[Public-list] Solar Panel

[Snelham at aol.com]

Pete
 
I have used a 6 amp two battery Guest #2607 3 stage battery charger for  
about 5 years. These are connected directly to each battery, not through the  
switch. One battery is an optima for cabin use and one a lead acid for starting.  
I leave it connected to shore power but use a timer to have it charging only 
one  hour a day. When left on continuously I found it accelerated the zinc 
wear.  Battery life in our mild climate averages 6 to 7 years.
 
John Snelham
#644 SkyeMist
 
 
 
Date: Sun, 4 Dec 2005 04:08:52 -0800 (PST)
From: Peter Staehling  <staehpj1 at yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [Public-list] Solar Panel
To:  Alberg 30 Public List -- open to all  <public-list at alberg30.org>
Message-ID:  <20051204120852.74195.qmail at web32712.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Content-Type:  text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

Do you guys usually stay hooked up to  shore power and
have a trickle charger running when the boat is not  in
use?

After the comments from the group and looking at  the
logistics of buying and installing solar panels, I am
thinking that  for the short haul at least, I will not
buy panels with substantial charging  capability.  I
still an thinking of a small panel to keep  things
topped up at times when the boat sits unattended for a
while  (especially over the winter).

George's comment about "equalizing charge"  has me
wondering about whether I can charge both batteries
with one  panel.  I assume "equalizing charge" means
that it independently charges  both batteries at the
same time.  Is that right?

One other naive  question.  There were comments about
upgrading the alternator and the  voltage regulator. 
How do I know what I currently have?  Can I tell by  a
visual inspection?

Pete
#554


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