Solar Panel Charger

[waterlogged59]

I have a big question. I am wanting to see if a 15 watts Solar panel would be enough to keep my battery in my charged throughout the day. I have a old motor that does not have a way to charge the battery. I have the following electronics

1. lights bow stern
2. ignition. starter
3. radio speakers
4. Amp and Single SUb
5. will eventually have a horn.

Thats It. I wanted to see if I had the panel hooked up while i Was riding down the lake would it keep the battery topped off. Or while I am anchored listening to music I could recharge while sitting. I have attached a link to the panel. Please let me know if it would work.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=96418

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Solar Panel Charger

The short answer is NO! A 15 watt solar panel hardly light a light bulb by itself so it obviously will do nothing to keep your battery charged. P (watts) = E (volts) x I (current). So 15 watts divided by 12.6 volts = 1.1 amps. That is just barely battery maintainer quality output. You have way too much current draw for a solar panel to make any difference. The sound system alone probably draws many times the output of the panel. The only place for a solar panel of that size is at the dock if you don't have AC power there to power a battery charger. And then it would take a couple of days to fully charge a deeply discharged battery.

 

[waterlogged59]

Re: Solar Panel Charger

Thanks for the clarification. I didnt think it was good enough. I am glad I didnt buy it then. My wife and I took out the boat today for a bout 2 hours with the motor running and then stereo hooked up to see if it would work. The Battery was fully charged also. when the first gas tank got empty and i switched to the other I turned the motor off. Well the motor fired right up after having the stereo on for about 2 hours. So i guess I just need to make sure to charge the battery all the way up before i use it. Thanks for your help. It was hard trying to figure out what to do.

 

[Splat]

Re: Solar Panel Charger

Adding a second battery is a easy simple option. This can be done in one of two ways.

You can install a starting battery, and only run the engine start off of it, then leave all your accessories running off of your current deep cycle battery.

or

You can install a second deep cycle battery and connect it into your existing system using a 2 bank battery switch.

If you run your battery down you can then switch over to the other to start the boat up and power necessary accessories like your nav lights to get back home.

You will need to remember to charge both batteries when you get back to the dock. This can easily be done by charging one, then move charger over to the other, or by placing the battery switch to both and just let it go.

An onboard charger would be the easiest solution.

Just wanna give you some options.

Bill