Frugal Boater: Pearl Lee Solar Power 2.0

Frugal Boater Solar power 1.0 SV Pearl Lee
Davit mounted panels

On Pearl Lee we make our own electricity, mostly from solar power. Occasionally, after Pearl Lee Solar Power 1.0, we found ourselves falling a bit short of our needs and supplementing our solar power with a generator.  This was mainly during the short days of winter, but also during periods of high use. We don’t have an “electricity budget” as many cruisers do. My goal is to have enough solar power without any worries. Hence, Pearl Lee Solar (PLS) 2.0.

Our PLS 1.0 configuration consisted of two  Hyundai 280 watt solar panels wired in series and mounted on our dinghy davits (hanging over the back of the boat). Power from these went through a Midnite Solar Classic 150 controller which charged our eight golf cart batteries with nearly 900 amp hour capacity.

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Frugal Boater: Solar Charge Controller Basics

You’ll need a charge controller with all but the smallest of solar panels. A charge controller goes between the solar panels and the batteries. It’s job is to limit, or control, the power your panels put into your batteries.  This keeps you from destroying expensive batteries by overcharging. There are two types charge controllers.

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Frugal Boater: Solar Panel Basics

A solar panel converts solar energy to electricity. Solar panels are made up of a collection of silicon wafers called “cells”, wired internally to get the required power and voltage. Ideally, every solar panel in your system should be exactly the same. In our case they are not, but they’re “close enough” since our old and new panels are all 280 watt, 60 cell panels. If you’re in Florida, I recommend shopping for your solar panels at Sun Electronics in Miami for great prices and selection.

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