Solar Charging

[NewGuyintheWater]

hey ya'll, quick question.  i was thinking about hooking up a solar battery charging system for my two batteries on my 85 222 express fisherman.  does anyone have a set up like this and if not, does anyone have any suggestions on a good setup that wont cause my batteries to explode from over charge, but still keep them charged and ready to go at a moments notice?

[wingtime]

I have a couple of solar panels that I keep attached to my batteries to keep them topped off. Seems to help since there is no power at the storage yard.

One of them is a Rally brand I bought at Walmart. The other one is larger and I  bought at Northern Tool

[Woodeneye]

I too have 2 small solar panels to top the batteries off. Just a trickle charge. You want to get a panel with a built in diode to stop it discharging the battery overnight.

If on the other hand you want to get fancy and are prepared to put in decent sized panels that will actually charge a battery, as opposed to just topping them off, you'd be prudent to wire in a regulator so you don't fry your batteries. Tons of info on google.

[GoneFission]

I used a 10W solar charger when I had my boat stored at a place with no power, and it kept the batts in good shape.  Make sure the solar array is designed as a battery charger, and it will include a diode to prevent discharge and a voltage regulator to prevent over-charge. 

 

[wingtime]

AS mentioned both my solar cells are 12V and have circuit protection to prevent discharging the battery.  (probably a diode).

Actually here is one of them:

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200660269_200660269

[daniel123]

Could one of these 7w panels be counted on (depending on amount of sunlight at the time) to top-off/recharge a partially depleted deep-cycle battery during the week between (summer) weekend uses to power a 12 volt electric trolling motor? If not, what would be the wattage/set-up recommendation for that purpose?