T&T: solar cells

[Steve Sipe]

Larry N. Brown wrote:
> <snip>
> subject. Solar cells. I have a gp-27 12 battery I intend to use for my 2000#
> dink hoist motor and at the moment, I have no method for keeping its charge
> up. I was thinking about installing a batter box for it at the base of the
> hoist and keeping it up to snuff with solar power. Any leads on the most cost
> effective way to accomplish this?
>   
Larry,
I had the same problem on Maerin, the PO had a pair of golf carts on the 
boat deck but no way to charge them except for a portable battery 
charger. What a PITA. Since it had to be run from either the gen or 
shore power. I added a Xantrex echo-charger to the 12V charging system 
panel, and it has worked flawlessly.

I reasoned that since the winch typically does it's biggest AH draw just 
prior to weighing anchor, the ideal setup would charge it's batteries 
from the engine alternator. I added a run of #6 wire up to the boat 
deck. The echo charger limits the current to 15A, so I could size the 
wire for 15A. It's fused on each end of the run at the battery, and the 
echo charger. It connects to the house battery, and regulates the charge 
to the boat deck batteries. I have never had a problem, the winch 
batteries are always charged fully after a run, and they are showing 
good specific gravity and no appreciable water use (they're not gassing 
from an overcharge).

YMMV, but that setup has worked quite well in my situation, way better 
than dragging out a charger and worrying about forgetting it when it 
rains, etc.

steve sipe
Solo 4303 "Maerin"
Lynyrd Cay - YES! Escaped from New Providence!!