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Old 05-11-2021, 07:01   #1
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Charging batteries with solar panel through shrinkwrap

So, I have been doing a bit of research and data collecting. It appears that there is reasonable solar charging of batteries through the "white" shrinkwrap. I have been monitoring the efficiency on a daily basis from August to the beginning of November (Maine Coast), and it does appear that the solar panel will charge the batteries through the white shrinkwrap, however with the angle of the sun and reduction in daylight hours, the question is; "will the efficiency decrease enough through through the shrinkwrap along with the time of year (winter in Maine) that the batteries will not charge? Also, would clear shrinkwrap make a large enough difference such that the ability to charge batteries in the winter in Maine would be acceptable for wet deep cell batteries?
Would love to hear some perspective with experience and possibly data. My marina said that they would switch to clear shrinkwrap if this would allow other boats to charge during the winter (and reduce the spiderweb of charging cables ). Thanks all
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Old 05-11-2021, 07:45   #2
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Re: Charging batteries with solar panel through shrinkwrap

You might find someone who has been successful or unsuccessful at doing this, but there are too many variables undefined to be able to say that it would work with your array, on your hill, facing your way, with your battery bank.

One approach would be to try it between now and the winter solstice (December 21 or thereabouts) and see whether your batteries have stayed topped up. That would require connections for your voltmeter outside the wrap and accessible. Then, if everything has gone downhill, plug her in.
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Old 09-11-2021, 15:50   #3
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Re: Charging batteries with solar panel through shrinkwrap

I wonder if anyone has any experience (data would be helpful) comparing clear Vs. white shrinkwrap and the effect on the efficiency with solar charging.
My marina would move to clear shrinkwrap if it thought that boats could charge their batteries efficiently in Maine with the clear stuff. This would reduce the load on their electrical systems and be more earth friendly since so many boats have solar panels. Any help would be appreciated - Go Green (or at least solar)
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