Solar

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MIDORI
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Solar

Post by MIDORI »

MIDORI has original 3 siemens panels mounted on the hard top and a Sunsaver 10 controller. I get about 14 to 15 volts when the boom is not on the panels, producing a modest 14.? to the batteries from the Sunsaver controller. This is full Florida sun this morning.
Are these reading reasonable?
I suspect that the gross output is low, what/how should I check the output from the panels?
My intent is to upgrade the controller if there is voltage to be gained from the existing panels.

The existing panels are mounted very nice, 3 in a starboard frame across the back edge of the hard top.

Any suggestions?
Brian
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thinwater
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Re: Solar

Post by thinwater »

You need to measure amperage. Voltage tells us very little, particularly when the batteries are nearly charged. You will also need to know the state of charge at the time you measure the amperage (amperage will taper off as the batteries fill). Or is the "14" amps? If so, you are golden.

You didn't state the size of the panels. Also remember that panel output is when they are at 90 degrees to the sun; any angle reduces that rating. Even in Florida, the sun is relatively low now, only 1 month from lowest point.

I would search web for a tutorial on battery charging with solar. The math is a little convoluted. But as a rule of thumb, you should see about 0.05 amps/panel watt at mid-day when the batteries are low. Higher latitudes will see a little less, particularly in the winter.
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doubledutch
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Re: Solar

Post by doubledutch »

I have the same three panel set up on the hardtop. They did a reasonable job of supporting the batteries but they were not enough to keep up with normal daily loads so I added one 150 watt panel over the davits. Now I no longer need to plug in.

Henry
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thinwater
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Re: Solar

Post by thinwater »

I don't care for the davit panel location because I store bikes and kayaks there (2 kayaks stack very nicely on the davits, and bikes can go on a rack).

Just a personal choice. If/when I add panels, I'm thinking flexible on the balance of the roof and over the slider. But so far we do OK on power by keeping the panels clean and shade-free (none under the boom). 2 x 85w. I can see that another ~ 100w would be nice, allowing relaxed discipline when kids are aboard.
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amytom
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Re: Solar

Post by amytom »

We added two 145W panels on an arch over the stern. Also already had 6 old 50W panels on the rebuilt Bimini but will replace 4 of them with two more 145W panels.
I have kids that love to run the Tv and microwave while sailing.
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