[Rhodes22-list] Solar Cell Replacement/Charger

[Charles Nieman]

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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