(updated: October 2024)
Whilst it has always been possible to charge your smaller Torqeedo outboard (Ultralight & Travel) with solar panels let's just say it hasn't been so easy. Your options have been quite limited due to the adaptor required to plug the solar panel directly into the outboard. There is a Torqeedo 50W solar panel with the correct DC plug, but at $749.00 it's not a popular option - that's $14.98/Watt!
Travel Ultralight
There are now adaptor cables you can buy from Torqeedo that will allow you to connect a regular solar panel with MC4 connectors to the DC end that plugs directly into the outboard. With a built-in MPPT controller there is no need to add in a Victron MPPT controller, just plug & play. There are two options available, and the choice depends on the battery you have so be sure to check the Torqeedo part number/item number.
Extend your time & range on the water with solar -
charge your Torqeedo battery while in operation
Solar charging cable for Ultralight and Travel (smaller batteries)
$69.99 + shipping
Product description:
Allows Travel and Ultralight batteries to be charged from a third-party solar panel up to 160W and a maximum open circuit voltage (Voc) of 33V with a standard MC4 connection
For use only with batteries part no. 1146-00, 1147-00, 1148-00, 1155-00,1416-00 & 1417-00
As mentioned the smaller Torqeedo outboards (Ultralight & Travel) do have a built in MPPT controller, but you have to make sure that the solar panel stays within the solar charging parameters. As you can see from the above description you would be limited to 160W of solar and be sure to be below the maximum input solar voltage of 33V (labelled Voc on your panel sticker/spec sheet)
Often space is a premium but you would be good with either:
1x100W SunPower E-flex panel
1x100W & 1x50W SunPower E-flex panel wired together in parallel (not series)
Solar charging cable for Ultralight and Travel (larger batteries)
$74.99 + shipping
Product description:
Allows Travel and Ultralight batteries to be charged from a third-party solar panel up to 200W and a maximum open circuit voltage (Voc) of 49V with a standard MC4 connection
For use only with batteries part no. 1166-00, 1167-00 and 1423-00
As you can see from the above description you would be limited to 200W of solar and be sure to be below the maximum input solar voltage of 49V (labelled Voc on your panel sticker/spec sheet)
You would be good with either:
1x100W SunPower E-flex panel
2x100W SunPower E-flex panels wired together (in parallel or series)
In summary this is great news, it's now way easier to charge your Torqeedo with a non-Torqeedo branded solar panel. Charge your battery whilst underway (ie in use) and extend your range & time on the water. Have any questions feel free to get in touch with us, we love to chat solar.
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