Solar panel to top up starter battery?

[Tim Kelly]

Where I keep my boat there's no electricity, so I was wondering whether there would be any downside to putting a little solar panel on the roof and trickle charging the battery directly from the panel. As the panel will be providing a level of charge whenever there's enough light I wonder whether it would damage the battery if left plugged in for a few weeks between trips?

[wmitch2]

That's how I keep my Motor Home batteries ready to go !!

[CJ1]

Either use a charge controller with a larger panel for charging or a small enough one that the battery can dissapate any extra energy as heat. The bigger panel and charge controller is your best bet. Cj

[Tim Kelly]

Thanks. I'll try a little cheapo panel and see how it works out.

[billnorman1]

What do you have to lose? Sunshine is free. Get a big one.

[NWStratos]

Here you go
https://www.tuffskinz.net/product/power-hood/

[Tim Kelly]

What do you have to lose? Sunshine is free. Get a big one.

Presumably a big one could kill the battery through overcharging?

[Tim Kelly]

Here you go
https://www.tuffskinz.net/product/power-hood/

Blimey, that's a high end solution to a simple problem. No good for me though as it won't work in a dark garage! Phew!!

[CJ1]

Presumably a big one could kill the battery through overcharging?

It will, that's why you use a charge controller with it. Cj

[exx1976]

Blimey, that's a high end solution to a simple problem. No good for me though as it won't work in a dark garage! Phew!!

No shit, huh? Over $700 to get 23 watts of power? Bwaaaaaaaahahahahahahahahaha

[Tim Kelly]

Ordered a cheap panel and controller kit form Amazon. Thanks for the info guys.