www.TheDoItYourselfWorld.com

I have 2 deep cycle batteries for my boat that I need to recharge between days of fishing trips. I'm looking for some type of kit that I could start with that includes the charge controller that I could add more panels to at a later date. I'm limited on storage space as well, smaller panels would be easier to stow away.
Having no experience with solar setups, I am looking for advice as to where I can find a good "kit" to get started. I know a lot of people use the HF setup. Looking for a little higher output.

Thanks

There are no smaller solar panels unless you get into the folding panels or roll up ones which cost a whole lot of money.

You may consider the roll up ones offered on ebay. Cost a bit more and have a shorter life span but you can stow then better. Look for flexible solar panels

The HF kit is the best starter package for beginners but it is low power as you said. It would take many days to recharge your batteries.

But a 200 watt solar panel is quite large. Measures about 5 feet x 3.5 feet (guessing here based on looking out the window).

To build your own system you would need a solar panel, charge controller and wires.

If you are in a high wind area you could go with a wind turbine. I have seen many boats with them permanently mounted on the boat.

I forgot to mention you can go to Sunelec.com for cheap solar panels

look into the SOLN1 25 kit - $249.95
SOLN1 25 Fast Build Kit
- Batteries are not included
its all in one integrated solar panel
http://teslamaker.com/product/soln1-25-fast-build-kit/

Batteries are ordered from
Headway 38120S LiFePO4 10Ah Cell
http://www.headway-headquarters.com/381 ... ergy-cell/
4 cell configuration: $76.00 – For smaller loads. Approximately a 120 watt hour battery.
8 cell configuration: $152.00 – For larger loads. Approximately a 240 watt hour battery.

(nice thing about this kits you can buy 10Ah now and later another 10Ah to upgraded it to 20Ah)

SOLN1 25 - Easy to Build DIY Portable Energy Generator Solar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUQOO0mQlRU

SOLN1 25 Kit Build Video - 20Ah Version
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUUwnMwRlTk

it charges to 60% within the first 30 mins and to 100% in 90 mins (LiFePO4)

Can the LiFePO4 batteries be paralleled with a 12 volt lead-acid battery?
Is the 4 cell configuration a 12 volt configuration? I see it is only $76 (plus shipping I assume) and that is a better price than a new 12 volt lead-acid of comparable AH rating.

Q: Can the LiFePO4 batteries be paralleled 12 volt lead-acid battery:
A: Nope - Not Directly anyway (However indirecly with BMS PCM (Battery Management Systems (BMS) and Protection Circuit Modules (PCM)) / DC DC Regulator / PWM Controller / MPPT Controller : Yes but you wont want too the LiFePO4 are Better than the Lead acids and all the lead acid will do is draw the LiFePO4 down with the lead acid inefficiency's Flaws due the LiFePO4 don't have them)

LiFePO4 10Ah have a max of 20AMPs charging input (much higher than lead acid)
at this ampage they are charged to 100% in under 1 hour (70% in 25mins) the even do better at 6 Amps

Headway 38120S LiFePO4 10Ah Cell is 3.2V 10Ah with will need 4x of them in a series to make 12V 10Ah Cluster group

Headway LifePO4 38120S 10Ah
USA Site
http://www.headway-headquarters.com/381 ... ergy-cell/
UK Site has spec
http://www.eclipsebikes.com/headway-lif ... -1011.html

Single Headway 38120S LifePO4 Cell 10AH with screw terminal & high discharge rates. The cylindrical Headway cells are widely used in EVs including electric bikes, electric scooters, electric cars / hybrid electric cars, UPS batteries, storage batteries for solar power systems, starter batteries for cars & motorbikes etc.

Nominal Capacity: 10000mAh (0.5c)
Nominal Voltage: 3.2V
Charging Voltage: 3.65V ± 0.05V
Cut Off Discharge Voltage: 2.0V
Charging Method: CC/CV
Max Charge Current: 2C (20A)
Max Discharge Current (Continuous): 3C (30A)
Max Pulse Discharge Current: 10C (100A)
Cycle Life: 2000 Cycles 1C 80% DOD
Energy Density: 105Wh/KG
Power Density: 850W/KG
Initial Internal Impendance: <6mΩ
Storage Temperature: One Month -20°C - 45°C Six Months -20°C - 35°C
Operation Temperature: Charge 0-45°C Discharge -20°C - 60°C
Diameter (mm): 38±1
Height (mm): 122±1
Weight: 346g


You should see the 15Ah
Headway LifePO4 40152S 15Ah
USA Site
http://www.headway-headquarters.com/401 ... dway-cell/
UK Site has spec
http://www.eclipsebikes.com/headway-lif ... -1053.html

Single Headway 40152S LifePO4 Cell 15AH with screw terminal & high discharge rates. The cylindrical Headway cells are widely used in EVs including electric bikes, electric scooters, electric cars / hybrid electric cars, UPS batteries, storage batteries for solar power systems, starter batteries for cars & motorbikes etc.

Nominal Capacity: 15000mAh (0.5c)
Nominal Voltage: 3.2V
Max Charging Voltage: 3.65V ± 0.05V
Cut Off Discharge Voltage: 2.0V
Charging Method: CC/CV
Max Charge Current: 3C (45A)
Max Discharge Current (Continuous): 5C
Max Pulse Discharge Current (30 seconds): 10C (150A)
Recommended Discharge Current: 1C (15A)
Cycle Life: 2000 Cycles 1C 80% DOD
Self Discharge Rate (monthly): 2-3%
Energy Density: 100 Wh/Kg
Initial Internal Impendance: <6mΩ
Storage Temperature: One Month -20°C - 45°C Six Months -20°C - 35°C
Operation Temperature: Charge 0-45°C Discharge -20°C - 60°C
Diameter (mm): 40±1
Height (mm): 152.5±0.5
Weight: 480g