Run time with solar panel and no generator on C28

[tatoweb]

Hi friends,

In a C28, how long approx. can I run all the basic 12V components (including fridge) without turning on the generator and battery charger?

Thanks.

 

[Red Raven]

I think the C28 should be similar to the R27 if you only have one fridge/freezer/cooler, one solar panel, and two group 31 house batteries.

It depends on many factors, most notably the number of hours of direct sun on the solar panel and the condition of your batteries. If you keep your single fridge at setting 3, keep it full and don't run much of anything else you should be able to last at least 3 days in full sun in the summer with new healthy batteries.

Check your batteries each eve and morning to make sure you are getting fully recharged and not dropping to too low. To stay even you should be at 12.6V or above in the evening after the sun goes down and better than 12.2V in the morning before the solar panel is generating current. Checking the voltage when the solar panel is charging doesn't mean much. Also try to check when the fridge isn't in the "on" part of its cycle.

 

[tatoweb]

Red,

Thanks for the info. I'll keep an eye on the batteries!

 

[Chimo]

Just spent a few days out in our R25. I think the set up is pretty much the same. Beautiful sunny weather most of the time. Fridge on number three. I was on the hook for the first three nights so had the anchor light (LED) overnight. I watched the monitor and the solar panel output ah matched the combined battery consumption ah. By the time I was up in the morning around 8am the batteries were showing 13.2 again on the monitor. I would start the engine for 10 mins to switch to inverter, make tea and microwave poached eggs. The bacon was done on the alcohol stove and the toast on the BBQ. Evening meal was done on the BBQ. The next two nights I moved to marinas so the engine ran during the day for a couple of hours. I didn't bother paying for shore power. The water was hot and the solar panel again matched the demand for the fridge and a few lights. Overall I was very pleased with the system. I could have stayed out at anchor without trouble as long as the weather held and I was happy with a less than hot shower.

 

[Len]

I've been contemplating adding solar to our R27. What size panel do you use (if I may ask)?

Thnx, Len

 

[tatoweb]

I watched the monitor and the solar panel output ah matched the combined battery consumption ah.

I know this should be checked on the screens near the main breaker panel, but how do you actually do it?

 

[knotflying]

I've been contemplating adding solar to our R27. What size panel do you use (if I may ask)?

Thnx, Len

I have the 135 watt. The more watts the better. However, it is a fine line between a larger solar panel area and space needed on top. Ideally two panels will be better and they will fit. There will be loss of storage and they may encroach somewhat on the hatches.

 

[Red Raven]

I've been contemplating adding solar to our R27. What size panel do you use (if I may ask)?

Thnx, Len

I have the factory supplied 140W Kyocera Panel and have added an additional 145W panel. I believe you can now get 150W in the same size panel. I have the factoryinstalled Morningstar Sunsaver duo controller. It is limited to 25A max and I have seen a peak of 23A (captured by the meter but not sustained) with two panels so I'm am maxed out without adding an additional controller. So far two panels meets our needs with the factory fridge and an additional cockpit chest freezer. We can go indefinitely off grid in sunny weather.

The additional panel does sit over the rear starboard skylights but quite a bit above. The skylights still let in plenty of light and open as much as we ever need. Not a problem at all. The kayak still fits on the port side where there is no panel.

Curt