Solar panels - Large or Small?

[Sumner]

Originally Posted by sailorchic34

...Solar Blvd ( Solar Cell, Solar Panel, Renewable Energy, Wind Energy, Charge Controller, Solar Trackers ) Has good prices on panels, Their Solar Cynergy panels are about equal to the KYOCERA. I've one of each and and only difference is the frame gauge on the solar cynery panel is a little lighter. Both are marina rated.

We also have gotten our panels (10 of them) and 2 MPPT controllers from Solar Blvd and have been happy with their Cynergy panels, controllers and service. I'll probably buy from them when we add solar to the house.

Pesonally I also like the idea of more panels, especially after damaging one once on a piling. We have 3 on the Mac and 6 on the Endeavour (take one along as a spare). They come off easy and right now while the boat is up on stands in the yard I just leave one panel up to charge the batteries and take the rest off just in case a hurricane decides to go by the yard.

Good idea about the bypass switch, I might do that also. What SSB are you using?

Sum

[witzgall]

1.If the larger panel will EVER be shaded by overhead stuff, such as the backstay, ect,, and if splitting it to two will allow one to be out of the shade, then go that route.

2. If you are going cruising to far-away places, than consider being able to bring the panels down the companionway, with the mounts installed. It is nice to be able to bring them down below, if a bad storm (think hurricane) is forecast. If you are sailing on weekends, and can bring them home, than this is not an issue.

Chris