Solar Power on A Sailboat. Using Solar Panels
74What To Expect From Solar Panels On A Sailboat
One of the biggest difficultied that my wife and I have when we began living on our boat Rising Star full time was learning how to get by on power that we generated from our solar panels and wind generator. You will likely need both solar panels and a wind generator such as an Air Marine.
Unfortunately solar panels do not make power when it is dark or very cloudy. For this reason having a good wind generator is a must. Solar panels, although wonderful, also take up a lot of space. On a sailboat you may find it difficult to find a place where they will not be subject to excessive shading such as from masts and booms.
One popular place for solar panels is on a rack at the stern of the boat. We used such a system and were able to place two, one-hundred watt panels side by side.
Over the companionway door we were able to fit another two, forty watt flexibile panels. The flexibile panels, although not as efficient, are able to be bent slightly. As long as you don't drop heavy objects or repeatedly step on them they are fine.
In addition to the stern mounted panels and the flexible solar panels we had another one hundred watt panel that we stowed away when sailing and connected to a quick disconnect and attached to the outside of the lifeline. A an adjustable cord could be re-tied to aim the solar panel at the sun.
One consideration in living off of solar power and a wind generator is to use as little energy as possible and have as large of a battery bank as you can afford.
We used LED lighting in the galley and limited our use of high wattage electronics like TV's, opting to listen to music on the 12 volt stereo instead or read a book. Your refrigerator will use the most power. We used a system by Adler Barber and a super insulated box that measured one foot across, two feet wide and one foot deep. The insulation was one foot thick and this reduced the amount of time the compressor had to run.
When we added a water maker we found that this blew our energy budget and we were forced to run the engine on days that we made water.
One thing you want to make sure of is that you have a good charge controller. Once your battery bank is topped off, continuing to charge the batteries will cause them to bubble and boil off battery fluid.
A good charge controller will regulate how much energy from both the solar panel and wind generator is applied to the battery.
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The first thing a boat Captain considers when looking at components should be is, what do I need and how do I want to exist comfortably on my boat? Then design your system around it.
I installed, 780AMPS of batteries, sized to only use daily the 312AMP window between 50%FULL 90%FULL. This will run my autopilot,full compliment of Raymaine electronics, Reefer and Freezer (16CuFt combined), tv's stereo's, and watermaker + Christmas lights on the tree when the season calls for it. I installed 3 210AMP 12VDC solar panels, and a D400 wind generator.
I would never install a screaming Air X Marine wind generator - I've pulled anchor to get some sleep when near one of those things. They do not produce much power, and they are LOUD AND WHINY.
Back to a strong system... I installed a Solar Boost 50AMP MPPT charge regulator and a NCHC wind generator regulator. I also installed a load diverter for when the system is topped off. I have a backup 165 amp alternator, a 30amp invertor, and 2/0 wiring throughout the vessel to keep all that power in my batteries versus losing it in resistance.
That all said - you don't plan your life around a solar panel's output. Plan your needs and harvest enough sun and wind to fulfill your needs.
Simple as sunshine and breezes!
Good points. I believe keeping it simple.The less you need to rely on complex systems the better. Wind and solar are tops.
I designed a solar solar panel support made from 316CrNi satinless steel that enables sail boat owners to cary large and powerfull solar panels.
Two boats cary the 320 Wp system. It is mounted to my Bavaria M35 and to a Bavaria C37.
This patent pending support system can carry solar panels which can produce electric power up to 540 Wp.
Support system is very strong and has been designed to fit almost every sail boat on the market.
Did you ever consider using a propane refrigerator? I've starting researching a 'dream' system, and I've begun to play around with the idea. NO idea how much propane they use and whether it's even really worth it. Any insight, would be awesome!
Also, how big was your battery bank?
Yeah, it's going to be something spectacular. And that i love how efficient solar panels have grown to be, the ultra thin, flexible solar panels. I'd personally love for solar power to be the answer. In truth, all of our energy is a variety of power with the sun, such as oil.
Great hub. And wonderful information, show how solar power can be used in different ways.
I think that solar energy will become the future of the most important forms of energy, and pollution-free, it is environmentally friendly. I now use solar water heaters, so I advocate everyone should work together to protect the environment.
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Ralph Deeds Level 6 Commenter 2 years ago
Thanks for the good information.