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My Boat Is on the Hard for Six Months, Should I Leave the Solar Panels to Charge the AGM Batteries?

8 May 2021 · 3 min · 3K views · Vancouver, British Columbia

What this video covers

Leaving a boat on the hard for six months requires specific battery management to prevent premature aging of AGM banks. Solar panels effectively maintain battery charge during storage without the risks associated with shore power, such as accidental disconnection by marina staff or neighbors.0:29 To optimize this setup, disconnect all non-essential electrical loads before departure.1:14 Keep the bilge pump and any low-voltage alarm systems connected directly to the battery bank to mitigate flooding risks from rainwater or leaks.1:32 A 200-watt solar array paired with a 75/15 solar controller provides sufficient daily recharging to keep AGM batteries topped off.2:31 Allowing AGM batteries to discharge slowly over a six-month period without a maintenance charge significantly reduces their lifespan.2:57 Utilizing solar power ensures the bank remains healthy while eliminating reliance on external power sources.

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