Anyone using solar charger? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Aquahunter · 10-16-2015, 12:47 PM

I have been looking at this one:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sunforce-500...oAAOSw3ydVuiqR

I'm thinking of mounting a small waterproof solar charger for my 12v battery, it keep draining on me mid day even with the timer switch on it.

Would like your input or point me to the right direction or if you have one installed on your yak, can I see a picture of it?

Starsky · 10-16-2015, 01:07 PM

1.8 Watts probably will not be able to keep up even with the brightest conditions, you may want to look for something at least 10 watts.

http://www.amazon.com/RENOGY%C2%AE-W...0w+solar+panel

Are you running a Fish finder and pump off a 12v?

yemff · 10-16-2015, 01:12 PM

I cant speak to your idea, but sunforce chargers suck. I bought one and all it did was drain my battery.

Starsky · 10-16-2015, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yemff

I cant speak to your idea, but sunforce chargers suck. I bought one and all it did was drain my battery.

Yea some solar panels will actually drain your battery at night when there is no sun if they are not wired properly with diode or solar charge controller. I use renogy panels on my camper with great results.

Aquahunter · 10-16-2015, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Starsky

1.8 Watts probably will not be able to keep up even with the brightest conditions, you may want to look for something at least 10 watts.

http://www.amazon.com/RENOGY%C2%AE-W...0w+solar+panel

Are you running a Fish finder and pump off a 12v?

Yes I'm running Lowrance DSI fishfinder/gps and 500 gph tsunsami bait pump

Dave Legacy · 10-16-2015, 01:54 PM

I wonder if you wouldn't be better off running a dual battery setup or just a better battery overall?

chris138 · 10-16-2015, 02:06 PM

Use 6V for bait tank, it will last all day. I bet a solar panel could run a sonar without GPS.

FISH11 · 10-16-2015, 08:14 PM

I had one of those, I purchased to use on multi day trips to help recharge the 12v battery. It worked good enough till the unit overheated and started to melt the plastic, when I left it on the dash of my wife's car for several weeks to keep her battery charged. I would agree that a 6v battery for the bait tanks is the way to go and makes the 12v battery for the FF last for several days on a smaller FF like the Elite 4. My HDS5 though uses up much more power and needs re-charging daily. Harbor Freight sells those and some times are as cheap as $15

10-16-2015, 12:47 PM	#1
Aquahunter Crazy Deaf Cuban Redneck Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Descanso, CA Posts: 158	Anyone using solar charger? I have been looking at this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sunforce-500...oAAOSw3ydVuiqR I'm thinking of mounting a small waterproof solar charger for my 12v battery, it keep draining on me mid day even with the timer switch on it. Would like your input or point me to the right direction or if you have one installed on your yak, can I see a picture of it? __________________

10-16-2015, 08:14 PM	#8
FISH11 Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Pine Valley when not fishing La Jolla Posts: 2,629	I had one of those, I purchased to use on multi day trips to help recharge the 12v battery. It worked good enough till the unit overheated and started to melt the plastic, when I left it on the dash of my wife's car for several weeks to keep her battery charged. I would agree that a 6v battery for the bait tanks is the way to go and makes the 12v battery for the FF last for several days on a smaller FF like the Elite 4. My HDS5 though uses up much more power and needs re-charging daily. Harbor Freight sells those and some times are as cheap as $15 __________________ MARK ......... 2016 MALIBU X FACTOR, 2020 SOLO SKIFF (Fishing Kayak on Steroids )

10-16-2015, 01:07 PM	#2
Starsky Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Lancaster Posts: 187	1.8 Watts probably will not be able to keep up even with the brightest conditions, you may want to look for something at least 10 watts. http://www.amazon.com/RENOGY%C2%AE-W...0w+solar+panel Are you running a Fish finder and pump off a 12v?

10-16-2015, 01:12 PM	#3
yemff Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 75	I cant speak to your idea, but sunforce chargers suck. I bought one and all it did was drain my battery.

10-16-2015, 01:54 PM	#6
Dave Legacy Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Hacienda Heights, CA Posts: 427	I wonder if you wouldn't be better off running a dual battery setup or just a better battery overall?

10-16-2015, 02:06 PM	#7
chris138 donkey roper Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Pacific Beach Posts: 968	Use 6V for bait tank, it will last all day. I bet a solar panel could run a sonar without GPS.