Solar or wind generator

[Adetheheat]

I have a 7 metre power boat.
What is best to charge the batteries solar or wind? I live in the uk.
There doesn't seem to be a clear consensus. I don't need much power I only really at first want it to stop the batteries going flat.
Thanks

 

[rotrax]

Solar.

 

[Tranona]

There is a clear consensus. Solar every time for that sort of application.

 

[simonfraser]

you'd only want a wind generator if the breeze is lacking.

 

[PaulRainbow]

I have a 7 metre power boat.
What is best to charge the batteries solar or wind? I live in the uk.
There doesn't seem to be a clear consensus. I don't need much power I only really at first want it to stop the batteries going flat.
Thanks

Solar, no question.

 

[Adetheheat]

Any particular type of panel or anything I need to look out for to fix it to the roof? Do they come with the fixings ?

 

[NormanS]

It depends entirely on your usage. For example, if you only use the boat at weekends, quite a modest panel will ensure that the batteries will be fully charged during the week. On the other hand, if you're aboard long term, and not moving, unless you have shore power, you'll need more or bigger panels.

 

[doug748]

I have a 7 metre power boat.
What is best to charge the batteries solar or wind? I live in the uk.
There doesn't seem to be a clear consensus. I don't need much power I only really at first want it to stop the batteries going flat.
Thanks

You can get a 5W panel from Halfords for £25 and can usually connect it direct to the batteries. Google for the details.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Any particular type of panel or anything I need to look out for to fix it to the roof? Do they come with the fixings ?

What boat do you have ?

 

[michael_w]

Another vote for solar. A free range one would do the job nicely.

 

[rogerthebodger]

I did have solar and wind generator but removed the wind generator when it failed and never replaced or fixed it.

It did help if the weather was overcast and windy but no other help

 

[Boater Sam]

Solar every time. No moving parts. Simple.
Wind generators need a very tall pole and make an unholy noise inside the boat. A real faff every time you have to take it down or erect it.

 

[Neeves]

Solar every time. No moving parts. Simple.
Wind generators need a very tall pole and make an unholy noise inside the boat. A real faff every time you have to take it down or erect it.

Our Aerogen 4 did not make a noise (but as it is no longer made - a bit academic).

Jonathan

 

[MontyMariner]

I did have solar and wind generator but removed the wind generator when it failed and never replaced or fixed it.

Same here.

 

[dunedin]

Any particular type of panel or anything I need to look out for to fix it to the roof? Do they come with the fixings ?

The most important thing is the solar charge controller, rather than the panel on its own. Quite what you need between none, basic or full MPPT depends on more information