In article uVSyg.273940$IK3.20678@pd7tw1no,
Gary wrote:

Is anyone familiar with "self regulating solar panels"? I would like
to hear from someone who has installed one without a regulator and
how well it keeps the batteries up.

Not sure what size you're talking, but we have a 12w panel on our 120AH
(used one-at-a-time) banks. It keeps the active battery up quite well
for mostly 3-day weekends with a few multi-week trips each season. We
have full voltage after 4-5 days away, almost never start the engine to
charge, and the panel will bring a flat battery up enough to start our
Yanmar 2GM by mid-morning.

In two seasons, it brought a weak battery back to life, yet I need to
add much less water than I did before.

We're quite happy with the system.

Our demands are obviously light, so you mileage may vary.

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/