Power in the med

[RichardPerou]

The demands of my crew for cold drinks ( I, of course, have no need of such) means that I must reluctantly allow the fridge to be run when at anchor.

After reading the posting on this site and looking at other boats I have come to the conclusion that the most peaceful way is to use solar panels. I have a Moody Eclipse and the best place fot their location is on the cabin top.

Any advice on what sort of panel? Non slip? Efficent?

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[snowleopard]

size matters

big is beautiful. to provide ice for your drinks is likely to need around 50 AH per day. assume 8 hours of sun, 50% of rated output, that's about 180 watts. price around £1500.



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[charles_reed]

Richard,

I'd agree with your comment that a solar panel(s) are the least antisocial way of supplementing electric power in hot climates.

The size of solar panel you require is very much dependent on the compressor unit you are using and the effectiveness of your insulation.

My fridge with 100mm of closed cell insulation around about a 100l cool box and an ASU unit needs a panel of between 100-120 watts.

I actually only have an 85 watt panel, and find that instead of having to run the motor to re-charge 205 ah of battery after 4 days, without the panel, but with a 100 watt wind-generator, I can now go 10 days.

The best place for the panel is on a cockpit arch (not the cabin top), the glass, crystalline ones are more efficient than the amorphous type or walk-on type.
They should be mounted at a slight angle from the horizontal (15-20°).
The general consensus is that the BP type are the best (they've merged with Solarex) but they're only supplied to OEM.

The cheapest place to buy solar panels is in Portugal - if you'd like to e-mail I'll let you have the contact name telno etc.

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[chrisrixon]

I bought my panel from <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.rixon.net/z> St Malo to the Med on the web /forums/images/icons/wink.gif

 

[billskip]

hi I have three solar pannels I was going to fit..but have sold my boat...they are glass ones in metal frames they measure (approx) 1mtr longx1/2mtr wide I dont know the spec but can give the info thats on them..they are in milton keynes..I am open to offers..I dont have easy access to the internet at the moment so maybe if your interested I will send you a pm with my mobile number..

<hr width=100% size=1>Bill
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