New Battery systems, solar, alternator. Electronicss

[SteveandZoila]

I have such a tight schedule I have not posted much, would like to share more.
Project 1: rig new boat (2003) for Caribbean trip Dec 1.

• New Batteries, 5 8Ds replacing the 48Ds, No more space.
• 4 – 270 watt solar panels = 1080 watts =~24ah
• 210 amp Idle pro Alternator/ Balmar regulator
• A case of rum

I did post a while ago about LiFepo3 Batteries, and if I had more time I would go that way. I found out today RVs are now being build without generators BUT with Lifepo3 Batteries!! Makes sense, finite space, Generator cost, amp available from Li bank, ease charging with big Alternators.
Update::: I was tying to buy thru Alibaba, solar panels and Batteries, 1st Li, then Gel. It was a NIGHTMARE. Canceled order. Long story. Going to put in Gels 220ah x 5 =1100ah. Any ideas Gel vs AGM? I am not a writer, I am a builder. You have shared so much info, I wanted to share my knowledge too.
Next part is how to make all these systems play together. LOL
New Radar, plotcharter. Gramin

 

[john61ct]

4 – 270 watt solar panels = 1080 watts =~24ah

Not sure what the 24AH is supposed to be?
> Any ideas Gel vs AGM?
GEL can be longer lived, but requires precise charge controls, easily damaged.

Same with AGM compared to FLA which are best value, very long-lived and robust, withstand abuse, easiest to care for with stock gear and much less expensive

 

[SteveandZoila]

Calculation and Gels

My mistake, my 1080 watts at ~14 volts =77amps, thats 77ah every hour.So if I could receive aprox. 5 hours ave. that would =385ah into batteries daily, that would be good!
Then plan is to have one bank for everything 1100ah gels, easier to monitor.

Ordering Monday, still might go AGMs 1250ah.

 

[john61ct]

My mistake, my 1080 watts at ~14 volts =77amps, thats 77ah every hour.So if I could receive aprox. 5 hours ave. that would =385ah into batteries daily, that would be good!
Then plan is to have one bank for everything 1100ah gels, easier to monitor.

Ordering Monday, still might go AGMs 1250ah.

Yes, rule of thumb 1080W theoretical will net you maybe 350AH into the bank, assuming you use that much.

But that's only in good insolation conditions

 

[motion30]

I also have for 275 watt panels. You will never see 77 amps. I am in South Florida I have seen Peak amperage close to 70 but the the average total on a good day is 300 amp hours much less in the winter

 

[SteveandZoila]

Real Numbers

Thanks for the real numbers, I am waiting for my new panels, they are 370watts x 4=1480. How many 270s do you have, And what do you think the winter number is? I will be cruising in Dec thru spring in the Caribean.

 

[john61ct]

How mounted makes a big difference, minimizing shading is critical and difficult.

 

[DavidM]

Thanks for the real numbers, I am waiting for my new panels, they are 370watts x 4=1480. How many 270s do you have, And what do you think the winter number is? I will be cruising in Dec thru spring in the Caribean.

The Caribbean in winter is about the same due to the low latitude.


David