Boat Systems - Misspent 1

Electrical

Here’s the 12v electrical system that I installed recently…with the help from my mate Charlie from Texas, USA who not only designed the entire system but also helped me install it via video link. I’ve included the schematic in case you too want to know how to set up a basic 12 volt system.  

It comprises of the following items:

  • 2 x 150W + 1 x 100W solar panels
  • 2 x 130Ah lead carbon batteries
  • 2.5kW pure sine wave inverter (5kW peak)
  • Victron 5 stage 30A Battery charger with it’s own App.
  • 30A MPPT solar controller
  • 4 x isolation switches + cabling to suit
  • Cobra 1kW portable generator

I’ve recently purchased a 40L 12/240v Coolbox so now I’m able store fresh food longer and chill beer and mixers and keep it cold all summer. At the moment I have it plugged directly into the inverter as I’m able to switch the device into eco mode overnight, thus reducing noise and power consumption.  A recent addition includes installation of LED cabin lights including strip lights in the main saloon, under the shelf, the centre cockpit and an external towpath light for darker days over winter. I’ve also installed LED lighting in my front (sleeping) cabin and a 12v fan which is a godsend in warmer months but over winter will help reduce condensation. I’ve also purchased a small 25W tower fan to help circulate warm air throughout the main cabin over winter.   I tried and tested several battery chargers. You can read my review here but at the end of the day, the Victron, while expensive, came out on top.

The Photonic Universe MPPT controller is the best on the market. The great thing about MPPT technology is it’s ability to track and pinpoint the sweet spots on your solar array, thus extracting more amps from the panels than you would otherwise get if you only used a PWM controller. 
 

Installing the 12v system myself has given me a great understanding of the relationship between amps and volts. I now have my voltmeter temporarily attached to my battery terminals. By simply looking at the voltage status of my batteries, I can ascertain the exact state of charge.  

Given that my electrical system runs purely from solar, I often have to run my portable generator to make up for the lack of sun. I purchased a Cobra 1kW petrol portable generator. It has the same specs as a Honda but is a 3rd of the price and works nicely with my Victron battery charger.  

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