[C320-list] Portable Solar Panel Connection

[David J Cardoza]

As long as it is fused and live when the boat is off it should be fine.

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Mike Ott
Sent: Tuesday, June 15, 2010 1:34 PM
To: Catalina 320 Association
Subject: [C320-list] Portable Solar Panel Connection

Hello all,
Our boat is on a mooring, so gaining a few amps of electricity from the Sun would be a nice offset to running the engine for the first few hours on weekend cruises.  
I would like to put a flexible solar panel on top of my Bimini and plug it into a cigarette lighter adapter on my engine instrument panel.  The adapter is for my search light and draws power from the engine harness wiring.  Would this system work ?  Would it create any problems with the engine harness wiring or the alternator to run power back through the harness to the batteries ?  would I have to leave the main battery selector swith on ? 
I know this is not the best way to proceed but I'm just looking for a temporary fix for our short sailing season here in New England.
Regards,
Mike
'Amanda Lu'
#508