Solar Panels

[LORDNELSON]

I am looking into fitting some solar panels on my boat (about 3 number, 10 watt, flexible) and would be grateful for advice from those who have fitted them with regard to: 1. Suppliers who seem technically competant, 2. Experience of this type of solar panel reliability, 3. Any problems that should be foreseen. Many thanks.

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[Talbot]

Barden have a good rep (Southampton area), try
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.bardenbatteries.co.uk/solar/index.html>http://www.bardenbatteries.co.uk/solar/index.html</A>

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[yoda]

My 10w solar panel (solerex I think) has been excellent and continues to keep the batteries charged after several years. I have 2 comments on it, firstly the clear protective covering started to peel at the edges and I have had to cover the whole panel in clear sticky back plastic wrapped over the edges to pu this right. Secondly the cable exit from the panel doesn't seem to have a cable clamp and looks like ot is not weather proof, again I have bodged / sealed to overcome this. The solarsum regulator has been excellent and well worth the money.

Yoda

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[BrianJ]

I had 4 x big solar panels on my last yacht...great.
But one problem I had cruising in the Tropics.. I "boilt" the batteries once.....I dont know where you sail or if you have enough sun to do the same...but being aware of the fact that you can do that ,may beof use. Yes there is a solution,ask your supplier
BrianJ

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[jfkal]

Sunware does good semiflexible and very durable stuff. Make sure to use a solar regulator in order not to "boil" your batteries. Keeps our batteries in mint condition and runs even the fridge on sunny days.

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[maxxi]

Can endorse what Yoda has to say but be careful of some of the comments elsewhere, 10watt panels should not need a regulator unless all three are feeding the same battery.

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[timevans2000]

I have used Uni-Solar panels for a few years now. Very happy. The people at Ampair sell them. They are good value and American made. They have high output in poor sunlight conditions

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[LORDNELSON]

Many thanks everyone, very helpful comments. A happy New Year.

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[Ric]

I have Solara walk-on panels and they are excellent. You can buy them from Barden Batteries in the UK (somebody has already posted the link) but when I bought mine they were about 40% cheaper from www.svb.de.

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