Sailing Vlog 30 Victron 100/30 Solar Charger Upgrade

On their sailing journey, The Foster Journey recently decided to upgrade their boat’s solar power setup with a Victron 100/30 Solar Charger, increasing their sailing efficiency and enjoyment.

Solar Power Update on Cadence

In the fall, The Foster Journey installed an impressive 400 watts of solar panels on their boat, Cadence. Along with a Victron charge controller rated at only 15 amps, they set up a solar system that could handle their sailing needs.

Upgrade Justification

However, after receiving comments about potential issues with the setup, such as the risk of burning down their boat, The Foster Journey decided to address those concerns by upgrading to a Victron 100/30 Solar Charger.

The main reason for this upgrade was that their existing charger was slightly underpowered. Initially, they had considered overpowering the charger to maximize output; however, upon further thought, they decided on a more balanced approach by slightly underpowering the system so it wouldn’t tax other components.

Upgrading Process and Installation

The process involved installing the new Victron 100/30 Solar Charger to ensure a more efficient balance between power output and system demands. This upgraded charger, substantially larger than the previous charge controllers in use, is designed to maximize their 400 watts of solar panel capacity without issue.

Installation Location

The Foster Journey noted that they installed the Victron 100/30 Solar Charger upside down, which is contrary to the manufacturer’s instructions. However, this was primarily done to minimize potential water ingress concerns and allow for easier access during future maintenance or upgrades.

Solar Power Benefits

With the upgraded Victron 100/30 Solar Charger in place, The Foster Journey enjoys an improved sailing experience as their boat can now harness more solar wattage efficiently. This leads to increased power output during long sunlit days, ensuring a continuous and reliable energy supply.

Other Upgrades and Improvements

In addition to the solar charger upgrade, The Foster Journey also showed off some other nifty upgrades on their boat. One example was a series of small but useful LED lights installed in dark cabinets for better visibility and ease of use.

These inexpensive yet efficient lighting solutions not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal of their boat but also offered practical benefits, such as improved illumination in storage areas.

Conclusion

The Foster Journey’s upgrade from a Victron 7515 to a Victron 100/30 Solar Charger has proven to be a successful decision, enhancing the boat’s overall efficiency and improving their sailing experience. The new solar charger addresses previous concerns about safety and power balance while demonstrating thoughtful planning for future maintenance or upgrades.

As The Foster Journey continues on their marine adventure, they inspire fellow sailors to think critically about upgrading their own boats’ systems, focusing on both practicality and long-term benefits.