How to install solar panel to charge batteries on a boat.

[@Dovrizzo]

Thank you. Just what I needed.

[@altecm]

Great video. Just what I was looking for.

[@joetheboatguy5394]

Appreciate you watching! Glad it was helpful. 👍

[@Dggb2345]

Concise and clear

[@redwood1957]

Joe how do you calculate/choose what size fuse to use on the wires to and from vsr? Is it the batteries, or wire size you use. Thank you

[@joetheboatguy5394]

Hi redwood1957, for the size of wire I have a video that explains how to chose the right gauge wire. I will put it at the end of this message. For the fuse usually the Device you’re protecting has a max amperage written on it. So you put a fuse of what the device specification. If you don’t have a specification for your device what you can do is put an amp meter and see how much amps passes at max power of your device. Always in a safe environment. The amps you read off your amp meter you can multiply by 135% and that should be the right fuse. For the size of wire see this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZCcfqt7mdGFq6M I hope this helps, Sorry for the delay 👍

[@VijayGocool]

Hi could you explain this a solar panel and a boat motor boat charging system ( do i need to switch of solar incoming current before using the boat motor incoming current ...or could i add a 1-2 switch an cut of the solar incoming

[@joetheboatguy5394]

Hi VijayGocool, you can add 1-2 switch if you really want protection. But your solar panel should have a diode that will let voltage travel just one way. So your panels would only really work once your outboard is off. Hope this helps.

[@tonyl6068]

Thanks for the video! I have a Yamaha jet boat that has an emergency parallel switch. If I hook up a solar panel to the starter battery and switch it to emergency parallel while anchored, will that allow the charger to charge both batteries since they’re in parallel?

[@joetheboatguy5394]

Hi Tony L, Thanks for watching. If your batteries are in parallel, then yes it will charge both at the same time BUT will take 2 twice the time....

[@BrianPitt-x2v]

Thanks for the great videos. They are so helpful. I do have a question that I could use some help with. I have a trolling motor that will run off 2 separate 12v batteries . They are hooked up with a Battery selector switch that can select what battery or both batteries are being used. I have a 2 bank 110 plug in charger so both battery gets its own charging Leeds. This all makes sense to me but I also want to add a couple solar panels to the system to charge when an outlet is not an option. My question is how do I hook up the solar panels into the system so it will charge and monitor both batteries and not over charger. I am assuming that a Duel VSR would be what is needed from your videos but wil lit work with a 2 bank charger already installed ? your videos only show a 1 bank charger. Also will the smart solar controller still be able to monitor the batteries individually to shut them on and off or is that done through the Duel VSR? Any info would be helpful, of course I called Coco ho makes the 2 bank charger but they say the system can not be set up with Solar charging as well and Iahve to think thats incorrect. .thhanks for any help

[@joetheboatguy5394]

Hi user-su6mh1mm4e, Thank you for watching and nice comments. So this is what I’m understanding you have 2 batteries connected on a battery switch 1,2, both or off to run your troller motor. You have a separate plug in battery charger on each battery. You would like to add 1 solar panel to charge both batteries. Let me know if this is the case

[@redwood1957]

Could you tell what program you use to draw your schematics? Thank you Mike

[@joetheboatguy5394]

Hey redwood1957, thanks for watching. You wouldn’t believe if I tell you 😂. It’s paint in windows. I didn’t want to use anything fancy to confuse people. So I keep it really simple and do it with paint in windows. 👍

[@bobnovak2409]

Why go from the charge controller to the start battery rather than the house batt first? I heard your explanation but why? I thought the house was the priority. Can it be done that way? What model charge regulator are you using Thanks

[@joetheboatguy5394]

Hey Bob Novak, The solar charge regulator is a Coleman 8.5 A. Since on this diagram we talk about a single VSR. So the voltage and currant will pass only one way. The only way to charge both batteries is to plug on starter battery unless you have a dual VSR. You can plug the solar panel on the house battery but like I said if you have a single VSR your starter battery will not get charge. 👍

[@joetheboatguy5394]

If your setup is with a battery switch and you set it on “off” when you park your boat then yes you will want your solar panel on your house battery. It all depend on your needs and setup.

[@bobnovak2409]

@@joetheboatguy5394 My research came up with this In almost every installation, on a cruising boat with disparate sized battery banks, charge sources current should feed the house bank first & not the start bank. This prevents relay cycling because it allows the larger house bank to attain the combine voltage before combining with the much smaller, and almost always nearly fully charged, start battery. Feeding house first also results in faster charging & better voltage sense accuracy of the house bank. When you avoid relay cycling, the house bank charges faster. With less voltage drop between the charge source and the house battery pos terminal, that comes from not sticking a relay, multiple terminals and two more fuses it is path, the charge performance of the house bank is improved.

[@joetheboatguy5394]

Yes that is correct but you have VSR in this wire diagram. Like I mentioned, It depends on your needs there's many ways of doing the wire-diagram. You can plug on the house battery but your starter will not charge unless you have a dual VSR. If you have a Battery switch in your setup then it's a different situation. The important part in this video for you is to not forget the solar charge controller. Some people connect the solar panels directly to batteries which can over charge and damage batteries with time. Let us know how your project goes... :-) Here more information on VSR if your interested from google "Single sense VSR : When the engine is started, the starting battery and auxiliary batteries are separated allowing only the starting battery to be charged. When the charge voltage reaches 13.3 volts the voltage sensitive relay (VSR) engages allowing both starting and auxiliary batteries to be charged. When the engine is stopped and the battery voltage falls below 12.8 volts the VSR disengages separating the start and auxiliary batteries. The auxiliary battery continues to power any accessories without risk of draining the starting battery. Dual Sense VSR : A feature of the model we sell is the "Dual Sensing” VSR . This will operate the same as the single sense but with bi-directional technology, so the voltage of both batteries is looked at rather than just the one. If either battery is receiving a charge, e.g. Solar Panel input, or a mains battery charger is connected to the auxiliary battery, as long as the required "cut in voltage" the VSR will engage and charge both batteries."

[@andreiradchenko8594]

hi, what would be the best place fro a kill switch in this schema?

[@joetheboatguy5394]

Hi andreiradchenko, thanks for watching. When you ask for a kill switch, is it for the outboard? if yes, I have done some videos for simple boat wiring. You might want to check them out. I will put links below of the video I think your looking for. If I'm wrong please let me know. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJ-0i6Crp76EY8ksi=uMX9fmOFGf73l7Z9 kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqG6eJ-HfrCWoJIsi=q2_ewuRhZUBsCkQp

[@ioannisvarkoulis6081]

Thanks for the video.I have a minn kota on my boat connected to my house battery.I used your diagram plus I have also a Victron charger 220v to 12v and a solar panel with regulator connected to starter battery.My concern is if all that will work without any problem.So starting the engine will disengage the rest?

[@joetheboatguy5394]

Hi ioannisvarkoulis, Thanks for watching, if you have a single VSR it should work exactly like the diagram. when your engine is on if you have a voltage rectifier or alternator it will charge both your batteries since your voltage will be higher then 12.8 and VSR will let the voltage pass.

[@beaniril8870]

Hello Sir. Another learning video and many thanks. What size panel is recommended for a quick charge? Can solar charge agm battery? Thanks again

[@joetheboatguy5394]

Hi Bean Iril, So, at a minimum, you'll need a 120-watt rated panel to charge your 12V battery within ten hours. Keep in mind that various other factors determine the panel's recharge efficiency. For one, the greater the rated power of the solar panel, the faster you can charge your battery. You can use a solar panel to charge an AGM battery. There are two things to keep in mind: The solar panels should provide sufficient voltage (V) to charge the battery. The charging through the solar panel should be regulated with a charge controller, so as to avoid battery damage in case of overcharging.

[@jonathansurgenor5786]

Does having a Battery Disconnect Switch with Alternator Field Disconnect change how this would work?

[@joetheboatguy5394]

Hi jonathansurgenor, thanks for watching. If you look at the battery completely on the left, the start up battery never gets disconnected from the alternator.

[@Goodlifetu]

Hello, congratulations on your channel, I would like to see a VSR connection and disconnect switch 1 and 2 off and combined, I like the way you explain everything, thank you, and much success💪

[@joetheboatguy5394]

Hi Goodlifetu, Thanks for watching and nice comments 😊. I need to ask you why you would need both the VSR and the Switch? Usually, will use the VSR when the Batteries are all are same voltage and same amperages. We would use a Switch if your batteries were not the same amp or if one battery is a start up and the other a deep cycle battery. Let me know so I can help you better 😊

[@Goodlifetu]

@@joetheboatguy5394 Thanks for the answer, yes, for that I want one for a start-up and the other for a deep cycle

[@joetheboatguy5394]

Hello Goodlifetu, why would you need both the switch and the VSR? Usually, you use one or the other. Here’s a video with the switch. Let me know why you would like to use both, and I will try to see what you need. 😊 kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqnRcqaQYpd_h5Ysi=fnNb693jqKLiD2IH Thanks

[@PascaleA-o3v]

Hi and thank you for the clear videos I have a question : I also have a battery switch (1/2/Both/off), does it stay on Both continuously now ? Can I keep the solar system connected to the House battery, as the manufacturer Renogy said it only charges one battery.

[@joetheboatguy5394]

Hi Pascale, thanks for watching. If I understand, you have a battery switch and a VSR? You can have the solar pannel plugged on the deep cycle battery and will end up charging your startup battery once your deep cycle is full when switch is set on Both "if you have VSR". I don't see your setup so I am going with what I understand. Let me know if this helps :)

[@PascaleA-o3v]

@@joetheboatguy5394 thanks Yes I have a solar system connected to the House battery, and unfortunately my 12 v fridge drained the battery connected to the motor ! I think I had mixed up choosing the right battery on the selector… I want to install a Voltage Selector and I am trying to figure out how. It is called DeWinner Smart Battery Isolator

[@PascaleA-o3v]

Is there a way to send you a photo of a hand made diagram of my set up ?

[@joetheboatguy5394]

You would have to create a drop box and give me access to it. I know youtube wont let you and I can't really give my e-mail I did that mistake once LOL I got flooded with questions LOL

[@beaniril8870]

Can I connect the positive to positive bus bar instead of directly to the battery. If the controller fails it will overcharge the battery, right? Thanks again

[@joetheboatguy5394]

Hi Bean Iril, Thanks for watching. yes, absolutely you can connect the positive to a positive bus bar. When a Controller fails it usually stops charging your batteries. But unfortunately, any failure can cause damage ☹

[@beaniril8870]

@@joetheboatguy5394 -thanks for the info, your video is very helpful to a newbie like me.

[@joetheboatguy5394]

Glad it helps ;)

[@shauncodd7929]

Great video, I have a three battery three perko switch set up, 2 cranking batteries and one house battery. My house battery loses charge fast if a forget to turn my switch to the all mark. I want to charge my house battery while I'm out on the water and not rely on my twin engines alternator to charge my house battery.

[@ioannisvarkoulis6081]

Joe what about if the house battery is empty and the starter battery almost full?

[@joetheboatguy5394]

Hi ioannisvarkoulis. In this diagram the starter battery is primary. But as soon as your voltage is higher than 12.8v your house battery will get charged also. The VSR is there to make sure your equipment doesn’t use your starter battery. 👍

[@ioannisvarkoulis6081]

So i could change the VSR connection from solar charging and make the house battery prime. The starter battery will be charged from engine anyway Is that so?

[@joetheboatguy5394]

But your solar panel will charge the house battery if your starting battery is full. your solar will charge both batteries but the starter battery first. Why would you want your house battery to be primary?

[@ioannisvarkoulis6081]

@@joetheboatguy5394 I’m afraid that when the starter battery is full the solar charger will stop charging and the house battery will not reach the same status as the starter battery.

[@joetheboatguy5394]

Your solar charger controller should have a cut out voltage higher then 12.8V. So both your batteries should be full before it cuts out.

[@redwood1957]

I like it. I think an a/b switch would be nice between start battery and the outboard so you could use house battery to start in an emergency as well as positive buss bars and over current protection. Perhaps volt monitors on battery's. Is a shunt needed on the house battery if your using lead acid or is voltage good enough for lead acid? Thank you

[@joetheboatguy5394]

Thank you for your nice comments. I do have video’s about switch for batteries on my channel also but without solar panel. I was ask about solar panel with VSR. If you watch both videos it would be easy to put together 👍.

[@joetheboatguy5394]

For your question of the shunt. I highly recommend using shunts for heavy consumer batteries like a bow and stern thruster or anchor winch. If your just a simple user then it could be good extra to have.

[@bbingtube]

Yeah had this occur last month at the river: had drained the start batt (long story 😂) but didn’t have an easy way to jumper from my deep cycle bank. Always thought “both” on a 3 way would magically do this 😅

[@gjergjlegisi1899]

Can you illustrate a system that does not have a starter battery. How do you set it up using a deep cycle battery, an outbound two stroke 6hp motor that has a wire to charge the deep cycle battery and on singe solar panel? Also adding the option of charging it using a electrical socket too.

[@joetheboatguy5394]

Hi gjergjlegisi1899, thanks for watching, so just a deep cycle battery that can be charged by outboard, solar panel and regular plug in charger. Do you need fuse box for equipment? How about trolling electric motor? Let me know 👍