Quick question about solar panels.

[Simi 60]

Originally Posted by GILow

Seriously, if that Rheem is the vitreous enamel sort, then you'd be wise to consider it dead.

Copper

If it is not leaking already, it will start doing so very soon. I certainly would not spend a CENT on anything to support it.

Understood and I am not spending a cent on supporting its excessive power use.

I am upgrading/supplementing the existing power generation with solar to cut back on genset usage and provide some buffer in the battery department for rainy days.
If that can, in the short term, support the existing working HWS well and good and I will keep using it until that HWS dies.

And thanks for the diesel HWS suggestion
I hadnt looked at one of those.

add: Do you have a recommendation?
My quick check shows them as being at least 3x the cost of an on demand gas unit.

[GILow]

Originally Posted by Simi 60

Understood and I am not spending a cent on supporting its excessive power use.

Phew! :^) I don't know if you remember the old Rheem TV commercial with the annoying "install a Rheem, install a Rheem, install a Rheem" lyrics. Dad was running a number of rental properties at the time and used to sing along with "Install another bl--dy Rheem, etc " instead.

Diesel heaters are more expensive than the gas version. I personally am very averse to gas on a boat, so I tossed our gas heater. But a depending on what heating capacity you need, you can pick up very cheap secondhand Webasto Thermotop from the UK Ebay site. They are pulled from commercial diesel vans and trucks where they are used as engine pre-heaters. 5KW units are pretty easy to come by. You need to get creative with a storage tank, a pump and some plumbing, but if you are a DIY personality it is a simple job.

Typhoon, a CF poster from Canada did a good thread on his hot water setup that might be worth reading. http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...er-149641.html

Matt

[Simi 60]

Originally Posted by GILow

cheap secondhand Webasto Thermotop from the UK Ebay site.

Thanks, I imagine freight would be a killer but I'll have a look

You need to get creative with a storage tank, a pump and some plumbing, but if you are a DIY personality it is a simple job.

I sort of made mention of something like this before.
I have an insulated 140L copper tank in place now, it would probably make a good storage tank

Typhoon, a CF poster from Canada did a good thread on his hot water setup that might be worth reading. http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...er-149641.html

Reading it now

[GILow]

Originally Posted by Simi 60

Thanks, I imagine freight would be a killer but I'll have a look



I sort of made mention of something like this before.

I have an insulated 140L copper tank in place now, it would probably make a good storage tank





Reading it now

Freight was surprisingly good. They are a pretty small gadget.

Having the tank already is a great bonus. I reckon that is the hardest bit to build.

Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[Simi 60]

We put the solar panels up yesterday.
They get wired up Monday.
They should make a difference.

[barnakiel]

Wow! That's some power plant!

Great picture too! I like the way your hair contrasts with the water.

b.

[Simi 60]

Update from ayesterday
Wired up Friday and disconnected from shore power to see what happened. Had 5 people on board in the afternoon partying til 2am, plenty of lights fridge and icemaker usage, TV and mini PC running in background to use power, stereo running and hot showers for all.
Sat. Morning 7am batts at 67.8% by 2pm at 100%. 6pm 99.5%
Sun 7am 79.3%. 9am 81.5% and now they'd be close to 100% again I am guessing (not on board)
Running 2 door 500l fridge freezer icemaker + additional bar fridge + 140l 240v hws. Lights,TV, pumps etc.
Looking like a win.

[zboss]

Originally Posted by Simi 60

and a plunge pool.

Now that was totally unnecessary