Power, Power, Power!
I’ve installed a 130 Amp Electromaax alternator. That coupled with the solar panels will give us plenty of juice!
I’ve had the alternator for about to 10 months and finally took the 20 minutes to install it yesterday, what a difference. If your looking for a quality, high-output alternator check out electromaax by clicking on the link to the left. I did a lot of research on alternators and went with these guys. You can get a “delco” style alternator pretty cheap but they run really hot at high loads and don’t last all that long. I don’t know if you guys remember but I had to have Namaste’s rebuilt a few times in S. America. Speaking of Namaste, check out the picture below. She is getting new canvas and paint as well.
I really did have a love affair with that boat. It’s hard to believe I sailed her half way around the world. My eyes almost teared when I saw this picture on the email this morning. Sam just asked if I will ever love Splendid like that and my reply was “it will take a lot of miles”. I hope to sail her again one day. I’m sure Wojciech would let me as soon as we make it to Australia, or perhaps we will meet up in Europe. He will be sailing her to Poland.
Today I need to finish wiring up the solar panels. I’m not going to use a charge controller. I did the math and looked at the battery specks and I find it really hard to believe that I could damage the batteries with the load from 2, 120 watt solar panels. If I were to leave Splendid for any length of time I’d shut them off.
I’m hoping to be out of here by Friday. We are just waiting on the rest of the enclosure and to button up a few things at Sam’s house. She has a HUGE record collection that we need to pack up and bring to a friends house.
I’m really excited about moving again.
Peace everyone.
Sail far and live slowly!
– Alex
Don’t cheap out Alex!!! Get the charge controller if not to save the battery but to help avoid a fire. You only have to forget once to turn them off and it will get expensive. Don’t ask how I know these things………martin
How do you know these things? I know many cruisers who forgo a charge controller? If/when I do get one I want an MPPT controller. I had one on Namaste, it was great.
I agree with having a solar controller not only for the safety feature but also to monitor the system voltage and amps….I use the Mark PV controller by Specialty Concepts and like it alot. It does get very warm so I have it mounted where there is plenty of air around it… I like the alternator you just installed…looks great.. Dave
Alex – how long before kick off? I’m ready to watch the game.
-Le
Dude!!
You do know that you will not get anywhere near the output possible from your panels into your batteries without a controller, specifically a mppt job. There’s just a ton of waste.
I know you prolly already know this but look here:
http://www.solar-electric.com/charge_controls/mppt.htm
All the best Buddy
Tony
Alex, I think you have to use a charge controller. Go for the MPPT one for the current boost if you like, otherwise a switch mode type is fine, they run cool because they don’t need to dissipate a whole lot of power. With your 2 panels you’ll be pumping over 10 amps into the batteries on an average day, and no matter the size of you battery bank, that’ll overcharge and cook them if you happen to not use your expected load per day. What happens when you run your motor all day in the ICW? It’ll charge the batteries then you”ll be pumping 10 amps in on top of that. Get yourself a cheap SUNSEI 25A controller for now if nothing else – for around $50 you’ll protect hundreds of dollars of batteries.
The other thing is the battery voltage will go above the normal maximum during overcharge, and that could blow all your electrical stuff which isn’t rated for it. Remember the solar panel can put out about 22V! It’s just too much current to go unregulated! Take it from an engineer, you have to do this, or fit an isolation switch and watch your voltage every minute.
Alex, I should add: thanks for sharing your solar and charging stuff here – it fits with what you where aiming to do both in allowing you to unplug, but also encouraging and helping other people to do the same. It’s great to see someone putting their money and effort where their mouth is!
On the charge controller subject, maybe there’s someone reading who works for one of those companies that could get you one as a sponsorship thing.
Hey Alex,
Well I gotta go along with what the “engineer” says about, at the very minimum, getting some kind of controller even if its just a cheapie to protect your lead acid investment. (although I don’t know what running a train has to do with solar power) :)
In the long run however. The much higher efficiency of the mppt is going to save you a lot of diesel bucks. With solar panels it’s all about controlling power and that’s what the mppt does best. With more manufacturers making these things I’ve seen some pretty good deals. I’ll bet you could even find Blue Sky’s 25Amp job for under$250 if ya shop around.
This from just a lowly ex submarine nuke electrician (I know, I know. Not too may solar panels on a submarine) :)
Tony
Sorry Alex, Emily and I are sending the positive vibes to Michael Jackson’s family. We will shift them your way soon I promise.
Hey Alex,
I used to design and install residential photovoltaic systems in the 90’s. If you stay on your toes you could get away without a charge controller. I would never be able to pull it off and would eventually forget to turn of my panels. I am sure you did load sheets and all that. What size battery bank are we talking about? That said my unsolicited advice would be go with a controller for the peace of mind. It’s like fishing without a license, too stressful for me. By the way we had a saying in the biz, “A battery never dies a natural death. They are all murdered.” I’m sure you get my point. Sail slow and live far (or whatever) Take care, Wade
Pay attention to weather. Something tropical may be brewing for the gulf.
Tammy
Wade,
I’m using a 10 gauge wire. I’ll wire them up without a controller until I can afford one. I’m looking at BZ products MPPT 500. It’s a 45amp controller and I can wire the panels up to be 24 volts to the controller. It is a bit more efficient that way.
Tammy,
I watch the weather closely, but thanks. For those of you who want to keep an eye on it, check out:
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
It’s a tricky time of year!
Alex,
Fair enough. I think what I like most about your site is how you make do like the rest of us and do not always buy yourself out of a problem. Too many of us give up if things can’t be perfect. I believe you will be just fine. Wade
Back to sending you positive vibes, sorry for the MJ break in them. Take care buddy.
Chris and Emily Waddles