Solar Panel question??????

[joelyn]

have a golf cart that we use at the parks. its a 36 volt cart with 6 6 volt batteries. Anyone know if there is a solar panel that can be mounted on the roof of the cart to keep the batteries charged??? live in Az. so sun is no problem. if so what size or kind of solar panel would i need??? never dealt with solar. THANKS FOR ANY INPUT...

[LLOPR]

I'd suggest two "12 volt" panels in series. Fox example Renogy 200 Watt - https://solwiser.com/am-solar-panel-reviews/

"12 volt" panels in series, these are usually more like 24" by 54" in size.

[pianotuna]

joelyn,

Did you simply want to maintain and slowly recharge the battery bank?

[joelyn]

Thanks for all the suggestions and ideas, but it seems way above my expertise as well as my pocketbook. guess just stay with the ole charger method.. but again thank u all for ur responses...

[BFL13]

You can do one pair of 6s at a time with a 12v charger or solar controller Just have battery clamps on the charger's output wires and shift along to the next pair

Did that with a 36v cart (6-sixes) that had a broken 36v charger.

Not as handy to get them all done, but perhaps a lot easier than doing all six at once considering the solar equipment required at 12v vs 36v.

[pianotuna]

charge-controller-12v-24v-36v-48v-auto


https://www.pvace.com/products/60a-mppt-solar-charge-controller-12v-24v-36v-48v-auto-max-150vdc-inpu...

[msmith1_wa]

Although they are out of business, if you could find a panel or two made by Stion. Depending on the wattage of the panel the VOC is 77v to 80v.

[FWC]

The Victron MPPT 100/20 48V model will work with 36V battery banks. You will need solar panels with an open circuit voltage near greater than 45V or so, so three '12V' panels in series or two '24V'panels in series.

[KD4UPL]

It will be difficult if not impossible to find a single solar panel that can charge a 36 volt battery bank. Fully charged that bank will need about 44 volts. You could use two 60 cell solar panels in series, these are about 40" by 66" in size. Or, you could use 3 "12 volt" panels in series, these are usually more like 24" by 54" in size.
You will need a charge controller that will handle 36 volts. These are rare but he Outback FM60 and FM80 can both be programmed for that voltage. I'm not aware of any other models but there may be some.
60 cell panels can be found for around $150 each. An FM60 is about $400.

[pianotuna]

Hi Joelyn,

I'd suggest two "12 volt" panels in series.

If you just want maintenance between golfing trips, it may be possible to just direct connect them to the batteries. What size in amp-hours is each of the six volt batteries?

If you want more rapid recharging, then two 60 watt panels in series and a charge controller meant for 36 volts would be needed.