I am looking to have one battery that I could run my lights, phone, and GPS off of. Does any have suggestions for a system that has solar panels to trickle feed a battery that would power everything in my boat.
solar powered battery systems
(6 posts) (5 voices)-
Badger
MemberOn my EC 2012 attempt I wired up a circuit breaker panel inside a water proof box which was hardwired into a gel battery of small size. It included a pair of cigarette adaptors, which could be either used by solar panels to charge the battery, or by a cell phone charger. The panels were on top of a modified bimini support rig, and had excellent sun exposure. I trained with this system for five days before the race, which lasted six days, and it worked perfectly. It also powered a Raymarine tiller pilot for a total of a few hours.
Were I to do it again, I would more carefully husband the battery's charge, and forego the added complication of the panels. I would also put small silica bags inside the box so that the innards would survive longer than a few weeks in the marine environment. It is all coroded by now, and I would need to build the panel again.
I think your phone, LED lights and GPS wouldn't run a good battery down over a week of use, but you'd have to run the numbers to be sure. I have pics of the old breaker box: if you'd like a copy, send an email to phillysailor at mac dot com
Posted 6 years ago # -
JoeVanGeaux
MemberI, too, am looking to "solarlize" my Lightning for the EC2015, so I will 'second' Paddlemaker's request.
Since I will be going solo, I may find a way to use battery weight to best (some?) advantage so I am not particulalry bothered by their extra wieght - at the moment, that is.
I have an autopilot on my small(ish) keelboat that I hope to press into service in my Lightning, so this could be the most power hungry device I will carry. (I don't have the power specs at the moment, but I'm guessing it could really suck a few amps down!)
I am considering two smaller gel-type batteries to construct redundant systems. One system for vitals like commnications, lights, etc. and the other for luxury items as with the autopilot and just maybe one of those small resistance heaters (which I already have) to warm soup and heat water for coffee "on the float". Of course, the second system could be swtiched to power the vitals.
I will be taking notes (as usual) on your experiences with different battery systems (I assume many of you use deep cycle batteries?), solar panels (flexible) and the stuff (charge controllers, converters) that goes in between it all where it applies to the heavy duty systems.
My experience with using any power equipment while afloat is limited to fresh and brackish water, so some saltwater tips would also be useful. (I already gleaned a bunch of info from previous posts, so, thanks to you folks for that.)
JVG
Posted 6 years ago # -
danceswithmullet
MemberForget electric heat unless you have a shore power cord. I use a lawnmower battery and a .6 amp solar panel. It runs my plotter charges the phone and vhf if needed. I do have a battery monitor and I am running at a deficeit. But it makes it to the finish. DWM
Posted 6 years ago # -
Hollywood
MemberHere is a link to a DIY Projet I did for last years EC. This set up is on my Hobie Tandem Island and with the 10W Solar Panel it works quite well. I am thinking about installing a bigger Li-Ion in my new boat.
https://www.dropbox.com/sc/m04iqwtibnbyj9y/AABdpYnY2K65bDxxWU5y1Q1la
Posted 6 years ago #
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