Can a flag interfere with a hard solar panel?

[jcdexter]

I don't think I've ever asked a question before but I've learned a lot by reading the forum. Here's my question. I had to relocate the spot from which I fly the American flag on our Brewer 12.8 cutter. It now waves over the solar panel when the wind is on the nose. Am I going to lose much charging because of this?

Thanks in advance to anyone who replies.

[denverd0n]

Any shading will significantly decrease the output from a solar panel. Going off the top of my head here, but as I recall Nigel Calder did some testing a while back and came to the conclusion that something like shading 5% of the panel would result in a 20% reduction in output.

So, basically, as much as it is humanly possible, you want to avoid ANY shading of your solar panels.

[a64pilot]

Yes, simple answer
On edit
Sorry we posted at the same time, I never saw your post, I wasn't trying to be cute

[JPA Cate]

jcdexter,

Yes, it will impair output.

You can have a socket welded to your pushpit, that will accept a timber flagstaff, and use that to fly your ensign. It is also really convenient to then stow the flag below at night, which will make it last a lot longer. Some British people we knew called that process "putting the Queen Mum to bed".

cheers,

ann

[roverhi]

Clamp flag staffs are available for pulpit or other tubular locations of that will help you with the shading issues of the flag. Any shading of the panel will reduce output, the larger the area shaded, the worse the effect.

[goat]

Register your boat as an Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan vessel. Plain white flag will help let some light through.
Problem solved.

goat