Idea for using a small solar-powered system to power a small 12v bilge pump in an open, uncovered unattended boat.
Components:
Components:
- 12v bilge pump
- small battery
- small solar panel
- inexpensive 10A solar charge controller - with load output with settings for low voltage disconnect and voltage re-connect setting
- Note: this is a standard feature of even the simplest $20 SCC's, and, while not recommended for powering an Inverter, it should easily be able to power a small bilge pump
- small aluminum fishing boat (not included)
- When it rains, the water builds up in the bottom of the boat until the float switch on the bilge pump kicks in
- The battery powers the bilge pump and starts lowering the water level
- The SCC protects the battery from going under-voltage and cuts out until the next sunny day
- When the skies clear, the solar panel re-charges the battery 'till it reaches the re-connect voltage
- The SCC powers the sump pump again until the lower water level is reached and the pump cuts out
- The SCC continues charging the battery until it's full and ready for the next rain storm