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Date Posted: - Friday - 04/20/07 - 3:52pm
Author: Bill Kranidis
Author Host/IP: ool-4570b891.dyn.optonline.net / 69.112.184.145
Subject: A few thoughts,
In reply to: Randall, Murre, M31 's message, "Solar charger hook up when batts in parallel" on - Monday - 04/16/07 - 4:46pm

Randall,

First, I would install a blocking diode in that panel, regardless of it's size and connection configuration. Look at West Marine's catalog. They'll tell you how to do that.

Second, I would hook that panel on to the house battery, only.

Why ???

First, you do have a 1-2-BOTH-OFF switch, right ???

1. When you leave the boat for a certain amount of time, leave the switch to "BOTH". The panel will be charging BOTH batteries while you're gone.

2. When you come to the boat, use the "BOTH" setting to start your engine. Engine will be charging BOTH your batteries when it's running.

3. When you shut the engine off and while you're still on the boat, turn the switch to "House Battery" (whatever that might be, 1 or 2). This setting will keep the "Starting Battery" always charged, your panel is charging only your house battery.

Hope this helps.

Bill

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Replies:

[> [> solar panels -- marcus, - Friday - 04/20/07 - 8:43pm (NoHost/64.122.196.10)

Hi Randall: Does sound like a bit of over charg at 14.4V. How many amp hrs are your bats and what typ of bat are they. I use gel cells and have been told by the people at blue sky charge controllers to charge to 13.8 no higher. I really doubt you panal of 11 watts is too big, but that it is not being charge controlled well. The blue sky controller also optimises the out put to charge more quickly, but it takes 10 ga wires to get enough amps to activate that feature with my two 40 watt panels. a simple charge controll er should make your expensive bats live longer. thanks again for the heater connection pics!
Best,
Marcus

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