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Old 16-09-2014, 13:33   #1
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Shore Float Charge vs. On & Off

OK, say you are on shore power. Mostly cloudy, partly cloudy, partly rainy less than 5 kt wind days. Is it better to turn off shore power, getting partial charge from solar and wind or stay at float from shore power?
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Old 16-09-2014, 13:38   #2
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Re: Shore Float Charge vs. On & Off

Not sure what the point of turning off the shore power and switching to solar would be. Just stay on shore power. Its easier and if you start to draw the system down by turning things on the battery charger will compensate.
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Old 16-09-2014, 14:57   #3
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Re: Shore Float Charge vs. On & Off

Almost sorry for posting the question. Thank you for the reply. I have confirmed my usage method with the mfg. The original idea was to save a few bucks of expensive shore power bills. It is better to leave the system on shore power and keep the batteries at float.
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Old 16-09-2014, 15:08   #4
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Re: Shore Float Charge vs. On & Off

Just out of curiosity, how expensive is shore power and where are you located?
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Old 16-09-2014, 15:10   #5
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Re: Shore Float Charge vs. On & Off

Our current rate is $0.45 kwh. We are in Bocas del Toro, Panama. Last year up the Rio Dulce is was $0.49 kwh.
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Old 17-09-2014, 12:47   #6
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Re: Shore Float Charge vs. On & Off

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nauti-Nauti View Post
Our current rate is $0.45 kwh. We are in Bocas del Toro, Panama. Last year up the Rio Dulce is was $0.49 kwh.
Ouch! No kidding!

Almost makes it worth running a Honda 2000 instead, depending on local gas prices!

Are you running A/Cs, or just charging batteries? You didn't mention how much solar power you have. Personally, I'd prefer not to pay that much for electricity, but so many other factors enter in - like convenience of being in a slip vs anchored out, etc.

I'd love to be in a position that solar power augmented with a portable genny would be enough to keep the boat comfortable. Not an easy thing to do.
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