles I have read, they said that some panels don't like even a small part covered. This would be less likely with multiple panels.
Allan

 

[davidpbo]

[ QUOTE ]

i'd get a few smaller ones connected to one regulator to charge the batteries.

[/ QUOTE ]

That is certainly what I would do.

Each panel would however IMHO need its own blocking diode if they are not already fited with one before the output connections are parrelell connected into the regular which would have to be of an appropriate size.

 

[LORDNELSON]

Have you considered one small solar panel (10 to 15 watts) wired through controller to your engine start battery? Such a panel will keep your battery from losing it's charge whilst the boat is not being used. If you can start your engine you can then charge the batteries fromm the engine alternator. This is the set up I have and it works for me.

 

[Nautorius]

This is what I have. I bought a brief case type twin solar panel off Ebay for £80. It basically works at 13amps but will fully charge a 85amp battery over a week. I have it connected to the start batter (110 amps) so that it always has charge to start engine whenever I turn up. It has been a revolution. When moored up I put it onto the leisure battery which only runs fridge (compressor type) and lights. I have now been without shore power for 7 weeks and it is total freedom. It is totally portable, and is connected with crocodile wires. I have a set of wires on each battery and they feed out to a socket (home fit) near the stern. I then just plug into whichever battery needs charging.

I only bought one as that is all I need because we do not have a stereo or TV on board.

Cheers

Paul