Solar Pannels versus Wind Generators

[AndrewB]

Sorry - internal combustion - petrol or diesel. Guess that makes me even unredeemable in CharlesM's eyes. (His wisdom is badly needed on the mobo board - think what they'd do with 2 litres of fuel).

Perhaps solar panels last 20 years in a nice safe shoreside location but exposed on deck during extended voyaging mine were battered and delivering almost nothing after 5 years when I junked them. This was a few years back, maybe the semi-flexible type are more robust, then again maybe not.

 

[CharlesM]

You do what you will, but the truth is we all need to do our bit.

I am not saying I will never use a generator. Of course I will if neccesary, but we all need to try.

 

[pandroid]

[ QUOTE ]
a comparatively low 40Ah (equivalent to less than 2 litres of diesel consumption daily),

[/ QUOTE ]

Really? 40Ah back in half an hour? Wow!

 

[feef]

An Australian AC generator.

 

[Appleyard]

Marsupial mentioned a keel cooler...can this be retro-fitted to an existing installation?

 

[mrcruisine]

Hi There, I explore this issue in my books, it all depends on where you cruise. Med is great for Solar but get the best or largest output units you can. If its Caribbean its wind generators. I prefer Rutland units they keep turning in my marina while the other fancy styled ones are stopped. If budget permits the new and best option is fuel cells, no more gear up top so look at that, not cheap but great. Bit of both is good balanced approach though web page Regards John Payne

 

[AndrewB]

[ QUOTE ]
Really? 40Ah back in half an hour? Wow!

[/ QUOTE ]Is this really surprising? 75A alternator on a Perkins 4-108 that uses about 2.5 litres per hour at cruising speed - run for maybe three-quarters of an hour. I've never actually measured the power output, but it seems sufficient to keep up with our low level of usage, even allowing for the usual inefficiencies.

 

[AndrewB]

[ QUOTE ]
You do what you will, but the truth is we all need to do our bit.

[/ QUOTE ]I do have some sympathy with you. At present, oil consumption in the UK is 1,850,000 barrels daily, equivalent to 5 litres for every man, woman and child. So the amount my partner and I use for power generation when cruising, 1 litre each daily maximum, represents 20% of that. Its actually rather less, due to use of a towed generator and stays in marinas on mains power. And we might of course argue that it is not on top of normal consumption but should be offset against the oil we would otherwise be using daily to heat and power a conventional home and run a car.

Yes, it would be a major contribution if everyone used a litre less daily. However, I believe that individual attempts at savings of such small amounts are futile without collective action.

An argument for subsidised solar panels perhaps?

 

[Talbot]

Keel coolers for fridges are a great way to reduce power consumption for fridges and freezers in a hot climate. They can be retro-fitted to holding plates and evaporators provided the gas is compatible and the connectors are correct, However a keel cooler will also need a new compressor, so its not a cheap fix - more details on the kit from: http://www.penguinfrigo.co.uk