Service Group 3: DC Charging – Auxiliary

To reduce generator run time on or off the dock, you must optimize your auxiliary charging sources.  After 7 years of living off-grid on anchor in multiple locations from the U.S. East Coast to the West Coast and through the Caribbean, we’ve learned a thing or two about keeping the batteries topped up with passive energy generation.  We can help you understand your current solar setup, troubleshoot issues, add new components, or start fresh with a brand-new design optimized for your vessel & usage.

Adding passive power-generating devices such as solar panels and wind generators will help to reduce carbon emissions, electric bills, and wear and tear on your main engine or generator.  Spend less time changing fuel filters and more time relaxing while your battery bank gets replenished by the sun and wind.

We can design boat-specific CAD drawings with fabrication dimensions for support structures to maximize the space available for the installation or find suitable factory-built support structures.

The design components included in this service group are as follows:

Solar Generation

• • Size and type of solar panels (mono, poly, flex, walk-on)
  • Size and type of charge controllers
  • Wire size, routing & overcurrent protection per ABYC recommendations
  • Mounts

Wind & Hydro generators

• • Selection considerations
  • Controlling
  • Wire size, routing & overcurrent protection per ABYC recommendations
  • Mounts

How to choose a service level:

• If you have an issue with your current solar array or aren’t sure what service level to choose, we recommend starting with Service Level 1: Design Consultation.  During the proposal review meeting, we will review your situation and offer guidance on the best way to take advantage of our services.
• If you don’t have any auxiliary DC charging sources and would like professional recommendations and a custom wiring diagram and equipment list for the new system design, choose Service Level 2: Design and Diagrams.
• If you want us to complete a custom design, wiring diagram, equipment list, and a detailed bill of materials listing exact quantities of wire, connectors, conduits, and enclosures, select Level 3: Design Build Installation.