Solar Panels Question

[helloam]

Hello!

We're currently moored to a buoy, so away from shore power, and looking for a solar panel system to maintain the charge on the starter and house batteries.

We are in Canada - any recommendations for products and/or systems? Anything to stay away from? Marine vs regular?

Thank you!

[NotQuiteLost]

Personally I think the Xantrex line of charge controllers are excellent since they're pretty simple to customize the settings with. As for panel selection? There are tons of places you can pay $4-5/watt for branded A grade panels.

I'm a fan of getting more bang for your buck, so I check places like this:

Solar Panels 97¢/W, PV Systems $1.83/W

Good luck! Solar is a truly awesome technology for cruisers.

[rebel heart]

I have a BZ M25 that has been working great for me. altestore.com has them, and great pricing on panels (including the much loved kyoceras):

http://altenergystore.com/AIDLink.ht...-Display/p292/

Here's a link to the install I did on mine; it doesn't show wiring. I still need to do that blog post.

Rebel Heart - Sailing, cruising, liveaboard blog and website - Eric's Blog - finally mounted the solar*panels

[Sluce]

I got a Kyocera 180W panel and Blue Sky 3024iL controller from Northern Arizona Wind and Sun
Solar Electric Power Systems For On & Off Grid
I don't know if they are the cheapest, but they were a big help in selecting the system and I would use them again.
The system is great, we get to the boat and the batteries are charged. Never any worries. No more motoring just to charge the batteries.

[gettinthere]

Originally Posted by NotQuiteLost

P
Solar Panels 97¢/W, PV Systems $1.83/W

Good luck! Solar is a truly awesome technology for cruisers.

Your link does not work

[jaredko]

Link works for me...

I can recommend sunelec. I have 2 Sun-190w panels mounted on the stern, connected to a tristar MPPT controller. Shipping was quick and the prices were good.

SUN Solar Panel 190 Watt $1.82/W SUN SV-T-190 SUN SV-T-190-FB1 [SUN-SV-T-190] - $345.80 : Solar Panels Direct - Sun Electronics, Powered by Nature!

[gettinthere]

jared
the first link and your link return "server not found". Other links work fine...

[NotQuiteLost]

Originally Posted by gettinthere

jared
the first link and your link return "server not found". Other links work fine...

It's www-dot-sunelec-dot-com

[Hannah on 'Rita T']

Has anyone installed the Aurinco panels? They look intriguing. Configured to fit a sailboat, thin enough to mount on the bimini without recutting the main.

[Jon Hacking]

Selecting & installing photovoltaic systems can be relatively straightforward, but a bit of knowledge helps get the most out of it. I've posted a page on Solar Panels for the cruising community that might help (& is too big to post here). It talks a bit about suppliers, but is more aimed at planning & designing a system. Hope it helps...

[MoonlightSailor]

I don't know if the sale is still on....I'm pretty sure it was www.sunelec.com had a sale on the Outback FM60 and FM80 unit. Both priced at $420 which is about $150 cheaper than what they usually retail for. I don't know how long the sale is going to be going on but you have to call them to get the price/sale.