In article .com,
"Quint" wrote:

Looking for advice on having a solar panel keep my batteries topped
up. I have two group 27 dual purpose batteries on Quint, use the boat
on weekends and occasional trips (working stiff, ya know). The
batteries are connected in parallel with the usual 1-2-both-off
switch. The boat is in the NE and will be on a mooring for the first
time and I want to keep the batteries up with a solar panel. I plan
on a flexible panel on the dodger. Any ideas on size, whether I need
a controller and how to connect it (plug into the cigar lighter with
the switch on both or something more permanent)? Your experiences
would be helpful. Thx


We have about that setup and schedule: Two 31s and a 12w hard solar cell
that just sits on a bench -- or the bimini while we're out. Hardly ever
switch to the second battery, even when we're out for a couple of weeks.
We ran one battery down once. As a test, I just turned things off to see
what would happen. By at least 11AM, the cell brought it up enough to
start the Yanmar.

No controller needed on that small a cell; they have their own blocking
diode.

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's NEW Pages: http://web.mac.com/jerelull/iWeb/Xan/
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/