Solar flex panels wiring

[Drifter22ft]

Im going to install a solar panel on my boat but not to sure how to wire it do I put wires to all batteries

 

[ttmott]

You must have a charge controller between the PV panel and batteries. Many out there; I'm a fan of the Victron Energy products.

 

[Henry Boyd]

We have a rigid solar panel on the hardtop. Our boat wiring has independent battery banks (house and engines/gen). The panel only services our house bank and one engine. Two wires (+/-) come from the panel to the controller and then split to two pair (one pair per battery to be charged) that run to the House and Port engine Rotary battery switches. My presumption is these are wired to the source side of the switch because the panel charges (according to controller) when the battery switch is in the off position.

Edit: Since my original post I went and looked at the wiring layout for the controller, there are also in line fuses on both the input side of the controller from the panel and on the circuits that connect to the battery switches.

 

[Drifter22ft]

I have a controller but just not sure if I go to each battery of just one or to the control switch

 

[dtfeld]

What is the purpose of the charger? Are you trying to keep the start batteries topped up, or do you want to charge you house bank during the day to replace energy used?

I'm assuming your controller is a single bank controller. For simplicity, I would put in on your "house" battery bank. Sea Ray usually has 2 or 3 battery banks, one of each engine and a third if you have a generator. One of the Engine banks serves as the "house" bank powering stereos, lights and other DC loads. Your owners manual should show what connected to which bank. Connect it directly to the battery bank or the battery side of the battery disconnect switch/solenoid, with a properly sized fuse/breaker.

This would accomplish both goals...Top up your start battery, and replace used energy.