solar vs shore

[Andreas W]

I only have the fridge and sometimes a fan running. So with my 400W solar panels I don't need to be on the shore connection.

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by USMCOrdO

What is the preference for power at the dock when not aboard, having shore power turned on, or leave off and let the solar panels and MPPT keep the boat powered and batteries charged.


If I use shore power, does it negatively affect the solar panels or MPPT?


Thanks,
Jay
S/V Encore
C36 1993 #1245

I use both.

But since the batteries are always fully charged I change the solar setting to hit absorption voltage to just stir the batteries up and then drop right to float with no absorption hold time. My solar float is a little higher than the battery charger so during the day solar provides the DC and at night the charger takes over.

[slug]

Originally Posted by USMCOrdO

What is the preference for power at the dock when not aboard, having shore power turned on, or leave off and let the solar panels and MPPT keep the boat powered and batteries charged.


If I use shore power, does it negatively affect the solar panels or MPPT?


Thanks,
Jay
S/V Encore
C36 1993 #1245

Corrosion

When you are plugged into shorepower , Your earth wire connects to every other boats earth

You will inherit their problems

If you have the option ...unplug and isolate your boat

[Miguelso]

I prefer to have it on shore power. My rationale is that with my solar system, I would be cycling the batteries and reducing its life. My freezer/refrigerator can lower my battery bank to 90% during the night. Not a deep cycle, but still a cycle every day.