--- In [email protected], "ifor Barton" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
snip > > A second subject that I wonder if the list would like to pass on some > knowledge on is the fitting of solar panels. Any recommendations? > Inverters? Number of batteries and so on I think we need to know exactly what you expect the panels to do. Recharging the batteries whilst the boat is on its moorings with everything turned off is very different from trying to get solar to supply your electrical demand. If its the latter we need to know the results of your power/energy audit. All I can say in the case of the former is that a company in Leicester (Butts I think) supply long narrow panels that allow you to walk down the roof alongside them at about 60 watts. I have one mounted horizontally (reduced output) plus an expensive Stecca controller that can be set to gel batteries if required and also is supposed to be capable of doing an equalisation charge now and again. This ensures my batteries are very well charged every time I return to the boat and now they rarely get down to half charged. The inverter comes down to what you want to use if to run and then the number of batteries comes back to your power audit. I have seen so many questions like yours over the years and many end in expense because new boaters simply refuse to accept they need to change their electrical use to reflect the limited supply you have on the boat. Details about the calculations are in the Maintenance Course notes you will find on my website. If you are new to boating I suggest you read all three sets of notes - print them out if you want. Tony Brooks www.tb-training.co.uk
