A Sem Flexible solar panel

[xhurleyman]

I know solar panels come in for quite a bit of discussion, I was asking recently about the minimum wattage to keep two 85 amp hour sealed batteries charged especially over winter but I too would like to have something to keep my instruments running when sailing only without the engine. Also would it be more efficient to use a semi flexible oblong panel on a pole so that the panel was positioned fore and aft so that the early morning sun shone on one of the lower ends of the panel, mid day on the top and afternoon/evening on the forward lower end of the panel? I don't want a huge panel on a 26 ft sailing cruiser. I have to try to arrange something this month so your replies would be much appreciated, thanks

 

[Champagne Murphy]

We have two types on our Sadler 3, Sunware 69w from Marlec and Titan 60w from Pennygreenfingers http://www.pennygreenfingers.net/60w80w100w-semi-flexible-solar-panels.aspx.
Both very effective. One is between the babystay and the mast and the other is on the coachroof under the boom. TBH the shade really doesn't seem to make much difference, there's plenty to run the instruments and the fridge during the day. Biggest difference is cost; £650 for the Sunware v £108 for the Titan. Don't forget the regulator.

 

[Kelpie]

One thing that makes a big difference is placing the panel away from shadows. Most solar panels comprise cells in series, and if some of them are shadowed the total output voltage drops below the level at which it can charge a battery. So it's much better to put the panel somewhere that it will full sun for at least part of the day, than partial sun all day.

Also, to run instruments only you will probably be fine with a 10-20w panel costing c.£30
My panel is 50w and was £45 off eBay. Over 10w you are best getting a charge controller as well.

 

[JumbleDuck]

I know solar panels come in for quite a bit of discussion, I was asking recently about the minimum wattage to keep two 85 amp hour sealed batteries charged especially over winter but I too would like to have something to keep my instruments running when sailing only without the engine. Also would it be more efficient to use a semi flexible oblong panel on a pole so that the panel was positioned fore and aft so that the early morning sun shone on one of the lower ends of the panel, mid day on the top and afternoon/evening on the forward lower end of the panel? I don't want a huge panel on a 26 ft sailing cruiser. I have to try to arrange something this month so your replies would be much appreciated, thanks

I have 2 x 50W semi flexibles, on the hatch garage and coachroof of my 26 footer. I am not a great power user and was never short at any point this summer. The scruffy old 30W panel I had before was enough to keep 2 x 65Ah topped up over the Scottish winter.

 

[vyv_cox]

My original panel was a 38 watt semi flexible mounted aft of the mast. It is still there 20 years later, now used only for winter battery maintenance. It was fine for its intended purpose, running the electric consumers when sailing but there is no way it will run a fridge. In Greece I use 125 watts of solar on a stern arch and that is struggling this late in the season.

 

[eddystone]

I have 2 x 20w NASA semi- flexible panels also between baby stay and mast; seems to keep 2x85ah domestics charged up. £99 each plus £30 for regulator.

 

[Champagne Murphy]

We have two types on our Sadler 3, Sunware 69w from Marlec and Titan 60w from Pennygreenfingers http://www.pennygreenfingers.net/60w80w100w-semi-flexible-solar-panels.aspx.
Both very effective. One is between the babystay and the mast and the other is on the coachroof under the boom. TBH the shade really doesn't seem to make much difference, there's plenty to run the instruments and the fridge during the day. Biggest difference is cost; £650 for the Sunware v £108 for the Titan. Don't forget the regulator.

Re Vyv's reply, the fridge is turned as low as possible and only during bright daylight hours!

 

[wully1]

I've git a 60 watt flexi panel bungled down over my hatch garage. The shade from the boom/ rigging seems to make little difference. It manages to keep two 110 amp batteries fully charged.
I'm going to buy another two panels this winter then I'll be able to keep the fridge cool as well as run the autopilot.