Hi don, 
I've been reading about solar for a couple of years and the general consensus 
seems to be that flexible panels only last a couple of years and rigid panels 
are a much better decision financially.  The more efficient the panel, the more 
they cost.  They generally run from about 17% to 21%.  And the cost can be 
almost double from the lowest to the highest efficiency.  
The bimini seems to be the best location, for a mono hull, if it gets them out 
from under the boom.  Without a bimini the rear rail is a good second choice 
but, the lower the panel the more changes of shading them.  There are plenty of 
videos demonstrating the shading issues.  
Putting rigid panels on the bimini presents structural concerns.  I put mine up 
on the existing frame and it was not stable.  I'm going to go with a new custom 
frame and fabric to help with that.  I got 2 200w panels because I wanted to 
run the fridge and install my auto pilot and keep the batteries topped up 
without having to run the engine.  I don't think the little generator is a good 
option for us.  
If you were to install on a Dodger you'd have to install 2 panels,  in series, 
in hopes that when the boom was shading one you still get the power from the 
other.  Basically,  having 2 panels and hope that at least one is not being 
shaded most of the time.  
I don't know if you're on Facebook but there's a pretty good group there called 
'solar on a boat' the discussions have helped me. 


Thanks, Danny
-------- Original message --------From: DON JONSSON via CnC-List 
<cnc-list@cnc-list.com> Date: 10/13/18  1:42 PM  (GMT-05:00) To: 
cnc-list@cnc-list.com Cc: DON JONSSON <dbjons...@shaw.ca> Subject: Stus-List 
Solar panels and LED light bulbs. 
Hi All

Last year after putting in a new Beta engine with a larger alternator (110 amp) 
we added an additional battery, a battery monitor, and to use all that power, a 
fridge.  (Of interest, and not the point of this email, is we went through two 
alternators on the boat last summer both on warranty.  Doesn't bode well.  We 
did not put in a smart regulator as it would void the warranty.  Guess that was 
a good thing.  Two mechanics have gone through the boat and all wiring is good. 
 They claim manufacturing default in both alternators.   Hmmm.)

The fridge is a fantastic addition especially when you are up north with no 
stores to buy ice, or much food for that matter.   BUT, as you all know it 
takes a lot of power.  Which gets me to the questions.  Easy one first.

1.  We have added some new LED reading light fixtures but still have a few more 
old incandescent lights where we would like to keep the fixtures.  You can get 
replacement LED bulbs that range in price from a couple of dollars to $15.   I 
read that cheaper ones don't deal with variations in voltage very well and you 
should spend more money.  Does anyone have experience and recommendations.

2. The real solution, we think, is solar panels.  But how much do they really 
help and where to put them on a 34 foot sailboat.  It seems all locations come 
with a compromise.   We are considering:

A: On top of the dodger, but the boom will always be an issue.  Especially 
since we don't have a bimini we use the boom for supporting our awning that we 
put up on hot sunny days.  Yes we occasionally get them up on the BC coast and 
blocking the sun is mandatory.

B: Get a bimini and mount them on it.  But this gets us back to the sunshine 
issue.  Lots of days it isn't that warm and you want the sun on you.  A Bimini 
with solar panels is not that easy to fold out of the way.  Also it isn't cheap.

C: Hang them off the life lines or rails at the back of the boat with a support 
that allows you to set them flat when at anchor.  But we occasionally carry 
bikes back there and we couldn't have both at the same time.  Also looks a 
little clunky.

D:  Leave them as portable and set them out when at anchor.  But then it is a 
pain and you don't do it unless you are sitting for a while and you have all 
the wire to deal with, etc.  And they aren't helping much under sail.

So does anyone have a recommendation as to what they have done and how it 
works.  Also how many amp hours did you get on a sunny day?  What size of 
panels did you use.

I know, that like everything on a boat it is always a compromise, we are just 
trying to figure out which one to make.

Thanks for any help.

Don Jonsson
Andante, C&C 34
Victoria, BC


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