Charlie Morgan wrote in
:

On Tue, 24 Apr 2007 19:58:26 -0000, Jerry Atkiin
wrote:

I just installed two 31 Optima batteries in my sailboat. I had thought
about installing a good size solar panel however we decide for the
amount of season we have in Michigan and the amount of motoring we do
it would probably not be worth the expense. However I have seen on
EBay a 20 watt portable panel that I thought might be handy to just
hook up when anchored to minimize the amount of engine running
time and if anything keep the refigerator top up.
Yes they are AGM batteries but I assumed the that a 20 watt panel would
be more like a trickle charge and considering it would be use while
other things are running (lights, stereo, refrig, etc. at anchor) I did
not think it would over charge unless what you are sayihg in the base
input is too much for the battery to absorb then I would agree some type
of regulator is required. I am really clueless about this stuff hence
the post.

Thanks for your input.

Jerry

Are your new batteries AGM? If so, most solar panels put out voltage
that is high enough to ruin them. If that is the case, then you need a
proper regulator.

CWM