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Solar panel, Regulator
What is the usual or recommended circuit arrangement for incorporating a solar panel as a backup or trickle charger for motor and/or secondary batteries? My hope is that a small solar collector would be enough to keep the batteries charged when the boat is not being used and to charge the second battery (over a 12-hour period) after using the second battery to power an auto-steering unit, depth finder, etc., for several hours during a day's sailing, when the motor isn't being extensively used and when shore power isn't available. I would also plan on having a 110V-powered battery charger for use when 110 AC was available. This is a relatively small vessel that will likely be used on cruises of 3-5 days and not for extended blue water cruising, and I don't want to invest in a large, high power solar collector. (Perhaps 10 watts or so.) One concern is whether I need a regulator or shutoff device to prevent overcharging of the batteries if the solar panel is left in a charging mode for long periods. What's necessary for providing an appropriate charging time, level, etc., or is it not that critical? Thanks for any suggestions. Jim |
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