[Rhodes22-list] Does removing batteries affect the solar panels

[Bob Garrant]

Joe
Thanks for the tip. Much appreciated

Bob

On Tue, Oct 27, 2026 at 3:00 PM Joe Dempsey <jpd9668 at gmail.com> wrote:

> Bob, while the solar panels should theoretically keep a charge on the
> batteries, unless you have a charge controller on them, I would remove
> them  and bring them inside for the winter on a float charger. If you're
> using a single charger for the two, I would put a charge isolator between
> them, other wise if one battery is weaker than the other, it will draw down
> the higher charged battery. Also, if they are wet cell batteries, be sure
> the electrolyte is level in all cells. Old school practice was to place the
> batteries on blocks if you are on a concrete floor eg basement/garage, but
> most battery information seems in agreement that modern batteries are not
> subject to draw down due to cold floors. I put mine on a couple of short
> 2x4 boards just the same. (I didn't have to bend over as far to service the
> cells!  (LOL!)
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Bob Garrant <bgarrant at gmail.com>
> Sent: Tuesday, October 27, 2026 8:31 AM
> To: The Rhodes 22 Email List <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
> Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Does removing batteries affect the solar panels
>
> I have two solar panels that charge two deep cycle batteries.
> I would like to:
> - remove the batteries and trickle charge them over the winter
> - tarp the boat for the winter
>
> Normally I left the batteries in the boat and did not tarp it to let the
> solar panels charge the batteries.
>
> Any issues with that?
>
> Thanks
> Bob Garrant
> s/v Sail la Vie
> Kent Island, MD
>
>