... installing a solar panel is new to me, at the moment no wind or solar ... I have (3) three-year old Lifeline 150Ah HOUSE batteries and (1) of the same for START, 600Ah total, my Battery Monitor is a Link 20. I want to install a small solar panel (+/- 45W) to keep my batteries topped off and fully charged when not on the boat, this can sometimes be 1-2 months, I will mount it over the Radome on a SS 1” Hoop, on the Radar Mast at the stern, and run the Panel wires down inside the mast, from there to a Controller next to my Battery Switch, then run the POS via a Fuse to the battery side of the Switch, and NEG to a Ground. When the HOUSE is full, the Combiner will allow the START to charge. When on the boat, I’d like the added benefit of this smallish panel giving me (albeit “not much”) additional Ah.

Panels > wanting a permanent, not-flexible, rigid fixed frame, size will be an issue as I will need to be in the 22” wide by 24” long range. I’m probably not going to install any kind of pivot system, the Panel will lay horizontal, and will not directly face the sun. I realize the heat of the Bahamas will reduce the Panel output. Looking at a UL Solar, and Solarland Panel. Any comments about these or suggestions for other panels ?

Controllers > is the MPPT something I should consider, like Outback or BlueSky ? I’m thinking no, with this basic system. I don’t think I’ll see much boost with the small panel, perhaps 10-15%, but any little bit would help while on the boat. I’m a little concerned the boat will be sitting in the Bahamas for a month or so with the panel cranking, no battery discharge and topped off daily and early ... does this justify the expense of the MPPT, which I’m also assuming is the only option to get 3-stage, but is 3-stage necessary ? Will the MPPT Controllers cause interference with the SSB or VHF ? And if so, the Controller could go through a Breaker, but I’d rather not. Should I simply consider a basic $50 Regulator like a Sun Saver 6, with a Low-Voltage Disconnect ? Looking for product suggestions here too. Is there any reason to “see” the Display on the Controller / Regulator, can it be buried in a locker, assume I can see any charge coming in on the L20 ?

Thanks in advance, cheers, John