Using same socket for power and charging?

[Highndry]

As you'll soon realise, electrickery isn't my strong suit. But here goes.

I'm planning installing a weatherproof socket on my transom into which I'll plug the electric outboard (used quite regularly at Rutland) but it occurred to me that I might be able to use the same socket for connecting a solar panel when the boat is sitting on it's trailer.

Would/could it work? Could I plug a solar panel into an outlet in order to charge the battery?

 

[prv]

Yes, as long as it's just a basic solar panel with no charging regulator required (ie a relatively small one). You'll need a diode to stop the battery discharging into the panel at night; because you want the battery to discharge into the engine you can't fit this in the shared part below deck. It will have to be in the panel or its cable, but that should be possible.

Pete

 

[Zen Zero]

Yes it could work but ...

Solar panels usually come with a "regulator" or "power manager" which is like a one-way valve to stop the battery discharging through the solar panel when it's not energised (ie when it's dark). so you'd either need to have the power manager downstream from the connector (which kind of defeats the purpose if i've understood you correctly) or you'll need to switch it in when you plug in your panel, which sounds like a heck of a lot more work.

 

[VicS]

Yes, as long as it's just a basic solar panel with no charging regulator required (ie a relatively small one). You'll need a diode to stop the battery discharging into the panel at night; because you want the battery to discharge into the engine you can't fit this in the shared part below deck. It will have to be in the panel or its cable, but that should be possible.

Pete

Or even a larger panel provided the regulator is associated with the panel and its the output from the regulator that is plugged in.......... although the regulator would have to be chosen with a little caution as some require connection to the battery before the panel to determine the battery voltage.


A fuse would be required. that would have to be in the plug wiring as the fuse on the battery that can supply the motor would be too large to protect the solar panel wiring

 

[prv]

Or even a larger panel provided the regulator is associated with the panel and its the output from the regulator that is plugged in.

True, but all the regulators I've seen are boxes designed to mount below decks.

Pete

 

[rivonia]

All above are correct. In my mind is another answer to your solar panel. Fit a blocking diode so that it allows charging but not discharge?

peter

 

[VicS]

True, but all the regulators I've seen are boxes designed to mount below decks.

Pete

It would require a suitable weatherproof enclosure. It makes the idea impractical perhaps rather than impossible

 

[VicS]

All above are correct. In my mind is another answer to your solar panel. Fit a blocking diode so that it allows charging but not discharge?

peter

That is what PRV said #2

 

[rivonia]

It would require a suitable weatherproof enclosure. It makes the idea impractical perhaps rather than impossible

OOP's so he did. Naughty me for not paying attention.


Peter