diy solar

diy solar

Boat Solar Charger

ibikealot

New Member
Joined
Apr 23, 2021
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8
That is a $12 solar charge controller and a $100 panel. Also probably way more power than you would need for what sounds like maintaining.

What are your 2 batteries? Its likely not a problem to connect in parallel to maintain or even recharge periodically.

Can you find a big cheap panel on craigslist in your area? If you provide a zip code i could help.
SCC's are easy to find on Amazon to match any panels you might find.
 
I would like to charge after usage and maintain. Zip is 34748. Both batteries are deep cycle marine batteries.
 


Both deep cycle marine batteries can be connected in parallel to be trickle charged.

SCC:
The best: https://www.amazon.com/Victron-SmartSolar-MPPT-Charge-Controller/dp/B075Z4GFGJ/
Cheap and cheerful:https://www.amazon.com/Controller-Battery-Intelligent-Regulator-Adjustable/dp/B072MMDY4F/
 
I should add, if your boat is worth the extra $100 for getting an extremely reliable SCC, that is money well spent. It will be running unattended, 24/7 after all. And its probably really nice knowing that when you get your boat out of storage the batteries will be safely charged (and your boat is not a smoldering heap of ash).
 


Both deep cycle marine batteries can be connected in parallel to be trickle charged.

SCC:
The best: https://www.amazon.com/Victron-SmartSolar-MPPT-Charge-Controller/dp/B075Z4GFGJ/
Cheap and cheerful:https://www.amazon.com/Controller-Battery-Intelligent-Regulator-Adjustable/dp/B072MMDY4F/

FWIW, that panel will need MPPT to get the full 250W potential.

It will work on the PWM controller, but it will perform as a 115W panel due to it being forced to operate at battery voltage.
 
FWIW, that panel will need MPPT to get the full 250W potential.

It will work on the PWM controller, but it will perform as a 115W panel due to it being forced to operate at battery voltage.
Yes good clarification. But to maintain it will probably only need 50w max for the 2 batteries.
The SCC is REALLY not the place to skimp.

The cost of failing to maintain would likely be the cost of 2 batteries and a day on the water.
 
Yes good clarification. But to maintain it will probably only need 50w max for the 2 batteries.
The SCC is REALLY not the place to skimp.

The cost of failing to maintain would likely be the cost of 2 batteries and a day on the water.

Totally agree, and no one has to convince me to buy blue... :)
 
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