Our solar panel experience

BRAZO · Posted: Sun Aug 11, 2013 1:41 am Post subject: Our solar panel experience

Before we left for the PNW, I installed a 100W solar panel kit that I purchased on Amazon for $185. On board we have a Norcold refrigerator/ freezer and we have a wallas stove, a laptop (watch movies at night), tablets, ipods, and smart phones. On top of that the cabin lights and the anchor light take a bit of power.

With the solar we have not had shore power the entire trip (saving $30 so far on this trip). The 75 amp hour battery is normally fully charged by early afternoon or before. The biggest drain has been when we are on anchor and have the anchor light on all night along with the Norcold running. The lowest the house battery got was 63% and was charged to 100% early afternoon.

Absolutely love having the solar power - no need to find shore power every few days like before. Another reason we added the solar was to keep the batteries charged while in storage in Blaine, WA. We will just put the solar on the outside of the boat cover.

Just a note for anyone thinking of adding solar.

http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_albumName=album1937&id=IMG_20130804_151044_899&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

hardee · Posted: Sun Aug 11, 2013 2:37 am Post subject:

Robert,

Looks like a cool setup. Thanks for passing the info on. The solar panel idea is part of why I set up my inflatable to be aft of the cabin top, to make room for that. The fridge sounds like a plus.

Can you give some more details on which solar kit, and the fridge specifics? When you say the batteries were up by early afternoon, is that without running the engines, or including running them?

Thanks,

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

colobear · Posted: Sun Aug 11, 2013 10:50 am Post subject:

We have had a 20W panel for about 2 years. It is used to keep our two group 24 house batteries charged. It worked well until recently when I noticed the batteries were not staying fully charged. On investigation it turns out that, while the panel was routinely putting out 17-20 volts, the Sunforce 7A controller was only passing on about 7-9 volts instead of the 13-14 it was supposed to. Just ordered a new controller. When it was working the solar panel meant we could be out for extended trips, (weeks) with no shore power. I keep it on the bow of the boat where the sun can get to it while it is beside the house so that the batteries start with a full charge. Solar has been good for our uses.

Wandering Sagebrush · Posted: Sun Aug 11, 2013 11:32 am Post subject: Solar

Sounds like it's doing a great job for you. We put a 150w panel and 30 amp controller on the Airstream, and are having similar results. I am thinking of getting one of the Zamp portable systems to use with the boat and truck camper, although your buy on Amazon sounds like it might be a much better way to go from a value standpoint.

Do you have any details on your purchase? Who made/sold it?

hardee · Posted: Sun Aug 11, 2013 1:13 pm Post subject:

Barry,

I just went through your album looking for some pix on your solar panel. Curious, is it a permanent mount or is it a portable. I have been looking at something in the 20 to 50 watt size, that would be portable. (I like the roll up version but the output is not as high.) I am thinking of laying it on the cabin top, middle, and with the ability to take down when not in use.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

Wandering Sagebrush · Posted: Sun Aug 11, 2013 1:22 pm Post subject:

Here's a link to the portable system that I am thinking about.

http://www.zampsolar.com/index.php?m=87&s=581&c=&id=1213

hardee · Posted: Sun Aug 11, 2013 1:59 pm Post subject:

This is a link to something more like what I was thinking. Would like to be able to stretch it between the roof top hand rails.

http://www.siliconsolar.com/flexible-solar-panel-rv-15v-42w.html

15V 42W Flexible Solar Panel (RV)
PRODUCT DETAILS & SPECIFICATIONS

Voltage 15.4V
Wattage 42W
Dimensions 26.14" x 86.05"
Uses RV, Camping, Emergencies
Wire + Connectors N/A
Charge Controller N/A

Hope that worked.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

thataway · Posted: Sun Aug 11, 2013 3:34 pm Post subject:

We are running a 180 Watt Panel on our RV and find that it carries most of our loads when boon docking. That size panel probably would be a bit over kill for a C Dory roof however.

Dreamer · Posted: Mon Aug 12, 2013 12:46 am Post subject:

My neighbor uses multiple solar panels on his 40' RV. He uses the Grape Solar brand from Costco Online.
http://www.costco.com/CatalogSearch?storeId=10301&catalogId=10701&langId=-1&keyword=solar+pane

A Bogart Engineering TM-2025-RV Controller controls and monitors the battery condition. I'll be adding this system this winter. It seems like a good fit for a cruising C-Dory.

BRAZO · Posted: Mon Aug 12, 2013 9:24 pm Post subject:

thataway · Posted: Mon Aug 12, 2013 11:30 pm Post subject:

Excellent point about a battery monitoring system.

Pat Anderson · Posted: Tue Aug 13, 2013 3:38 pm Post subject:

Here here is the Grape Solar 100 watt panel from Costco Online. At $159 including shipping, this is a tremendous deal. You could have a pair of these and a good MPPT 30A charge controller for under $600...probably next up on my list for Daydream. The Renogy kit is also a great value but the 10A controller won't handle a pair of 100 watt panels, it would be great if they had a kit with two panels and a 30AMPPT charge controller.

BRAZO · Posted: Tue Aug 13, 2013 9:11 pm Post subject:

We have the Grape Solar 100W (2) from Costco on our motorhome along with a Blue Sky MPPT controller 2512ix.

Worked great on our east coast trip the summer.

Here is Renogy 200w kit

http://www.amazon.com/Eco-Solar-Panel-200W-Mono/dp/B00B8L8MD2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376442782&sr=8-1&keywords=renogy+200+kit

Pat Anderson · Posted: Tue Aug 13, 2013 9:56 pm Post subject:

Just pushed the "One Click" button on Amazon for the Eco Solar 200 watt kit with the 30 amp controller for $359 with free shipping! It is my birthday present!

jkidd · Posted: Tue Aug 13, 2013 11:34 pm Post subject:

Happy birthday!