It's just about time to toss the lines, and head South. But this time we're trying out a new system; solar panels (2) to cover our daily DC usage. Without counting the refrigerator/freezer system, we use an average of about 50 to 80 amp-hours each day, while at anchor.
The Solar-Stik system, that we chose, should give us about 80 amp-hours each sunny day.
I think we'll still have to run the generator (5 kW) to charge the refrigerator freezer, but the time of running should be much less.
The solar panel system should also give us the freedom to leave the boat anchored or moored some place... and "know" that the bilge pumps will have enough "juice" to keep normal leakage at bay.
Once a location was selected (on AB); it was the port Quarter; but on deck. We decided not to mount the unit outside the deck rails on the side (docking), or on the stern (windvane); so that relagated us to using a little of the "porch" (the Aft Deck).
The solar panel mast is strong enough to mount a wind-generator in the future, should we see the need. (this will become more obvious if we ever change to a 12 VDC refrigerator/freezer system).
Anyway... pictures later.
The Solar-Stik system, that we chose, should give us about 80 amp-hours each sunny day.
I think we'll still have to run the generator (5 kW) to charge the refrigerator freezer, but the time of running should be much less.
The solar panel system should also give us the freedom to leave the boat anchored or moored some place... and "know" that the bilge pumps will have enough "juice" to keep normal leakage at bay.
Once a location was selected (on AB); it was the port Quarter; but on deck. We decided not to mount the unit outside the deck rails on the side (docking), or on the stern (windvane); so that relagated us to using a little of the "porch" (the Aft Deck).
The solar panel mast is strong enough to mount a wind-generator in the future, should we see the need. (this will become more obvious if we ever change to a 12 VDC refrigerator/freezer system).
Anyway... pictures later.
