No gash, indeed. battery + charge controller, also need some foam filled outboard pontoons for stability! wind looks like it would catch that pretty bad while listing. Awesome stuff!
i made a solar boat as well. glad to see others doing the same but i would recommend batteries as well not just strictly solar. i use a 36v electric outboard and three batteries with 600w being generated from solar. i put lights around the top. great for night fishing.
Michael Fuller Could you post a video of it? I'd really like to see your setup. The trolling motor's brushes in my video already went bad, so I'd like to see some electric outboards.
Hi, I've been trying to do this but added a battery and charge controller to avoid burning out the motor. I've been told that sending 18-20V (that's what your panels produce in direct light) will burn a 12V trolling motor out pretty quickly. Did you have an issue with going straight from panels to motor, and if no, how many hours have you driven it with that setup? Thanks. I can send you link to my video trying my setup out.
Very cool video, compared to all the videos of solar boats running on batteries this gives you a much better idea of the amount of power you can get directly from solar cells.
Kinda what I am thinking about doing. I want to get a 1448 Jon Boat and add decking to part and also a topper similar to yours with solar on it.. I will also be adding a couple Marine Batteries etc. as I will also be using it for night fishing. I have seen a couple other videos and the first one I watch was a total disappointment as it was nothing but pictures and not one detail abut anything. I like the comments as where others gave advice on having a battery etc. and a regulator... I am in the process of getting ideas for now but plan on possibly getting a boat and working on it over the winter and have it ready by spring try outs. Thanks for the video and the comments which are a great help.
Great vid and idea. I would highly highly recommend that you add a battery into the system to help control and mitigate voltage fluctuation. Having an open system like this is not only bad for the motor but he panels as well. For the motor, until its under load and has uptake the extra amperage in the system which is there in the form of higher dc voltage, it is in danger up burning out/ through the copper coils and blowing the motor. The open circuit voltage on those panels is going to be around 22.5V (Voc): Try adding a 12v motor cycle/ lawn mower battery as ballast for the system and you'll be one happy boater and it won't take up hardly any room. Although it would be good to use a new battery you could also use a one that has crapped out. Finally think about adding a charge controller into the system. This will rectify your open voltage into 12v and further protect your system. They are very cheap, you can grab them at harbor freight or off Amazon.
There's not enough panel current to hurt the motor due to the high voltage potential. As soon as the motor is on, the panel voltage drops down to whatever it takes to deliver their maximum current which is likely far less than even 12 volts. When the motor is off, the high panel voltage is not even reaching the motor as it is disconnected.
@@Andy-df5fj This looks like it was written by a 10 yr old. It's all incorrect and who measures current in volts? Using less or more voltage than is required by the motor will result in its failure pretty quickly. Fluctuating the power is also horrible for electric motors.. Just dont connect solar panels directly to an electric motor, period.
@@markjohnson4643 It was written by someone who understands solar panels to a degree which is clearly beyond your knowledge on the topic to comprehend as anything other than gibberish. The voltage output of any power source is not a fixed value, but fluctuates depending on the load (current draw) placed upon it. The bigger the load, the bigger the voltage drop. This is especially true with solar panels. Research solar panel voltage collapse and learn what I'm talking about for yourself. Also, I'm quite experienced with building and testing motors in both RC and small boat applications. Although there are exceptions, such as AC synchronous motors, running too little voltage through a standard DC motor will not hurt it one iota. How do you think a resistor based speed selector on a trolling motor works? The supply voltage is divided between the selected resistor and the motor impedance and the voltage across the motor and the corresponding speed is reduced without any stress to the motor whatsoever. In fact, it is stressed LESS than at full speed.
Thank you for this. Now i have an idea of the power production needed to run the motor directly without a battery on the system. when I considered this idea in my mind this was the project I envisioned. It was very cool to see it in action. Awesome!
Get a voltmeter and measure the voltage. I suspect the motor is pulling the panels down to 3-5V. A cheap addition that will double your power is to add a buck converter between the panels and the motor, so you can adjust the load on the panels. Such a thing costs around $10 from China. That way you can keep your panels around 17-18V where they produce most power and the motor will deliver twice the power so 1-2 MPH faster.
Cool! So it possible to go pure solar. I’d like to buy an old pontoon party boat, put as many panels on the roof as possible, then travel down the Mississippi River operating on solar alone, modern Huck Finn style! I’d still have a battery for emergency use. But just anchor when the sun is gone.
very nice! I know a battery is heavy, but what about adding that nice avatar bank you have there. what brand/model trolling motor do you have on there?
I'd definitely want this set up as opposed to a can of gas if I had to choose between the two while stranded in the middle of the ocean! One will always keep going!
well i'm sure you know this already but for everyone viewing this video.. do NOT DO THIS TO YOUR MOTORS! Motors require a constant voltage and it's a pretty specific range... Solar panels put out varying voltages depending on sunlight and the angle of the panels and a bunch of other factors. You can't even begin to guess how wildly that voltage is fluctuating even in direct sunlight and im pretty amazed that motor is working at all in the video with, what cannot be, the proper voltage going into it. Regardless, i'm sure it was toast very shortly after..
The solution is, use a battery or battery pack that = the proper voltage of the trolling motor. Connect a charge controller to the battery/pack. Then connect the charge controller to the panels. You'll have constant voltage to the motor and all excess solar energy production goes into recharging the battery. Also you wont destroy your trolling motors!
@@markjohnson4643 It was a brushed DC motor with no electronics to fry. Brushed DC motors have an operating range of voltages, not a "proper" voltage. Solar panels are not a constant source of voltage, the voltage sags under load, so they're perfectly ok to use directly on this type of trolling motor. Without a battery in the system, it's safe to short out everything without fear of damaging something (desirable in an all metal boat). I ran this same motor for weeks on the same panels in a fisheries experiment to see if it'd circulate the fisheries pond effectively with no maintenance (it did).
One of the greatest videos on youtube
This is definitely a cool little setup.
No fuel used and going places without a sail this dude is the real mvp
No gash, indeed. battery + charge controller, also need some foam filled outboard pontoons for stability! wind looks like it would catch that pretty bad while listing. Awesome stuff!
i made a solar boat as well. glad to see others doing the same but i would recommend batteries as well not just strictly solar. i use a 36v electric outboard and three batteries with 600w being generated from solar. i put lights around the top. great for night fishing.
Michael Fuller Could you post a video of it? I'd really like to see your setup. The trolling motor's brushes in my video already went bad, so I'd like to see some electric outboards.
@@72fr250 check out Elco motors. They make a 9hp to a 50hp.
@@72fr250 Is that all it is using up is brushes ? Actually not to bad . On most trolling motors replacing brushes are not to hard to deal with
Hi, I've been trying to do this but added a battery and charge controller to avoid burning out the motor. I've been told that sending 18-20V (that's what your panels produce in direct light) will burn a 12V trolling motor out pretty quickly. Did you have an issue with going straight from panels to motor, and if no, how many hours have you driven it with that setup? Thanks. I can send you link to my video trying my setup out.
Very cool video, compared to all the videos of solar boats running on batteries this gives you a much better idea of the amount of power you can get directly from solar cells.
Thank you, that's what I was going for.
Cool try but I think you can fry the motor by not having a battery. And keep the battery above 12.1.-12.5 using volt meter.
Regardless I personally love the fact that it is 100% Solar. Thanks very much.
Kinda what I am thinking about doing. I want to get a 1448 Jon Boat and add decking to part and also a topper similar to yours with solar on it.. I will also be adding a couple Marine Batteries etc. as I will also be using it for night fishing.
I have seen a couple other videos and the first one I watch was a total disappointment as it was nothing but pictures and not one detail abut anything.
I like the comments as where others gave advice on having a battery etc. and a regulator... I am in the process of getting ideas for now but plan on possibly getting a boat and working on it over the winter and have it ready by spring try outs.
Thanks for the video and the comments which are a great help.
If you have a question down the road feel free to ask.
Amazing - You should be very proud of it!
Great vid and idea. I would highly highly recommend that you add a battery into the system to help control and mitigate voltage fluctuation. Having an open system like this is not only bad for the motor but he panels as well. For the motor, until its under load and has uptake the extra amperage in the system which is there in the form of higher dc voltage, it is in danger up burning out/ through the copper coils and blowing the motor. The open circuit voltage on those panels is going to be around 22.5V (Voc): Try adding a 12v motor cycle/ lawn mower battery as ballast for the system and you'll be one happy boater and it won't take up hardly any room. Although it would be good to use a new battery you could also use a one that has crapped out. Finally think about adding a charge controller into the system. This will rectify your open voltage into 12v and further protect your system. They are very cheap, you can grab them at harbor freight or off Amazon.
Yes, a battery is a great buffer to filter out power flux.
I am considering, I to am not interested in bulky batteries can you suggest another route?
There's not enough panel current to hurt the motor due to the high voltage potential. As soon as the motor is on, the panel voltage drops down to whatever it takes to deliver their maximum current which is likely far less than even 12 volts. When the motor is off, the high panel voltage is not even reaching the motor as it is disconnected.
@@Andy-df5fj This looks like it was written by a 10 yr old. It's all incorrect and who measures current in volts? Using less or more voltage than is required by the motor will result in its failure pretty quickly. Fluctuating the power is also horrible for electric motors.. Just dont connect solar panels directly to an electric motor, period.
@@markjohnson4643
It was written by someone who understands solar panels to a degree which is clearly beyond your knowledge on the topic to comprehend as anything other than gibberish.
The voltage output of any power source is not a fixed value, but fluctuates depending on the load (current draw) placed upon it. The bigger the load, the bigger the voltage drop. This is especially true with solar panels. Research solar panel voltage collapse and learn what I'm talking about for yourself.
Also, I'm quite experienced with building and testing motors in both RC and small boat applications. Although there are exceptions, such as AC synchronous motors, running too little voltage through a standard DC motor will not hurt it one iota. How do you think a resistor based speed selector on a trolling motor works? The supply voltage is divided between the selected resistor and the motor impedance and the voltage across the motor and the corresponding speed is reduced without any stress to the motor whatsoever. In fact, it is stressed LESS than at full speed.
No way! No battery? I have two 330 watts I'm mounting on my 10' Sears Gamefisher powered by two matching 1950's Minn Kota's!
Need 10 hp. Eltric
I like what you did. You said there is no battery connected,
Thank you for this. Now i have an idea of the power production needed to run the motor directly without a battery on the system. when I considered this idea in my mind this was the project I envisioned. It was very cool to see it in action. Awesome!
Congratulations. We're sailing in a sunny flotilla. George. Poland
And the wind won't capsize your boat ?
great solar boat. looks like so much fun. environmentally friendly and perfectly at peace with the lake :)
How can you get that much power from such a small setup? Amazing.
Capacitors my friend
I'm a battery guy with a minn kota 30lb but I envy you sir.
Two birds one stone- built in bimini too- I am inspired!
This is cool. (100% family friendly p-g clean)
You know it lol
awesome.
Get a voltmeter and measure the voltage. I suspect the motor is pulling the panels down to 3-5V. A cheap addition that will double your power is to add a buck converter between the panels and the motor, so you can adjust the load on the panels. Such a thing costs around $10 from China. That way you can keep your panels around 17-18V where they produce most power and the motor will deliver twice the power so 1-2 MPH faster.
Try that on a windy day
you sound like earl from "my name is earl". lol.
Sorry, that isn't a Jon boat. My concern about the boat is it's stability. It looks a bit top heavy. Otherwise, I love it.
Right it's an aluminum skiff, John boats have flat bottoms
Cool! So it possible to go pure solar. I’d like to buy an old pontoon party boat, put as many panels on the roof as possible, then travel down the Mississippi River operating on solar alone, modern Huck Finn style! I’d still have a battery for emergency use. But just anchor when the sun is gone.
Yes, batteries. You don't want a cloud to come over and see a barge string headed your way. could be fatal.
Great job ! That's what it;s about. NO battieries
What's wrong with batteries? I am planning to build a small houseboat for vacations and to have solar charged batteries as backup.
very nice! I know a battery is heavy, but what about adding that nice avatar bank you have there. what brand/model trolling motor do you have on there?
Good...
Great tinkering, but it doesn't look very stable. I wouldn't take it out on a windy day.
Have you had any top heavy issues ? I added pontoons but I am using a canoe for less drag. serenitysolarcanoe
I doubt the motor lasted long enough to worry about top heavy issues
I'll try to make a service on a lake where I get a 50 gallon plastic barrel for a seat and weld together another one on the back and add pontunes
Hi , that set up will run continuous as long as it get sun light ?
Yes
Simple but it works
Did you ever take this further?
coooooooool, next up crossing the Atlantic via solar
I'd definitely want this set up as opposed to a can of gas if I had to choose between the two while stranded in the middle of the ocean! One will always keep going!
i need solar Motor BD.
And you have Reverse ? IMPOSSIBLE… Are you sure you’re not fooling us and just turned the motor around backwards ?…🤣🤣🤣
well i'm sure you know this already but for everyone viewing this video.. do NOT DO THIS TO YOUR MOTORS!
Motors require a constant voltage and it's a pretty specific range... Solar panels put out varying voltages depending on sunlight and the angle of the panels and a bunch of other factors. You can't even begin to guess how wildly that voltage is fluctuating even in direct sunlight and im pretty amazed that motor is working at all in the video with, what cannot be, the proper voltage going into it. Regardless, i'm sure it was toast very shortly after..
The solution is,
use a battery or battery pack that = the proper voltage of the trolling motor. Connect a charge controller to the battery/pack.
Then connect the charge controller to the panels.
You'll have constant voltage to the motor and all excess solar energy production goes into recharging the battery. Also you wont destroy your trolling motors!
@@markjohnson4643 It was a brushed DC motor with no electronics to fry. Brushed DC motors have an operating range of voltages, not a "proper" voltage. Solar panels are not a constant source of voltage, the voltage sags under load, so they're perfectly ok to use directly on this type of trolling motor. Without a battery in the system, it's safe to short out everything without fear of damaging something (desirable in an all metal boat).
I ran this same motor for weeks on the same panels in a fisheries experiment to see if it'd circulate the fisheries pond effectively with no maintenance (it did).
Great idea
Well done awesome
you rock amigo!
Put battery's it will help in the long run
That's pretty slow though, have you tried on a sunnier day?
NO GASH
Perfect for lakes... thumbs up ... a look at the future... it is the beginning of the end for fossil fuels... yipee
how fast it can go?
+BuenaventuraRN 3 mph
Fast. Rmtrloing motored solar rre
u better hadn`t sell that idea to any smugglers
soLar energy for cLean future