I am planning on installing a solar panel and charge controller to top up and maintain the boat’s batteries (the boat is kept on a mooring). The plan is to use a single PV panel, either a Kyocera KD140SX-UFBS, 36 cell, 140 watt, 12 volt nominal (approx $285.00), or a KD250GX-LFB2, 60 cell, 250 watt, 20 volt nominal (approx $265.00). The charge controller would probably be and a Blue Sky Solar Boost 2512iX-HV charge controller (approx $205.00). It looks like the charge controller will handle either panel’s input and provide the appropriate output for the 12 volt batteries. The 250 watt panel weighs 44 lbs while the 140 watt panel weighs only 28.4 lbs. I want to install the PV panel on the existing bimini frame. From a cost per watt perspective the 250 watt panel looks like the way to go. Does 44 lbs sound reasonable for mounting on a bimini? I would be interested to see if anyone sees any problems with using the higher output PV panel or has any other suggestions. Thanks!
Michael & Jayne O'Neill * Steadfast * 1985 C36 #372 * Salem, MA
I keep my boat on a mooring as well, and if you are literally just worried about keeping your batteries topped-up, this system works just fine:
[url]http://www.emarineinc.com/products/Portable-30W-Solar-Battery-Tender.htm...
I pop it into my rod holder on the stern rail and run the cable through the aft cabin hatch and into the 12v receptacle at the nav station.
I day sail a couple times per week using the refrigerator, stereo and electronics including RADAR, and this does a great job keeping things topped-up. Never had an issue.
Ultimately what you need will be largely dictated by your consumption and how you use the boat, which dictates the length of time needed for charging; you don't need huge permanently installed panels if the boats sits for days at a time on the mooring with everything turned off but the bilge pump. Of course, I also have many sunny Miami days working for me too!
Matt
s/v Constellation
2002 C36 MKII Hull #2104
Std Rig, Wing Keel
Coconut Grove Sailing Club
Miami, FL
Matthew Becherer
s/v Constellation
Catalina 36 MKII, #2104
Wing Keel, Standard Rig, Universal M-35BC
Miami, FL
How does it connect to charge the batteries?
Enrique
Talisman
1998 36 MK2 Hull #1673
Tall Rig Wing Keel
M35BC engine
Old Saybrook, CT Summer
South Glastonbury, CT Winter
Michael, you said you want to keep your batteries topped up while you are on a mooring. Do you run any loads while the boat is on the mooring with no one aboard? If not, then you should not need a very large PV array to restore the depleted batteries from your last trip and keep them fully charged. In my opinion, 120W should be more than enough.
If you are setting up a PV array to make you more energy independent while cruising, however, that is an entirely different story.
You can perform a search in these forums for 'solar' and you will find many threads with lots of good info and some pics of installations.
Good luck.
Duane Ising - Past Commodore (2011-2012)
s/v Diva Di
1999 Catalina 36 Hull #1777
Std rig; wing keel, M35B, Delta (45#)
Punta Gorda, FL
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/diva-di/
44 pounds plus hardware is a lot of weight up on a 1" bimini. I have seen two bimini's ripped out by the roots or fittings cracked from solar weight. Be sure the feet are through bolted and the fame is cross braced to the deck or stern push pit if putting that much weight up on a 1" bimini..
You would be wise to consider the [URL="http://www.roguepowertech.com/documents/RogueDifference.pdf"]Rogue Power Tech MPPT[/URL] controllers, WAY better built, much faster algorithm etc. etc..
The new [URL="http://www.altestore.com/store/Charge-Controllers/Solar-Charge-Controlle..."]MidNite KID[/URL] is also EXCELLENT !
As is the new 30A version of the [URL="http://www.morningstarcorp.com/products/tristar-mppt/"]Morninstar TriStar MPPT 30[/URL]
My favorite is the Rogue and it is the best value too... Blue Sky controllers [I]work[/I] but they are extremely dated and in dire need of getting in-line with current MPPT technology..
The three best under 30A controllers I know of are currently the Rogue, MidNite KID and the TriStar MPPT 30...
-Maine Sail
https://www.marinehowto.com/
Solar controllers are like pc's. A new and better one comes out about every 6 months.
Randy Sherwood
Mutualfun 1990 # 1057
T/R W/K M35a
Home. Charlotte, Mi.
Boat. St Augustine,Fl.