MOST EFFECTIVE SOLAR PANELS

[Scotty_Tradewind]

What are the most effective solar panels?

I want one about 18" square to fit above my companionway hatch where it may get stepped on.

 

[alan]

Solara will make them to your specification ............. if you have the money!!!

 

[Koeketiene]

Kyocera

 

[James_Hortop]

Scotty,

Depends on which type of cell you go for. There are two basic types - Crystalline and Amorphis.

Crystalline:

Cells are manufactured from thin slices of silicone
Available as Mono or Polycrystalline (not much in terms of performance between them)
Better output for a given area
Last for 10-20 years
Can be bought framed or as a semi flexible for bonding to the deck
More expensive

Amorphis

Cells are manufactured from powdered crystalline and sprayed onto a glass or plastic substrate
Provide more output in low light conditions than crystalline
Much larger area needed than crystalline to provide the same output (eg less effecient in bright light conditions)
Cheaper
Last 5+ years
Can be bought in solid panel or roll up flexible

Unless you want the hassle of unrolling/rolling panels all the time or having a gantry with panels fitted to it, the best type are the semi flexible crystalline types that you bond/screw to the deck. They can be walked on etc.

Hope this helps

James

 

[Scotty_Tradewind]

Hi Guys
many thanks for responding.
James,
for my first 'dip' into this subject that was just the start I needed. Basic facts for me to now put some meat on the skeleton,
thanks,
Scotty

 

[dovekie]

Just in case it's useful, we have had four flexible crystalline ones on deck (a cabin roof) for ten years now, they get walked on, but not a lot. Still all working fine.

 

[Scotty_Tradewind]

Many thanks Jon, happy sailing in the Baltic,
Scotty