Solar Panel Charging

[marob]

Just wondering about the charging system on a 2021 Cutwater28, does the solar panel charge all batteries or does it just do the house and starter batteries? Also our boat has a USB plug that shows house battery voltage can I use that to see the condition of the hose batteries, it shows anywhere from 12.6 volts to 13.3 volts.

 

[knotflying]

The solar panel (Ranger does change things sometimes) should charge the house and engine. You can choose between 90/10 or 50/50. I would go 90% house and 10% engine. Then there are the ACR's once they kick in, the thruster will get the charge also and quite frankly they will all get an equal charge once the ACR's join them.

 

[CruisingElvinRay]

Also our boat has a USB plug that shows house battery voltage can I use that to see the condition of the hose batteries, it shows anywhere from 12.6 volts to 13.3 volts.

Using voltage to monitor batteries can be imprecise. You need to look up both the loaded and resting voltage ranges for your batteries. I would want something that shows hundredths, not just tens. If you plan to rely on your batteries often, I would strongly recommend a battery monitor, which will give you much more information about your batteries.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[knotflying]

Cruising Elvis' advice is good. However, everyone has their preferences. I like to keep things simple. Your battery voltage can be interpolated to state of charge. Monitoring your voltage over time and under specific conditions will be a good indicator. As an example at rest the batteries should be around 12.6 volts. After a night at anchor I know that my house voltage will be at 12.4 volts. If it starts to become less than that I know I have a problem. How old are my batteries? Have they been "abused" in the past? Have I left something on that I do not normally use? Also knowing what you are using that consumes electric and how many amps they consume, helps you manage your load at specific times. It is all about power management when you are anchored out.

 

[snydzy]

Here is a great article that might help:
https://marinehowto.com/under-load-batt ... ge-vs-soc/