“Sweetie” 31’ RT all wrapped in plastic waiting out another cold CT winter…

[AGLyme]

Yesterday I went to top off the batteries to at least 13.3 or so… Noted they were up to 15+… so the solar panel (thru the white plastic cover) is clearly working. But at 15, I think that # is too high.
I don’t know how to adjust the solar controller — so I am going to cover the panel with a cloth.

Questions please: what is a healthy battery level for long term winter storage?

And, can I adjust the solar controller “limit” to a set value - and what should that value be for all 6 batteries ?

Thank you in advance - and have a great Holiday.

 

[AGLyme]

Went to the boat early this AM (dark and 24 degrees). Checked the battery monitor - reading 12.75.
So, I guess during daylight with full sun, the monitor rises to about 15... and settles down to 12+ at night. I'd still like opinions on how to regulate the whole solar charging system. Thanks,

 

[Brian John]

What type of battery? For a lead-acid battery at 15 VDC, your batteries may be off-gassing, leading to loss of electrolyte.

What brand of charger do you have? Are you strictly relying on the solar charger or do you have shore power powering a charger/inverter?

 

[AGLyme]

Bats - Lead acid...
Charger: "ProNautic 12.40 P"
Solar: Yes, during the winter. I do have the ability to plug into the marina over the winter however... I was surprised that the Solar was powering up the batteries under the white plastic cover.
I checked on them (all 3 packages) were 12.8. I placed a cover over the Solar panel, and if I note any diminution in battery value, I will uncover more and more of the solar panel.

Thank you BJohn...

 

[Fishmagnet]

I had a bad solar charger that was over charging my batteries. It shortened the life of the batteries.

 

[AGLyme]

I feel stupid... that charger cited by me above is NOT the Solar Charger... it is the Whole Boat charger... will go down and get the proper charger brand/type... boat is presently under 9 inches of snow.