Yes, there's nothing wrong with charging to 14.5V, my point it shouldn't you shouldn't leave them permanently connected to a 14.5V source or it will kill the batteries.
Unless he disconnects the battery when the voltage reaches 14.5V, he's going to need a regulator to float charge it.
Most 12V panels will output >18V open circuit which gives plenty of headroom for an LM317 set to 13.8V.
He has short days now because it's winter, in summer he'll have 14 to 16 hour days.