THE GREEN BOATER · video

What this video covers

A 27-foot Ranger Tug owner replaced a factory 160-watt solar setup with 400 watts of solar and a 320-amp-hour lithium house battery bank to eliminate the need for a generator.0:43 The upgrade allows the boat to operate without shore power, relying on solar for 80% of daily energy needs.5:41 The owner emphasizes that solar should be the first priority before expanding battery capacity, as solar acts as a silent, continuous power source.13:48 For controllers, the owner recommends MPPT models, specifically Victron, for their Bluetooth instrumentation and efficiency.14:30 When selecting panels, the owner suggests prioritizing high-efficiency cells, such as those from Custom Marine Products, to maximize output within the limited rooftop space of a 27-foot vessel.15:15 The conversion to lithium required a complete overhaul of the charging system, as lithium and AGM batteries cannot share charging profiles.16:50 The owner notes that while lithium is a significant investment, it offers higher usable capacity and weight savings compared to traditional lead-acid batteries.7:58

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