Gensets & Solar Panels

[Vessna]

Hi there,

We are cruising next summer in Med and we are looking to bay and install genset and solar panels over there.

Can anyone send me prices for these two gensets: ONAN Marine QD 50 Hz 4 kW MDKBH and Marine QD 50 Hz 11 kW MDKBN? Any recommendation regarding their performance?

Also, if there are any suggestions regarding the installation and the cost for installation in Mediterranean, we would appreciate it greatly.

Any recommendation for solar panels, as well?

Thanks,

Vess

[Jon Hacking]

Hi Vess - & Welcome to Cruisers Forum!

If you're planning to install solar panels, you might want to read our Solar Panels page. Lots of info there. Google will know the best place to buy, but generally the biggest panels you can buy will be the cheapest $/watt - IF you can mount them.

But buying both solar panels & a genset is expensive. Usually folks go for one or the other. And unless your tastes run to air conditioning, a modest solar array combined with a good battery bank & inverter will make a genset unneccessary in many cases. Good luck!

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Vess.

[osirissail]

Depending upon the size of your boat and anticipated AC demand, you might consider the European version of the Honda EU2000i portable generator.
- - Solar panels are great if you cruise in an area of very high solar availability (few clouds and overcast days). Otherwise they are great for keeping batteries topped up but don't expect to make any significant amphours. Like bilge pumps, the ratings on solar panels do not tell the whole story.
- - Same with wind generators, if you are in areas with little wind or infrequent moderate wind, they are not very cost effective.
- - Which is probably why over the years long term cruisers end up with all three so they have each new cruising area covered by one power generating system or the other.

[goboatingnow]

The only way to get reliable pricing is to contact the European distributors of such equipment. Google is your friend. Installed price is much higher then purchased price. It is possible to pay about €1000 to 1500 per Kw ( uninstalled) ex VAT

Dave

[rebel heart]

kyocera panels through altenergystore.com

Get as many solar panels as your boat can comfortably fit.

[capttman]

What boat do you have? solar combined with wind is good. I have generator and solar, generator is gas and gas stinks