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Solar power on a 46.6 convertable

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by LenR, Feb 18, 2026 at 12:05 PM.

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  1. LenR

    LenR New Member

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    What are the thoughts on adding solar to a 46 convertable? Not for full operation just to run the fridg, tv, and a couple lights over night while on an anchor or mooring?
  2. SplashFl

    SplashFl Senior Member

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    How do you expect solar to work at night.
  3. LenR

    LenR New Member

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    I expect not very well. I should have been more specefic.
    What are the thoughts on adding solar to a 46.6c's electric system with a battery bank, inverter, and selector switch (shore,gen, inv)
  4. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    I would start by simply building a battery bank that would run the inverter large enough to handle those items. Lithium batteries are quite small for the amount of AH they hold. It could then be charged during the day by the engines, or generator or a battery charger while on shore power.
  5. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    No need for a power selector switch. Charger/Inverters are usually in line now days. This way the fridge keeps running automatically if you loose dock power.
    Just maybe a by-pass switch if your concerned with inverter failure/service.

    During daily operation, you will get higher re-charge rates from a gen-set or engine alternator than a solar panel.

    For extended anchoring out with out a fridge (or other heavy loads) running, solar charging is great for bilge pumps and alarms.
    LenR likes this.
  6. LenR

    LenR New Member

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    Thats kinda the plan. I'm wondering if anyone has had good or bad experiences doing this? Any mistakes that sound good but just don't work? Any manufactures better than the next? As far as Lithium batteries I think I'd shy away from them due to the chance of an uncontrollable fire. I know they are widely used and are safe but.
  7. ranger58sb

    ranger58sb Senior member

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    One approach might be to add the battery bank and inverter system first... then use it... evaluate... decide whether adding solar to that would be worth the effort.

    Saying "lithium" as a general class is slightly different from saying LiFePO4 (aka LFP). Latter are inside the whole lithium class, but a different lithium chemistry from the small batteries in laptops or hand tools or whatever... and reading suggests there are no known fire events caused by LFPs. None. Zip. Nada.

    -Chris
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  8. SplashFl

    SplashFl Senior Member

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    Don't know if you follow this guy but in the link I'll post he installed what appeared to me a great battery set up despite having 2 generators.
  9. LenR

    LenR New Member

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    Great video and a lot of information. A much bigger system than I'm looking to do but I'll definitely look into the manufacturer.
  10. LenR

    LenR New Member

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    The only reason I'm not a fan of Lithium is I've seen FD trying to put out lithium fires. It turns into a containment till it burns out not putting the fire out.
  11. SplashFl

    SplashFl Senior Member

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    Just had a new generator installed on mine; but I never do overnight anchor outs.