The Canuck
Jet Boat Addict
- Messages
- 199
- Reaction score
- 135
- Points
- 117
- Location
- Louisville, KY
- Boat Make
- Yamaha
- Year
- 2015
- Boat Model
- AR
- Boat Length
- 21
Like others, I have been intrigued about a solar kit that will allow our boat batteries to be topped off while we are not at the lake. I have seen some flexible panel kits posted here on the forum, as well as some that have a more permanent solution, but they are typically attached on the boat. As the season is getting closer to beginning (for those not down south), and finding out I need at least one new battery (starter), I am back on the hunt/research for a kit that will top off the batteries and maintain them.
I have used Lake Lites solar dock lites, and have been very impressed. Our lake floods a couple times a year with our gangway going underwater, yet the lights continue to shine at night, both out of water and underwater. So it got me looking back at their website, and I came across a kit that they are offering for dual battery setups. Dual Battery Solar Kit. In reading through the description, and going through some of the different manuals (links not always working), I feel like this might be a nice all in one kit. But I have some questions, which I have sent to the company, but figured I would ask a few here as well.
- Are the dual 20w panels sufficient enough to charge or top off, while also maintaining? I am/was under the impression that more was needed. But knowing they use these kits for boat lifts (assuming they work well), it is essentially the same setup. Solar panel charges a battery that is then used to raise and lower a boat lift. Or in my case, solar panel charges a battery that is then used to start boat, or play music on boat.
- Max Power - 20w
- Rated Voltage - 18 volts
- Rated current - 1.12 amps
- Their description isn't great in that it states you get dual regulators, but then you also have to click the box next to pole length. Are the regulators sufficient? I am assuming they are for the system, but will they truly control the charge/topping off/maintaining based on the description/specs for the unit?
- If you have your boat at the dock and say you are wanting to play some music, is it possible to have the batteries connected to the solar panel (charging) while also playing music? Or is that potentially too much draw or demand in that the regulator is trying to "refill" the battery, but say the battery is depleting quicker.
Whether I use their all in one system, or try to piece something together while using theirs as a template for what to get, I feel like this is a great option (if it works) for those that don't have the ability to have power down at a dock. I would imagine the controller would be mounted in the boat similar to how people have the NOCO charger installed. Then I just have to route the cable along the dock and have the disconnect located close to the controller. As well as remembering to make sure it is disconnected before leaving. lol.
Any input/thoughts would be appreciated.
I have used Lake Lites solar dock lites, and have been very impressed. Our lake floods a couple times a year with our gangway going underwater, yet the lights continue to shine at night, both out of water and underwater. So it got me looking back at their website, and I came across a kit that they are offering for dual battery setups. Dual Battery Solar Kit. In reading through the description, and going through some of the different manuals (links not always working), I feel like this might be a nice all in one kit. But I have some questions, which I have sent to the company, but figured I would ask a few here as well.
- Are the dual 20w panels sufficient enough to charge or top off, while also maintaining? I am/was under the impression that more was needed. But knowing they use these kits for boat lifts (assuming they work well), it is essentially the same setup. Solar panel charges a battery that is then used to raise and lower a boat lift. Or in my case, solar panel charges a battery that is then used to start boat, or play music on boat.
- Max Power - 20w
- Rated Voltage - 18 volts
- Rated current - 1.12 amps
- Their description isn't great in that it states you get dual regulators, but then you also have to click the box next to pole length. Are the regulators sufficient? I am assuming they are for the system, but will they truly control the charge/topping off/maintaining based on the description/specs for the unit?
- If you have your boat at the dock and say you are wanting to play some music, is it possible to have the batteries connected to the solar panel (charging) while also playing music? Or is that potentially too much draw or demand in that the regulator is trying to "refill" the battery, but say the battery is depleting quicker.
Whether I use their all in one system, or try to piece something together while using theirs as a template for what to get, I feel like this is a great option (if it works) for those that don't have the ability to have power down at a dock. I would imagine the controller would be mounted in the boat similar to how people have the NOCO charger installed. Then I just have to route the cable along the dock and have the disconnect located close to the controller. As well as remembering to make sure it is disconnected before leaving. lol.
Any input/thoughts would be appreciated.
