A while back when I did the blog on
the fans I mentioned something was being replaced on the boat. Yes the wind generator has gone and in it`s place I have installed a solar panel. It is rated at 245watts and although large (39"x 64") it still allows me to walk along the roof when I need to.
The
wind generator worked ok if moored in the open with a decent wind but those occasions were not that frequent. It also took up the same space length wise and the wire supporting the pole was across the roof preventing the space being used. At least the panel will produce energy without wind and even if no visible sunshine. So no more wind power.
It is wired up to a 20amp Tracer 2215RN MPPT controller. Not sure of the amps going into the batteries as I have still to wire in a meter. I also have
a 100watt panel that is wired to the old wind Genny controller and seeing the high battery readings on it tells me the new panel is working very well indeed. The panel sits in two pieces of angle (Green) and the four corner pieces (silver) will
allow the panel to be tilted in four directions. Although not able to be rotated to follow the sun I feel this was the easier option bearing in mind the size and weight of the panel. It will give significantly more power than being left flat.
Bye bye Sun you worked well today.
9 comments:
Les,
That seems like a good setup. I have recently fitted a amp meter into the pos off the controller. In good sunshine the other day we were getting 4 amps from a 135 watt panel, when I tilted it it went to nearly 6 amps. I'll blog about it sometime soon,
Nev
Believe Mike and Phillipa on Garnet also went for the solar option. The receptor panels have become more efficent of late hence increased utilization.
Hi Les,
The next thing you will need is a Victron Battery Monitor. It will measure the current (Amps) going in and out of your batteries and let you know when they are full.
Have you seen my website page at Moore2Life.co.uk, Boat Systems, Solar Panels?
Chas
Hi Nev
Does the meter need a shunt or does it just read the solar input?
Hi Bryce
Solar is the way to go and it has got a lot cheaper since I have been aboard.
Hi Chas
Yes it would be nice to have a reading will check your site.
Stay warm
Les, it came with a shunt so I just broke the pos between the two terminals.
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