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View Full Version : Need help with solar battery charger



Pat Barry
06-19-2017, 3:53 PM
I would like to get a solar battery charger that will keep two 12V boat batteries charged. One battery is a deep cycle battery for a trolling motor, the other is a standard lead acid battery used for starting the main motor. The main motor gets charged while in operation by the alternator on the motor. Not looking for a fast charge, basically a low current charge. I understand that in addition to a PV cell I will need a charge controller.
I'm hoping to get something I can permanently install on my pontoon.

Questions:
1) Should I have two charge controllers, one for each battery?
2) How long of cable can I run from the solar cell to the battery (lets say using 12 Ga wire)?
3) Can I get by with a total cost of under $120- $150.
4) Do I need to disconnect the charge controller / PV cell when actually using the boat - will there be any conflict between the alternator and the solar cell?

Anyone have specific recommendations for this application?

Thanks