Solar Panel Output verse rating

[kmacdonald]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

So what does a 1KW array supposed to cost?
I know about what I paid, but that was low.

To me trying to make a $$ decision on Solar Vs Generator is a lot like trying to decide on a cost basis, sail or motor?

I went with as much Solar as I could fit, and a generator to fill in the shortfalls, ideally I'd never run the thing, but I know for me that is not realistic.

Lets look at it from the two extremes. First, no generator or other charging source possible. Solar is the only option and very inexpensive. It will also meet all the power needs of a minimalist cruiser. Second, a boat with AC, water maker, TV, stereo, etc. Solar in not feasible to supply all the energy needs. Generator is too expensive to run long periods of time to reach a full state of charge on the large battery bank. Ideal solution is generator run in morning and then solar to top off batteries. I don't see it as a strictly financial decision although it does come into play.

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by kmacdonald

Lets look at it from the two extremes. First, no generator or other charging source possible. Solar is the only option and very inexpensive. It will also meet all the power needs of a minimalist cruiser. Second, a boat with AC, water maker, TV, stereo, etc. Solar in not feasible to supply all the energy needs. Generator is too expensive to run long periods of time to reach a full state of charge on the large battery bank. Ideal solution is generator run in morning and then solar to top off batteries. I don't see it as a strictly financial decision although it does come into play.

Get rid of the wimpifying ac ( humans have sailed the oceans for thousands of years without it) and you definately can.r uhh n.the boat.off of solar as your primary power charging source

[kmacdonald]

Originally Posted by newhaul

Get rid of the wimpifying ac ( humans have sailed the oceans for thousands of years without it) and you definately can.r uhh n.the boat.off of solar as your primary power charging source

Easy for you to say in Pungent Sound.

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by kmacdonald

Easy for you to say in Pungent Sound.

Try pattaya or mumbasa in august or fremantle in july. With no ac just to name a few.

[darylat8750]

Originally Posted by newhaul

Get rid of the wimpifying ac ( humans have sailed the oceans for thousands of years without it) and you definately can.r uhh n.the boat.off of solar as your primary power charging source

But then I would be without She Who Must Be Obeyed.....

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by darylat8750

But then I would be without She Who Must Be Obeyed.....

Behavioral modification does go both ways we men must just be more subtle.

Just figured out why im divorced

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by kmacdonald

Lets look at it from the two extremes. First, no generator or other charging source possible. Solar is the only option and very inexpensive. It will also meet all the power needs of a minimalist cruiser. Second, a boat with AC, water maker, TV, stereo, etc. Solar in not feasible to supply all the energy needs. Generator is too expensive to run long periods of time to reach a full state of charge on the large battery bank. Ideal solution is generator run in morning and then solar to top off batteries. I don't see it as a strictly financial decision although it does come into play.

You pretty much described my boat. Just never thought of it as a financial decision before.
Reasoning is I guess with a generator there is operating expense and a limited lifetime.
Solar on the other hand has essentially no operating expense and whether it's used to charge batteries or just as a sun shade, the life span is the same, so there is no additional cost to operate it, cost is over when you purchase it, no maintenance and they don't wear based on hours of use.

Said another way, the generator is like money in the bank, the less often I use it, the longer I have use of it. I don't want to have to buy a generator every three or four years.

[buzzstar]

The most reliable information from this thread indicates, at least to me, if I am trapped within the Arctic Circle while attempting my first NW passage, headed west to east, and it was Christmas Day, even the best solar is unlikely to hep much. Given that most of my present day sailing is in good old southern California and environs, there is a good change it will help much of the time, but not always. An old saying is that,"the law is a harsh mistress," and Robert Heinlein wrote a book entitled, "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress," but both are weak descriptions compared to my own, She Who Must be Obeyed, because I do not want a divorce. She also will not sail on anything the size of what we have.

[Pelagic]

What is the best products to use for keeping solar panels clean?

[kmacdonald]

Originally Posted by Pelagic

What is the best products to use for keeping solar panels clean?

Water. I'll sell you some.

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by Pelagic

What is the best products to use for keeping solar panels clean?

Good old fashioned.soap and.water. every month or so as needed and.wax a couple.times a year

[Pelagic]

Originally Posted by newhaul

Good old fashioned.soap and.water. every month or so as needed and.wax a couple.times a year

Thanks Newhaul.....Wax.??...never thought of that as being beneficial

What is the theory behind that?

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by Pelagic

Thanks Newhaul.....Wax.??...never thought of that as being beneficial

What is the theory behind that?

Two things. First some of the better manufacturers recommend it.
Second whats easier to keep clean a car or a car that has been waxed?

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by newhaul

Two things. First some of the better manufacturers recommend it.
Second whats easier to keep clean a car or a car that has been waxed?

I'm kinda surprised at the wax recommendation. I was under the impression that the glass surface was treated in some way to improve low angle light absorbtion. Seems that waxing such a surface would negate this advantage, and of course, add at least a small amount of attenuation in the wax layer itself. Further, I've not had problems in cleaning the glass surface without wax.

I'm dubious...

Jim

[buzzstar]

Has anyone following this thread ever bought solar panels for their boat because of the payback? Homes, and business places, sure. Boats? Where I am one's slip fees include electricity, and at sea there is no payback, with the choices being other sources, and/or solar, or none except what you brought with you. Solar seems a good way to go or to augment your power, with the minor details not worth the pencil and paper or even the electrons needed to calculate the differences between ideal and actual.