Solar set up and use

[Thumper74]

Solar panels……

Charging controller.

And batteries.

How would one go about using this set up?? Let the solar charge the batteries, and run everything inside of boat of that?? Then alternator on the motor can charge it quickly while motoring around??

[jashmen]

You are on the right path. I would suggest getting "Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual" by Nigal Calder. It is an incredibly useful book. Don't start messing with electricity until you a lot of research.

[Thumper74]

You are on the right path. I would suggest getting "Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual" by Nigal Calder. It is an incredibly useful book. Don't start messing with electricity until you a lot of research.

Ahh. A book to read and keep on hand. I shall check it out and see what nuggets of info it contains. Yes I am in process of removing old terminated wires that are not hooked to anything. There seems to be quite a lot of ghost wires in the ole boat.

[Ed422]

Following (or at least I hope by adding a comment, I'll get notifications on new replies.)

I'm doing my research (I'm a research guy) on solar. My boat needs a house rewire. The engine is fine and I don't want to mess with those for now. The electric went in in 1977 and was "upgraded/added to in 2002 or so and is in sort of disarray. Most stuff works, but lots is not color coded (lots of meter usage) and some of the wires don't do what they should. I knew it was a project boat. The long term plan is to do some cruising with about 3 or 4 to 1 anchor vs. transient slip. When at home dock (or transient), shore power keeps the batteries charged, and the alternator will charge batteries while underway. I'm trying to figure how much solar I'd need to maintain.

Ed

[GeorgeS]

Great day for it, the sky is cloudy and raining and this is the forecast for awhile, so plenty of time to figure it out. Please let us all know how it goes ..

[DesertAlbin736]

I found this book to be a helpful reference with wiring issues.

DonCaseyBook.jpg

https://www.abebooks.com/Sailboat-Elect ... j8EALw_wcB

[jcollins]

Moving topic to electronics.