Charles,
If the solar panels are factory installed, they did not come with the
charge controller, but probably have a diode somewhere along the line to
prevent the batteries from discharging. Diodes have zero resistance to electrical
passage in one direction, but high resistance in the opposite. Solar
panels generate electricity when it's sunny out, but they can also discharge the
battery during times of cloudiness or darkness, hence the need for a diode
or controller. My boat came with one solar panel and the diode was
installed next to the water tank under the v-berth mounted against the flotation
wall.
If I were still using a solar panel I would install the charge controller
to prevent over charging which can easily destroy a battery(s).
Rummy
In a message dated 7/23/2012 10:31:19 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
rlowe at vt.edu writes:
Charles,
Not all solar panels and batteries will have charger controllers. I
forgot what the rule of thumb is (I'll look later) but it the wattage of the
panel does not exceed XX of the battery amperage, no controller is needed. So
don't assume you have one. All the Rhodes boats that I can recall having
one was either added by the owner or was related to shore power. The wires
from the panels likely run to your battery located mid boat. Your laz
battery likely just goes to your motor, I assume you have electric start? - rob
-----Original Message-----
From: rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org
[mailto:rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org] On Behalf Of Charles Nieman
Sent: Friday, July 20, 2012 11:23 AM
To: Rhodes List
Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Solar Cell Replacement/Charger
AlLast year you posted that you were going to replace your solar panels. I
have a 98 Rhodes and it seems it is time to replace my solar panels. There
was discussion about a controller to prevent overcharging the batteries. I
cannot find where Stan installed a controller nor can I find the wire
coming from the panels to the batteries.
I was wondering what you found when you replaced your panels and how you
went about rerunning the wiring. Did you use the old wire to pull the new
wire or did you splice the new wire to the existing wire near the panel.
Where did you mount the charge controller (I'm guessing that you purchased and
installed one)
Thanks in advance for the help.
Charles
98R22
s/v Daydream
> From: al_shell at tampabay.rr.com> To: rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org> Date: Wed, 2 Nov 2011 22:09:10 -0400
> Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Solar Cell Replacement/Charger
>> Bob,
> Great to hear. Thirty bucks not spent on a second charge controller
> stays in the pocket. Well, until the next item on the project list!
> Thanks,
> Al
> Mishka 01
>> On Wed, 2011-11-02 at 19:41 -0400, Bob Keller wrote:
> > Al,
> > I have one for both. Have not had a problem since Rummy & I installed
it probably 8 years ago.
> > BK
> >
> >
> > > From: al_shell at tampabay.rr.com> > > To: rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org> > > Date: Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:02:11 -0400
> > > Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Solar Cell Replacement/Charger
> > >
> > > Thanks all for the great info. I'll check the panels this weekend for
> > > the output voltage with a multimeter. I saw a charge controller at
West
> > > Marine that fits the description of the one below. Can one charge
> > > controller handle both GB solar panels (parallel ?) to both
batteries or
> > > do I need one charge controller per panel per battery? Either way,
$60
> > > is not a bad deal to keep the batteries charged properly.
> > >
> > > Thanks again for the great advice.
> > > Al
> > > Mishka 01
> > >
> > > On Mon, 2011-10-31 at 15:41 -0400, Rick wrote:
> > > > I second the need for a charge controller. I found even a 3 watt
charge at
> > > > the high voltage produced by the solar panel mid summer kills the
battery.
> > > >
> > > > Just be sure when hooking the battery to the solar panel circuit
that no
> > > > charge is coming off the panel. A seat cushion covering the panel
assures
> > > > the controller correctly calibrates when hooked up to the battery.
> > > >
> > > > Rick
> > > >
> > > > On Mon, Oct 31, 2011 at 10:34 AM, <R22RumRunner at aol.com> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > > Al,
> > > > > You definitely need a charge controller. I helped Capt. Keller
install one
> > > > > on his Rhodes. Prior to that he was going through batteries on a
regular
> > > > > basis. Now with the controller they don't over charge or
discharge when
> > > > > it's
> > > > > cloudy. The cheapest one is around thirty bucks and will handle
panels up
> > > > > to 100 watts, or 7 amps.
> > > > > I would test the current solar cells to see if they are still
functioning.
> > > > > Newer cells might be more efficient if yours are really old.
Size and
> > > > > output are all that matters. I'm sure Stan would be willing to
help you
> > > > > out, but
> > > > > there are other outlets. Solar panels for marine installations
have
> > > > > connections that are built to withstand the marine environment.
> > > > >
> > > > > Rummy
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > In a message dated 10/29/2011 9:32:40 P.M. Eastern Daylight
Time,
> > > > > al_shell at tampabay.rr.com writes:
> > > > >
> > > > > Hello All,
> > > > >
> > > > > Mishka, our 2001 Rhodes, has been on her trailer far too long.
> > > > > Fortunately, I have had the Rhodes list to keep me engaged! I am
now
> > > > > working on her project list and have a target date of late
summer next
> > > > > year to be sailing again.
> > > > >
> > > > > I have many questions but power and wiring are first on the
list.
> > > > >
> > > > > The solar panels have been in the weather since we bought her
from Stan
> > > > > and likely need to be replaced. I wonder if anyone can tell me
what
> > > > > make/wattage the solar panels are that Stan provides as original
> > > > > equipment. And where they can be had. Does GB sell them? Cost?
Maybe
> > > > > they don't need to be replaced?
> > > > >
> > > > > Also, has anyone had experience with any solar cell
charger/controllers
> > > > > on the market. I understand that they keep a battery better
charged for
> > > > > longer life.
> > > > >
> > > > > Thanks in advance,
> > > > >
> > > > > Al
> > > > > s/v Mishka 01
> > > > >
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