Solar panels

[MakinTime]

Anyone use solar panels? I was thinking about putting some on the hardtop of my boat looking at 4 of them @100 watts each with a controller. After adding a second refrigerator this winter on the aft deck I am hoping that solar panels could at least slowdown the discharge from these units while anchoring for a longer period of time. Thoughts?

[Midnightsun]

Did just that last year. Went with 2 150w panels. Went flexible fibreglass backed panels with a mppt controller. Very happy with the results.

[MakinTime]

Nice, what brand panel# did you go with?

[Midnightsun]

Went with a brand called Greesonic which no longer seem to be available. Made by the same people who make Lensun and have the identical spec. http://www.lensunsolar.com/Lensun-100W- ... olar-Panel

[paboater76]

I'm looking at the same thing. So far I'm looking at Amazon at a brand called HQST and their 100 Watt 12V Monocrystalline panels. I have room for 2 of these. I would also get the HQST 40A MPPT Solar Charge Controller.

total for me, for the panels and controller is about 500 and reviews seem to be good, plus amazon will make anything right if you have a problem.

[Midnightsun]

Got my Greesun on Amazon also. However this was Amazon.ca (Canada Version). You will find the Lensun on Amazon.com if you do a search there for Lensun. 100w panels are going for $319 right now.

[paboater76]

So after upgrading to 4x Trojan T105's and upgrading my charger to 12/50p. I have been out on the hook a couple times now and all I can say is WOW, the Trojan's with my usage don't get below 90% SOC over 24 hour of usage. 12v TV, fridge, lights, fwp, toilets etc. I only have to kick on my gen for cooking breakfast and dinner, and heating my hot water. When the gen runs those 2 times, it fully charges the house bank back to 100% in 30 to 45min. So, I do not see a reason to try solar at this time. The most i'm every on the hook is 3 nights.

I'm using a Victron BMV-712 to monitor the house bank as well.