phildogginit
Member II
I'm curious what others have done to install solar power and additional batteries on an e34-2.
Thanks!
Phil
hull #236
Thanks!
Phil
hull #236
I just installed 3 Sunpower 110W flexible panels in series on my E-34-2 bimini (typically seeing 59v + 3-4 amps). With 2 across long-side they are a couple of inches too wide so I mounted them on Plaskolite panels to give the overhang support. Right now they are just tied on as I evaluate them. My engine is 48V electric with 300 Ah Lifeline AGMs.
When you have electric you motor slowly. At full throttle you are correct. I can run the boat at just over 6 knots for an hour and completely drain the battery. The other day I was becalmed and had to get home so I ran the motor at 850 rpms which with a favorable current moved me along at around 3 knots. Easily covered the 6 miles in 2 hours using about 30 amps. Could have made this up with solar in 1 day.I admit that I am confused by electrical propulsion. I motor with a 25HP diesel, which is 20 kilowatts. To get that power at 48 volts, you need a current of 400 amps, which would discharge a 300Ah bank in less than an hour. Recharging at "3-4 amps" would take days. I just don't get it. Is there something simple that I am missing?
... I can run the boat at just over 6 knots for an hour and completely drain the battery.....