SOLAR when not on board

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I have a 12v 913 Wind Generator which runs constantly through a Rutland HRDI Regulator which looks after my 3 batteries.

Due to to additional useage of power when onboard (most weekends and 4 weeks) I am considering adding either a 60w or 80w SOLAR panel which will also go through the HRDI controller.

Question is that when I leave the boat should I

a) not do anything knowing that the WG and SOLAR will be producing loads of unwanted power - can that damage anything ?
b) Put a switch on the SOLAR panel so I can turn it off (if that is possible and should it switch both +ive and -ive off?)
c) Cover the SOLAR panel

Final Question - Marlec say 'Input for up to 160Watts of solar panels. Note : in ambient temperatures >40°C the solar panel
input must be de-rated. Contact your dealer or the manufacturer for advice' What does de-rated mean ? and is this panel ok ?

http://www.sunstore.co.uk/12v-80w-Monocrystalline-Solar-Panel.html

thank you for your tips
 
ospreyk30 said:
I have a 12v 913 Wind Generator which runs constantly through a Rutland HRDI Regulator which looks after my 3 batteries.

Due to to additional useage of power when onboard (most weekends and 4 weeks) I am considering adding either a 60w or 80w SOLAR panel which will also go through the HRDI controller.

Question is that when I leave the boat should I

a) not do anything knowing that the WG and SOLAR will be producing loads of unwanted power - can that damage anything ?
b) Put a switch on the SOLAR panel so I can turn it off (if that is possible and should it switch both +ive and -ive off?)
c) Cover the SOLAR panel

Final Question - Marlec say 'Input for up to 160Watts of solar panels. Note : in ambient temperatures >40°C the solar panel
input must be de-rated. Contact your dealer or the manufacturer for advice' What does de-rated mean ? and is this panel ok ?

http://www.sunstore.co.uk/12v-80w-Monocrystalline-Solar-Panel.html

thank you for your tips
Click to expand...

I'd leave both devices operating under the control of the HRDi.

Fit a switch in the solar panel connection if you wish.

If you are going to be operating in climes where the ambient temperature exceeds 40C (lucky you!) then do as advised and consult the manufacturer. I'd be surprised if it is necessary to downrate the solar panel input to below 80watt but if it is they will tell you .
 
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Once fitted via the controller just leave it alone, it will regulate the power and keep batteries topped up, the regulator will only use which ever is producing most power and only if required.
I have two rutland 913's and 3 solar panels 1 x 65 then running all year.
and 2 x 80. no worries about power and just leave
 
I tie the Aerogen up when leaving boat for long periods or when strong winds likely and just leave solar connected. Seen various makes of wind gennys lose blades in high winds.
 
GrahamM376 said:
I tie the Aerogen up when leaving boat for long periods or when strong winds likely and just leave solar connected. Seen various makes of wind gennys lose blades in high winds.
Click to expand...

With the 913, you are specifically advised not to leave it tied up, to avoid possible ingress of water.
 
Ambient temp of 40 degrees is pretty hot. I don't think you should worry about derating. de rating means lkimiting power to less than that specified as OK. I think I would tend to disable/ remove the wind gen for periods away from the boat. The solar should keep batteries topped up OK and a wind gen in a storm would be a worry. good luck olewill
 
hi
i have a rutland 913 and two 80w solar panels with 3x 110 amp battries all runing through a hrdi controler works fine,if you are only going to use solar in the UK you will not get more than a few amps,i get 90 % of my power from the 913
ocean pilgrim
 
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