Installing a solar cell in a boat
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- Опубліковано 26 лип 2024
- In this video I install a solar cell and a charge controller in my boat. This is a follow on from part one where I install the VSR • Voltage Sensitive Rela...
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“The earth is round for most people “ lol.
Very tactful 😉. If you struggle with that concept then the thought of a tea tray that makes elastic trickery is going to be witchcraft plain and simple. 😊
Great job Stu. The hinge was a nice touch. Really liked your trick with the small piece of hose used as a grommet. I don’t know why I didn’t think of that, but that’s why I love your channel!
Thanks Jack! I'm a sucker for a trick or technique too. Every time I watching a vid if I pick one little thing up I feel like it's a win. :)
Fireship1 a
Gotta love a new dangar video! 👍🏻
Thanks for sharing this, I’m about to get a solar panel rigged up for my Quicksilver 640 pilothouse and this video is just the job to get me started.
Thanks Stu. Im adding this project to my list for the winter.
Well worth doing I reckon.
I love your little sidekick you take with you on the boat. He looks a lot like my dog Sugar.
This solar panel tutorial is quite interesting. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Perry! :)
Great video explaining a basic installation. Good for battery life to have a controller. When installing solar panels I always cover them with cardboard to make sure 1) they don't get scratched and 2) they are not generating power through the unconnected leads. Not a big risk but in direct sunlight they might be outputting 21 volts and the last thing you want is a short circuit.
Good idea to cover them with cardboard. I had the leads taped when I was pushing them through but that doesn't serve the doubt purpose of acting as scratch protections.
Clearwater Cove ,,
Clearwater Cove psst
i dont mean to be off topic but does someone know a method to get back into an Instagram account??
I somehow forgot my account password. I would love any help you can offer me!
@Miles Ty instablaster :)
Always good info. Lots of tips and tricks. Really useful solar info as I am just about to install solar panel on my 12 foot electrically propelled dinghy.
Very nice Stu! I see the controller utilizes pulse width modulation. I used a pwm switch on boat to be able to brighten and dim l.e.d. lights when fishing at nighttime.
Your "yacht" upgrades progress well! Mounting the solar cell to the boat with it flopping against your noggin' reminded me of installing the stairs in my RV! Lol
Yes, some jobs are so much easier with a second pair of hands!
Very interesting video. I've considered a small solar panel to run a circulation fan beneath the full cover on my CC to try to keep mildew away in the south Florida environment. You've given some good points to remember.
I reckon solar cells like this are a great way to run permanent fans. I have also seen combined solar cell / fan units you can buy for boats.
Another brilliant lesson. Well done
Very useful thanks. Off to view your VSR episode right now. I have an elderly selector switch and a what I imagine is a Lucas diode split charging setup that looks like an ignition coil. I am dubious about this going forward with a proper solar system.
Thanks Stu!
Great vid Stu. I have been thinking about putting a solar panel on my garden shed to trickle charge a car battery to run 12V lighting. Your video has inspired me to go ahead and do it. Cheers.
Sounds like it would be a good setup. :)
Great video Stu and definitely something I want to install on my boat
Thanks Adam, well worth it I think.
Thanks for your videos
Thanks for posting, had plans to install a panel, ill make it a winter project. Today is the first day of Fall, sadly, up here in Vancouver BC and your looking at summer. Jealous!
It's always good to have a winter project to pass the time!
Hi Stu, Been busy making winterizing videos so just catching up. That's one way to keep a battery charged up. We don't get much sun around here in the Northwestern US but in the summer months would be good. I had a old solar cell I got from my dad but never used it and it broke laying around. I use a trickle charger but if your where there is no power source this gives a good option for boats or RV's. I have a friend who lives in North Idaho in an isolated area. He is totally off grid with a elaborate solar cell system that runs 2 water wells and everything else he needs. Anyway great video explaining how this works. Thanks
Hey Tim, yeah, this boat is never near a power socket so it is really my only option, and we are lucky to get plenty of sun all you round. :)
That's handy, man. Thanks
In perfect conditions I'd be guessing around 3.5 amps rather than 5 from a 60 watter. Most good panels will have their output indicated on the back. Great video as per usual!
That sounds fair enough, I just did a quick division but it makes sense there are losses.
I love your brain. I bet you could do a heck of a custom build on a yacht with a solid budget
I'd love to do a bigger liveaboard boat one day. Could be a good retirement project.
Wow if you slow the vid down at 9:45 you can see the rivet heading south,
thanks Stu for the Awesome video , Brett
Yeah I ducked too! :-), even with the 2nd one.
kermets , he has safety glasses but dose not want to get then dirty, so best to keep then in there box.
Also he lives in Australia , and we have a saying he that goes like this...she will be right mate...
Bit like that here in NZ ......ua-cam.com/video/ntlr9M31YbU/v-deo.htmlm11s
The worst bit was having to find them all again so they don't end up in customers tyres!
Haven’t been seeing many videos from ya !!! Hope you can get some mechanical videos out soon I’m having withdrawals!! lol take care 👍
Will definitely be getting to some more mechanical vids soon. :)
is there nothing you cant do,good video,aaah I see you shop at Bunnings,where even their best stainless rusts lol.Cheers Stu.
Hardware and General. ;)
@@DangarMarine aaah ok cheers
Another excellent video as usual
So much practical know-how in every one you do
Looks to me that you have the panel at 60 degrees to the horizontal though...
Great video as always. You'll need a bigger boat soon to fit all your gadgets :)
Thanks Seth. I'll have to finish building that bigger boat. ;)
thanks for this...... i,m just about to install some. Lets hope your right !!!
Ah, what a welcome sight on a lazy weekend, a new video! I'm wondering what is the coldest weather you typically deal with while still using your boat? I know you use it to commute, so how cold do you get out there? It's starting to get pretty cold here, so the boating season for me is drawing to a regretful close.
Coldest during the day is about 10C.
Stu, I am following this exact same set up for my project boat. Question is, could I use the same design for two twin Mercury outboard engines? I plan on connecting both engines to the single “Start” battery but i am not sure if they will cause the Start battery from over charging
Love your Chanel so helpful I have a question what size solar panel do I need on my boat for a dual battery system with a controller
Like the hinge idea to adjust it to the sun angle! ... The earth is round!? 😀
I was thinking the same thing that I could have the elastic cord go the other way and set the angle much more accurately for the current season.
Awesome
Hi Dangar, thanks for another useful video. Just. a question did you connect the solar panel directly to the charge controller? I bought a boat that had the solar panel connected directly to the charge controller and it got fried when I disconnect the batteries from the charge controller through a similar switch. I wonder if the switch should be between the solar panel and charge controller. thanks
Love the flat earthers burn lol
;)
Note to self when using a rivet tool wear glasses. That rivet bar when it flung out the back of the gun looked like it was heading for your head !!
Hey Stu thanks for the guide this is the next thing I need to do on the boat, ive had the parts sitting around for months. Good trick with the wire skin as chafe protection Ill employ that from now on. Any chance you could do a impeller and oil service guide for a 90/115/140 Suzuki 4 stroke? Cheers
Thanks Danny, glad you liked the vid. Unfortunately I don't have a Suzuki to work on.
Ive learn so much from you. Ty keep up great job i been mechanice43yrs gas Diesel.i never stop learn or ask question even age 60! in houston. Ty SR
Glad to help
Nice Vid Stu.I am about to begin this process, so it's time to get off my behind and do it!!!! On another subject mate..... when your anchored for a overnighter is it advisable to lift the outboard leg or leave it soaking? Thanks for another great video mate.
Hey Leon. I would lift the leg. One night probably wouldn't hurt but you will start to get weed growth over the intake grill eventually. You also have the small risk of something floating downstream and getting wrapped around the prop.
@@DangarMarine thanks mate
Late to the party on this one, my suggestion for a set up like this is to charge the house battery first and then the start, also be aware that the output load on the charge controller takes power from the battery it is charging so better on the house, there should be no loads on the start battery other than the engine memory and maybe bilge pump, the house battery takes the brunt of the discharge so should also take the charge first as well. I've set up quite a few systems like this including a liveaboard houseboat with 3 Kw of solar.
Stu didn’t really get into it but it’s much better to install a mppt solar controller as you get way more charge from the panel.
Hey Heath. If was putting solar on a liveaboard cruising yacht I agree I would do everything to save whatever power you can. I've noticed a few yachts in that situation are going with lithium batteries now too (the Catamaran Impi UA-cam channel is a good example of that) In this case I think I'm going to be generating a lot more juice that I can store, but a good point nonetheless!
If you look at the Victron data comparing PWM to MPPT, over the temperature/overcast range solar cells are most often producing power it's only about 10% difference. MPPTs are often way more than 10% cost wise and in some cases it may make more sense to spend the extra money on more solar panel, or making the system more redundant.
You still believe most people think the earth is round? Anyway, good video, thanks. Poor Green Machine pushed to the back burner
Yeah, it isn't getting much love at the moment. It needs a new float switch on the bilge pump but I'm struggling to find the time!
Interesting but I thought you were to angle the solar panel about 33 degrees from horizontal?
With the controller would i connect my radio to the load
Hi Stu. Ive just center consoled a 5m tinny and the battery is now under the console. How do I calculate the gauge of the battery starter cable now that its almost 5m to the outboard ( 60 hp 2 stroke ) ? Thanks.
Hi Brad. Here is an online calculator. www.wirebarn.com/Wire-Calculator-_ep_41.html
Interesting video! I have a bigger boat with a living space which I just prepared all the wiring ( it’s currently in winter dock on stilts.... because it’s still somewhat winter over here in Europe )
And I was just wondering what power outage of a solar system I should buy?
I only use it for lights... and charging my phone ( maybe even my laptop ) and maybe my fresh water tank pump....
I got a good deal on a 50 watt solar system.... but then for a few dollars more I could get a 100 watt system!
The 100 watt system of course has a much bigger solar panel!
I want to mainly power the lights inside and the white anchor lights and red / green position lights ( which are required for any bigger boats in Germany and Europe ) and to charge my phone and laptop ( USB and reg outlet or cigarette outlet ) !
According to the 50 watt description it could charge a 19 volt laptop !
I don’t need charge for the motor ( at the Moment)
So what do you think, does a 50 watt solar system is enough ( or even a 20 watt solar system, which would be cheaper )?
A side question Stu. Do you have many, or any, Celtic style festivals near you? My friend is a traveling Celtic Chef. Thanks in advance for any info you can share.
Hmmm, can't say I know of any, but it wouldn't surprise me if there ways.
It's good that you're installing a 60watt solar panel in your boat.I am looking forward to when you install an electric motor in a normal looking petrol burning outboard motor's body.I suppose you will have to install a stronger solar panel for the electric outboard motor..Things are not always as they appear to be.
Atman solar outboards are a waste of time unless you only want to boat for an hour or less with a lot of space for tons of battery’s . I’ve seen a few and were not worth doing at all
I use rivets all the time on aluminium boats, they are awesome because they are made of out aluminium (no mixing metals as that's bad juju on aluminium boats), they seal easily, easy to replace and are very very durable
Just make sure the mandrel is alloy as well as some of the mandrel stays in the rivet when it breaks. Many alloy rivets have steel mandrels- don't use those on a boat.
I missed it. Did you wire the solar panel into the VSR or straight to the batteries?
Solar cell is wired directly to the starting battery which is connect to the house battery via the VSR. ua-cam.com/video/kTQp5d5mMio/v-deo.html
clicked thumbs up :05
Interesting; but the angle of your panel is no where near 33 degrees. It's closer to 90 degrees. Wouldn't you be better off having it flat; that would be closer to 33 degrees. Or with the hinges you can just vary the angle.
How well do those pop rivets hold up over time in a high vibration environment?
A lot better than screws.
QRPLife I would think very well considering some boats are riveted together. Like most aluminum boats are either welded or riveted.
It's also worth noting that the toolbox itself has been held down all this time with six rivets.
Hi I bought a used boat with 70HP Mercury model 1983 and I need to change the ignition switch can you tell me how to change it and this the one with the bush key to chock when you want to stat it thanks.
Generally it is just a case of opening the forward control unit up and swapping the out. The wires are all colour coded so it is pretty straightforward. Have never done it on a 83 Merc though.
So if you have 2 batteries in your boat, how do you charge both of 1 solar panel?
Use a VSR if you want to charge them together but keep them separate when draining.
The only way you would get 6 amps is if the battery is completely dead
You could only get and use less than 20% of the advertised output ohm's law 101
Measure voltage and the amps multiply the two and that'll give you Watts you will never get 100 electricity is like water you must overcome the incoming pressure volts is pressure
Hey Stu, how long is the green machine?
It's 4.6 metres long.
Thanks Stu, glad to see your well again.
9:45 always use your head while working on a boat
you'll have to check it with a full moon and let us know if it charges
You never know... ;)
a blok of timber lol.. 😀
I was taught that you should always cover the solar panel (ie, cardboard / paper etc) whilst you are installing it so that it doesn't become "live" and possibly short out whilst running the wires etc. Is this true or were they "sending me to the hardware store for a "Long Weight" LOL ??
Jason Kirk , it sounds like a great idea to cover it until it's ready to go.
Yes, it's a good idea to always cover solar panels when working on them.
His solar panel was 21V if I remember correctly. Dry Skin is about 100,000 ohms and up, but if you have a cut, open wound or stab yourself on something electrical like the end of a wire it can be much lower. Dry skin though = 21V/100,000=0.00021 A or 210 microamps, and you wouldn't feel a thing.
The hand-to-hand the perception threshold for DC shock is about 5 mA men, 3.5 mA women, painful shock is 62 mA men, 41 mA women, painful with loss of muscle control is 76 mA men, 60 mA women, and 300-500 mA can stop your heart.
Wet or broken skin may drop it to 1000 ohms. That's 21V/1000 ohm = 21 mA and in hand-to-hand shock territory but shouldn't be fatal. If there were two panels in series for 42V that would be 42 mA and painful for women. At 60 mA it becomes painful for women and they lose muscle control and can potentially be fatal. I don't think it's a coincidence that 60VDC is the upper voltage of most 48V "Safe Extra-Low Voltage" DC systems.
In this instance I just taped the ends of the wires before pushing them through, but covering makes sense too.
You present like EX-PRISONER......
interesting......Australia being much closer to the "South Pole" why does your compass still point to the North?
Compasses point north and south I think... Aligning with magnetic field?? So a compass is aligning parallel with magnetic field....me thinks
@@theowenssailingdiary5239 that's what we were taught as youngsters , however the compass always pulls to the center no matter where you are on the map. thinks about it, that would mean at some point of position the indicator would be a 180 degrees off if there were two magnetic poles this would make charting a real mess. my meaning is i could be sailing the coast of "Antarctica" and my compass will still point to "North" (center)
@@awd3418 yes, it always points north because of the magnet polarity thingy. What I mean by north and south is that it points south also because it it aligning with the field. I don't really know what I'm talking about here, just guessing.
Are you asking us? WE DONT KNOW THE ANSWER TO ANY OF THE QUESTIONS!
I think a lead acid battery should only show 11.7 volts if it's not being charged.
Totally depends on the battery type but 12.6-12.8
Yes, about 2.1v per cell so 12.6 total, but they can hold a surface charge if they have been charged recently.
Ok you made me get up out of my chair, find my voltmeter, and go measure my Volvo that ran a few hours earlier and yes I was wrong. 12.5 volts (Dome light was probably on)
I hate to make a man get out of his comfy chair. ;)
Nope. That's a dead battery at 11.7
Anything below 12.5 is not good.
Dude you make it sooooo complicated