Solar Battery Tender

[ksw144]

Those solar tenders have become all the rage, I was just having the thought that this might be an easy way to help replenish my power while sitting out on the lake, and when it's moored at the dock.

Anyone have any experience? What did you think?

KW

 

[topshelf]

been using them for a year now..work very well

 

[RFoster130]

I wondered the same thing. Got a link to one?

 

[CypherAZ]

Those solar tenders have become all the rage, I was just having the thought that this might be an easy way to help replenish my power while sitting out on the lake, and when it's moored at the dock.

Anyone have any experience? What did you think?

KW

You should never charger your battery while it's connected to the boat for a few good reasons.

1. The MPEM, especially on the older boats is prone to damage due to voltage change.

2. Any combustibles in your engine compartment could cause a fire or explosion, if the charger were to spark when it kicks on.

I think you'd be better served installing a second battery. IMO.

 

[Guruofsleep@aol.com]

Solar power

I have been using mine for about 3 months, So far so good, and it gives me piece of mind, when I am away from the lake for the week.

 

[WAJetboating]

1. The MPEM, especially on the older boats is prone to damage due to voltage change.

I must politely disagree on this one. Remember, the engine charges the battery too. The standard test for proper stator/alternator/rectifier/regulator operation is to measure an increase in battery terminal voltage when the engine is on vs. off. That voltage powers everything electrical on the boat, including the MPEM (or ECU). If the MPEM were sensitive to the charging voltage, you'd be frying electronics all over the place.

The danger to which you refer is from what is called "boosting" the battery. Some chargers have the ability to "help" a battery by driving the voltage WAY above even normal charging voltages. That has indeed fried more than a few MPEM's over the years.

 

[ksw144]

I didn't have anything in particular in mind. Costco was selling them for a while, and I was thinking about checking to see if they still had them. I don't think so though.

Something like this is what I had in mind.

http://www.amazon.com/Sunforce-5001..._1?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1277159050&sr=8-1


KW