Solar panel for charging battery?

Joined
Sep 13, 2002
Messages
11
Anybody using a solar panel for charging their battery? If so, how many watts are you using and how good does it work?
 

petryshyn

Commander
Joined
Oct 3, 2001
Messages
2,851
Re: Solar panel for charging battery?

I'm using a 12 watt, and it works fine. Apparently WalMart is clearing them at around $80.00 Can.<br />I've tried a 2 watt, but found it too small to recover any appreciable discharge. It may be good enough to ward off "shelf life discharge"<br /><br /> :)
 

ob

Admiral
Joined
Aug 16, 2002
Messages
6,992
Re: Solar panel for charging battery?

No retail outlets in south texas carries them .Had to order one for attic fan from catalog.Probably political issue.
 

Steve135

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 26, 2002
Messages
394
Re: Solar panel for charging battery?

Trannywrecker- I have also used one . I found it didn't hold up to the harshnish of the sea! It was hard wired to the batteries, tended to get in the way at times. I don't know the watts.I found using the boat at least once a week was all that was needed.<br />steve
 

72 mako 19

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 15, 2002
Messages
39
Re: Solar panel for charging battery?

A 5 watt battery saver by icp has done me wonders. Go to Northerntool.com for lowest price. Dual battery set up on 88 johnson with 3 year old marine batteries. Solar panel is only hooked up when I am in dockage, recharges the batteries and maintains charge when i am not using the boat. And when I use it, starts right up on first or second crank. Before I had it, it would be a miracle if it starts on sixth try. Also, fluid level in battery doesn't fluctuate as much as it used to. Been checking battery every week and fluid is still full and charge is more than 75% all the time. I am a firm believer in SOLAR PANELS. My slip neighbors are all getting one since they have seen how it works.
 

DIRTPOORE96

Seaman
Joined
Jan 31, 2002
Messages
50
Re: Solar panel for charging battery?

Hi Trannywrecker, I have a 5 Watt on each of my batteries & they seem to work great. I also only use them at the dock when I'm off the boat for the week. When I go out I take them off & put them away. You can get them on e-bay for under $50.00 U.S.
 
Joined
Sep 13, 2002
Messages
11
Re: Solar panel for charging battery?

Thanks for the info guys...I'll definitely look into buying one now.
 
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