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Thread: Solar Panels?
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Re: Solar Panels?
Jerry B.
"Sea Joy"
Hull #318
1977 58MY (Galley Up)
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
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Re: Solar Panels?
Thanks jrbrein, I like the redundancy factor too. Right now the inverter bank is only getting charge from the inverter/charger. I considered adding a 24V alternator to one of the main engines (or a 32-12/24 step-down converter as I did for the 12V electronics bank), but we're hoping to spend some extended quality time on the hook (in the same places you did!). Sounds like they came through for you when the charger fried and generator hiccupped. I don't have a back-up generator either.
Then there is the convenience / flexibility factor in addition to the redundancy. We really only need the genny when we are cooking, running AC, making (or heating) water or of course, charging batteries. I'm still thinking it might be a nice addition. Again, not looking at it from a pure ROI perspective but don't want to over$spend on something without reasonable value-add either...
Appreciate your perspective on this.
JerryJerry B.
"Sea Joy"
Hull #318
1977 58MY (Galley Up)
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
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Re: Solar Panels?
Thanks Scott - interesting, that sounds like perhaps the most significant reason not to go with solar that I've heard yet. ...and I would imagine that is especially true if conditions aren't perfect (sun directly above panels, no clouds, etc). So while on solar the batteries never get topped off?
Jerry B.
"Sea Joy"
Hull #318
1977 58MY (Galley Up)
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
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07-15-2017 10:45 AM #14
Re: Solar Panels?
I'd not say never but the efficiency of lead acid batteries charging goes well below 10% for the last 10 or 15% of the charge and if not fully charged will allow the plates to be clogged with sulphate.
That's why solar companies sell the LiFePo batteries.Scott
41C117 "Hattatude"
Port Canaveral Florida.
Marine Electronics and Electrical Products Distributor.
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Re: Solar Panels?
Sorry for any confusion. I was talking about ridged panels. I agree with the comment on flexible panels, from what I have seen there output is not as good as ridged. We have ours mounted on the aft rail around the fly bridge. They fold down when not in use. Main problem is if you use a Bimini on the fly bridge due to shading. We keep our Bimini folded up so as not to shade panels. Better would be to mount on a rack above Bimini which I am considering. John
Mahalo V
1974 53 Motoryacht
Hull Number 406
San Diego, Ca. Ready 32 Nordic Tug, Brunswick Ga.
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