solar panel chargers

[iceman16]

i was wondering if anyone uses them. i live in a apartment building and they dont have plugs to plug in my boat at night and was thinking of buying two solar chargers. and input would be great. thanks

iceman

[Tom7227]

I use one I bought from Nothern and it works great. Check out their HSOforum and see what you need. Probably will have to spend around $100 to get one big enough to do the job. Those 6x12 $20 rigs are not enough.

[Walleye Rueben]

i live in a apartment building and they dont have plugs to plug in my boat at night and was thinking of buying two solar chargers. and input would be great. thanks

iceman

Don't count on using a Solar Charger if you plug your boat in at night.

[TooTallTom]

I don't know anything about how your building is set up or about your neighbors, but think seriously (and bluntly) about the likelihood of that (those?) panel(s) walking off on you.

For me, $100 or more is just too much to leave sitting out, relatively unsecured.

How much hassle would it be to detach the battery and bring it in with you at night for charging? Could you make the detachment process easier for less money than a solar panel would cost?

[pulleye16]

I don't know anything about how your building is set up or about your neighbors, but think seriously (and bluntly) about the likelihood of that (those?) panel(s) walking off on you.

For me, $100 or more is just too much to leave sitting out, relatively unsecured.

How much hassle would it be to detach the battery and bring it in with you at night for charging? Could you make the detachment process easier for less money than a solar panel would cost?

+1 I love being able to just "plug" my boat in but it's protected in a garage. Way too many people passing through at those apartments.

Maybe check with grounds and maintenance and see if they have a "secret" outlet around (has to be one near parking some where) that they use...wouldn't hurt to ask since you'd probably not be using it all the time.

[Ed Carlson]

A good solar voltaic system suitable that is fully regulated and capable to charge and maintain 2 deep cycle batteries will run you about $230.

The concern if it will walk off is a real one as it would be very portable and easy to remove.

There are very good units now available through Oveton's and Gander Mts on-line. The price range is dictated by the watts and your need for a speedy recovery charge time. Higher the watts the more they cost.

PulseTech® 5-Watt Solar Panel run about $180 each.

One to look into is the PulseTech® 6-Watt Solar Panel, they run $200.

[Tom7227]

Ed,

I know I didn't pay that much. I spent around $140 at Northern 2 years ago. That rig keeps my battery up to snuff. I admit that my boat doesn't get used all that often. Wouldn't you want to take usage into account when sizing a rig? I mean if someone uses the boat 3-4 times a week and does a lot with a trolling motor that's one thing, but shouldn't a once a week type end up being OK with a less expensive rig?

BTW I have my rig tied to the canopoy of my boat lift and I haven't had any problems. Obviously a lot different than out in a parking lot at an apartment.

Tom

[Ed Carlson]

How many watt panel are you using Tom? Did it also come with the smart voltage regulator module?

The prices are going down now and it pays to shop around. I think the 5 watt range is a good place to look and one with a good regulator system.

Thanks,

[Moose-Hunter]

Are garages available? Or is it outside parking only?