Solar powered pontoon boat

Fairly hard as controller data records what the battery needs, not what the panel could produce running a continuous load. I know that my 400w can produce reliably 2.4kw a day in summer if the battery will draw it. Furthermore, constant voltage mode charging lowers panel output figures.

Youd also likely get more overall running a trolling motor with a series wired array from the shoulder hours of sun than I do with an all parallel setup.

I would calculate a system on peak production first because youre working with a direct load. Thats 5.5A per 100w. Its really doesnt need to be that scientific nor do you need a big motor as even a 30lb motor youre not going to be able to push with direct panelling. And frankly its not going to be very wose withba battery system to go wildly over your arrays capabilities either. You want 30A you need 600w and youre only going to get it between 11am and 4pm.

need help how many batterys and panels would i need to run a 15k,48v golden dc motor spec say motor used at 3500 rpm would use 8 amps need to know 12v,or 24 v sys do ot need a inverter just run dc motor on the sys could set up a two bank sys thanks smitty going on pontoon boat 3500 rpm would be full thottle

To get 48 volts, assume you should use (4) "12 volt" panels, in series. Typical "12 Volt" panel specs shows about 18 - 20 volts and ~5 1/2 amps at optimum conditions. Always have to allow for system losses, so with a good MPPT Controller, (8) "12 Volt" panels, in two banks, first wired in series (>48 volts) and then the two banks wired in parallel (>10 amps), should provide a consistent 8 amps at 48 volts.

As to fuses, wiring, and switches - I also am looking for information as to what items would work in a marine environment.

Grumpy 49 said:

To get 48 volts, assume you should use (4) "12 volt" panels, in series. Typical "12 Volt" panel specs shows about 18 - 20 volts and ~5 1/2 amps at optimum conditions. Always have to allow for system losses, so with a good MPPT Controller, (8) "12 Volt" panels, in two banks, first wired in series (>48 volts) and then the two banks wired in parallel (>10 amps), should provide a consistent 8 amps at 48 volts.

As to fuses, wiring, and switches - I also am looking for information as to what items would work in a marine environment.

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thanks for the info i may just go gas outboard the cost to make this work still working a sys to make this work thanks smitty

Assuming (8) panels at ~$125 each, and $250 for a good MPPT Controller, it does appear to be costly. My goal was to use a typical 12 volt trolling motor of about 55 lb. thrust. With the smaller (12' - 14') size pontoon boats, should have enough room for (3) 100 watt panels, and get enough Amps to run at a low to mid range setting all day without any notable battery draw. A 55 lb. thrust trolling motor is "good" for pushing about 2,500 pounds of boat and passengers. As I don't need any real speed for fishing, this will work for my needs. A decent 4 stroke outboard for the same set-up would run at least $2,000. Only the fact that I could have a higher "Top End" speed would justify a 4 stroke.

I'm rebuilding a 16' Lund aluminum v-hull with no more wood included. It will be powered by a 36v Minn Kota Riptide Ulterra 112 Trolling Motor with i-Pilot Link and a new Chevy OEM LG Chem 10s 36v 5.94kWh battery. I should be able to run for days before needing to recharge.

Sounds like a great rig. Are you plan to use solar power for recharging the battery?? Assume that your charging station would be a "fixed" set-up, instead of panels mounted on your boat. Would like details about your layout.

No solar sadly, I'll be charging from the grid.