[Rhodes22-list] Solar Cell Replacement/Charger

Charles Nieman blue66corvette at hotmail.com
Mon Jul 23 14:20:04 EDT 2012 

Rummy
What does the diode look like?
 
Chas
 

> From: R22RumRunner at aol.com
> Date: Mon, 23 Jul 2012 13:54:57 -0400
> To: rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org
> Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Solar Cell Replacement/Charger
> 
> 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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