Panels can be run in parallel. I have three 50 watt panels run
through one regulator. BTW, the key to solar panels is to have a lot
of area. My three on a good day probably don't add much more than 40
Amp-hours. One problem is they are on my hardtop where usually one is
shaded by the boom. If I was really serious, I would add a pair of 80
watt panels on my davit system.

Smaller panels don't do a lot, although if your boat stays unattended
on a mooring, a panel can be handy for keeping a battery charged. I
used a flexible panel, maybe about 20 watts, for this for a while. If
the output of a panel is low, like only an Amp or two, it doesn't need
a regulator.


Benning Wentworth wrote:
RW ,,, I am researching my amp draw, found some good sites and I am
printing out material.

I also found a couple of pictures of sailboats with the panels attached.
The 80 watt panels are BIG.

I don't want a huge panel hanging off the stern rail ..

I wonder ?? If I can find two smaller panels ( seems like ebay has a couple
.. probably sailors not satisfied with the amount of
power they are getting ). ... can one panel be connected to another panel
and then run through a regulator and then to the battery?

Or, does each panel go Panel/Regulator/battery?

It looks like the small panels are more likely to be listed on ebay.

It did find something interesting ....... a portable panel. It folds up.
When not needed, put it in a case and store it.