solar charger

[raincheck]

I'm thinking about getting a solar charger is there anyone who has tryed them got any sugestions on them.I'm thinking that it mite be more green than having too plug a charger in and could charge on the road.Terry Adolph

[adam7456]

They don't put out enough power to even be considered useful. For example there is a MarineExtender solar panel that is 12"x37", it produces a whole 15 watts. A 55 lb thrust motor using 12 Volts @ 50 Amps = 600 Watts. It would take 40 hours of peak solar charging to get 1 hour of battery life for the trolling motor.

[raincheck]

thanks adam kinda what i though,Terry Adolph

[MarkW]

I had a small solar charge on my main battery for several years. Everybody that got in my boat would ask" "What is that? Does it work?" My answer was always the same, "It's a solar charger and I really don't kow if it works, but my main battery has never left me down and it was never dead and I had my main battery for at least 4-5 years and just replaced it because I wanted a bigger battery."
Also, I never charged my main battery at all. Only while the engine was running. So, I felt it was a good thing, even if it only put a trickle charge back in it.

[leakinwader]

I have one on my two man. Only use a trolling motor. I have never charged the battery with antything else. It puts out 9 watts, with a surface area of approximately 1 square foot. It will full output on a fairly cloudy day also. I love it!