Small Solor Panel Recomendations Please

[Stemar]

If we were able to adjust the solar panel on a yacht (say) three time a day that would increase the power output per panel enormously.

True, but would you? Initially, yes, I'm sure, but long term, I reckon it would become a faff. Mounting the panels horizontally means you get a sub-optimal, but reasonable output whatever direction the boat faces. If the boat's sitting on a pontoon, by all means angle the panels to face the sun but, at sea or at anchor, I'd go for horizontal.

I was about to question facing north, then I noticed you're the other side of the equator

 

[coopec]

Steve

Thanks for that.

Maybe I should consider a dual axis sun tracker (mind you it is not near the top of my list of priorities)

There are DIY versions (and kits) but the professionally made ones only cost AUD139. That surely would be cheaper than an additional solar panel? But how would they work on a yacht at sea?

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Dual-Ax...4ffa4f6f9341d99a00a4a5cd63c600&frcectupt=true

 

[ithet]

Am thinking of getting a Solor PV panel to keep the domestic battery topped up on the mooring.

Any recomendations?

If it is just a panel to put out when moored only, I have used a 10w "PV Logic Flex" for a few years for this purpose. At 10w this will keep battery topped up without need for a controller. The PV Logic has stood up to being repeatedly put out. It has a fixed wire coming out of a better than usually sealed terminal block with no external connectors which has stood up to the elements well. Prices vary, but seem to be more that the £49 I paid a few years back.

 

[William_H]

Steve

Thanks for that.

Maybe I should consider a dual axis sun tracker (mind you it is not near the top of my list of priorities)

There are DIY versions (and kits) but the professionally made ones only cost AUD139. That surely would be cheaper than an additional solar panel? But how would they work on a yacht at sea?

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Dual-Ax...4ffa4f6f9341d99a00a4a5cd63c600&frcectupt=true

Hello Clive
Solar panels are so cheap for what they give, however on a boat the biggest cost/problem is a place to put them. I am not sure that a solar tracker type system would benefit you so much. If you anticipate leaving the boat for long periods unattended then yes even small solar panels will keep the batteries up. However for what I imagine you will use the boat for you would need a lot of panel size to keep a fridge and other things running without engine run. So I suspect you will find that the engine charging system will keep your batteries up because you will be using the engine fairly often. More batteries here will help.
If you want to go solar then look at second hand or new domestic solar PV. Pretty big but lots of power. But will need a MPPT controller to convert the 40 volts of the panel to 14 volts charge voltage. You will probably have to go gantry over the cockpit to mount the panel or panels. ol'will

 

[coopec]

Thanks for that William

I often read of the yachts with domestic fridges and freezers running off solar power but then they are catamarans sailing in the Carribean with an enormous array of solar panels.

I will have solar panels but I think a couple of adjustable panels over the transom. You are right I am going to rely on generated power as I will be adding a desalinator which use an enormous amount of power.

I have installed a 24V 60A alternator and intend to carry a 2kva portable generator as back-up. So far I have installed a X4 135AH battery bank
Clive

 

[Topcat47]

I keep my batteries topped up with a couple of those cheapie plastic (mine are Maplin) chargers sold in auto accessory shops. I always orient then roughly southwards, in the window of my cabin. They are supposed to be weatherproof, but I don't risk it. Even in the depths of winter they keep the battiest toped up and they are incapable of boiling the batteries so no need of a controller.