Solar charger

rasburyrasbury Member Posts: 8,898 ✭✭✭✭✭
in General Boating Discussions
I have had some teal issues bringing my boat home to charge batteries and I need to come up with something solar to at least keep the start battery up. I've always, until recently,  had issue with batteries discharging but that is resolved.  I ha vv e regular lead acid type batteries, 2. What can I put on there that will at least keep them alive?
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  • grouch0jrgrouch0jr Member Posts: 182 ✭✭✭
    I've never used one, but I did a quick search for "solar trickle charger", and got this:
    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2H7BVY6

    I imagine you'd want something with alligator clips so you can easily put it on and take it off without having to add real infrastructure to your boat?
    2006 342EC - Twin Mercruiser 350 MAG MPI Horizons
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  • rasburyrasbury Member Posts: 8,898 ✭✭✭✭✭
    grouch0jr said:
    I've never used one, but I did a quick search for "solar trickle charger", and got this:
    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2H7BVY6

    I imagine you'd want something with alligator clips so you can easily put it on and take it off without having to add real infrastructure to your boat?
    Be nice if there was something with a plug into the shore power...but yes,  that's probably where it lands.  If I but the battery selector on both, will it truckke both or I'd suppose two...and I know nothing about the capacitor... @pi@PickleRick i think you had chimed in on this in the past..what's an affordable set up??
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  • Dream_InnDream_Inn Member, Moderator Posts: 7,902 mod
    They have panels that charge thru a cigarette lighter.

    Dream 'Inn III -- 2008 400 Express

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  • PickleRickPickleRick Member Posts: 4,312 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited May 13
    I've never gone the removable route.   A 50 watt semi flexible panel mounted to the hatch of a sailboat and a cheap solar regulator were all I ever installed.   When we moved from the 21 footer to the 26 I did want more solar power, planned on adding an arch but never got to it.  


    I can't remember the cost but I don't think I had more than 250 in the set up.  


    I'd go with a quick disconnect set up unless you want to mount something to your arch, which means the arch never comes down.  No need for a regulator or running wiring in a fashion that looks clean and factory.


    The little 30 watt ones can be had for less than 20 bucks.   And if someone decides to swipe it you're not out much.  

    They come with alligator clips or a cigarette lighter adapter.




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  • grouch0jrgrouch0jr Member Posts: 182 ✭✭✭
    If you charged through the cigarette lighter would you be able to charge the cranking batteries? Different circuits, right?
    2006 342EC - Twin Mercruiser 350 MAG MPI Horizons
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  • Dream_InnDream_Inn Member, Moderator Posts: 7,902 mod
    grouch0jr said:
    If you charged through the cigarette lighter would you be able to charge the cranking batteries? Different circuits, right?
    Good point.  Could always add another lighter that is connected to other battery or swap existing one to other battery..  the cig lighter just makes for an easy clean connection.

    Dream 'Inn III -- 2008 400 Express

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  • rasburyrasbury Member Posts: 8,898 ✭✭✭✭✭
    30cwatts, that's all I need to know for power? I'll get two, the clips I cannprobably run thru the bilge vents and just lay them loose  on my cover..
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  • mbnarneymbnarney Member Posts: 192 ✭✭✭
    I have thought about this for some time. Amazon has a controller that will allow you to charge both batteries. . I have yet to figure out how to turn the refridgerator off so if I turn the switch on I drain the batteries. Right now I have power at the dock so I can plug in.
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  • FormulabenFormulaben Confirm Email, Member Posts: 211 ✭✭✭
    mbnarney said:
    ...
    I have yet to figure out how to turn the refridgerator off so if I turn the switch on I drain the batteries. 
    This drove me absolutely bonkers. I can't speak for other models, but my FV270 was directly wired to the DC system (can't recall if it was through the helm power circuit breaker or what.)  No way to turn it off directly without cutting of all DC power completely. The refrigerator is also powered by the AC power circuit breaker for the fridge, but this just powers a converter and continues onto the DC 12v circuit, so I cut into the downstream power and put in a "secret" switch just inside the adjacent cabinet to turn off the DC power coming into the fridge. A very easy wiring fix with a $5 switch if you have a reason to remove the fridge. 
    2006 Fiesta Vee 270
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  • rasburyrasbury Member Posts: 8,898 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited May 17
    My fridge has a thermostat setting and if has an off position? I'm sure its the orgional fridge..
    Post edited by rasbury on
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  • rasburyrasbury Member Posts: 8,898 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited May 20
    So a dumb question...I was looking at harbor freight. 25 watt, 45 bucks..has a cigarette connection, a set of clips (wires look pretty short for what i would need) a bare wire pigtail. So, my dumb question, is all that is solar charge? I understand they produce power, but just because they are connected to a battery the battery takes the power and stores it? Also, I'm sure I would have to use the pigtail to make the cable long enough to reach the batteries..is there a concern for power drop? @PickleRick?
    Post edited by rasbury on
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