Unfolding solar?

[Ivory]

Has anyone tried making unfolding solar panels? To help increase the solar room in decent conditions?

Underway it seems like it would be a problem, but when anchored it could greatly increase power generation?

[Pete7]

Saw picture or perhaps a YT video of an arch on yacht that had solar panels slide out like a dining room table when conditions allowed. However, when you really want those panels is when its windy, cloudy and wet not flat calm and sunny.

We replaced a suitcase solar panel that slipped and smashed with one of these. Quality isn't great but its light and easy to store away. More importantly if you move it several times a day to face the sun it really earns its keep and generates quite a bit of power compared to panels in a fixed position.

Pete

[Don C L]

Yep, for a small boat that is often anchoring and does not have big energy demands, I think it is the way to go. I like Pete's set-up. I put a flexible panel on a thin sheet of plywood years ago and it lives under a bunk. It is easy to set up and move and it is true about the virtue of being able to place it for more direct sun. The reduced windage is nice and I generally look very disapprovingly upon any sharp corners available to fall on, on mounted panels. If there is a sharp corner around, it is sure to find me.

BTW welcome aboard Ivory!