Where, geographically, are you located? Any discussion of producing
electricity with solar panels is fairly dependant on knowing the location
and therefore sun hours. Any information you can offer on the sun
availability that is behind your numbers would be very helpful.

It sounds like your system is working great for you -- congratulations!

Shane Wilson
S/V Muse - Port Townsend
Panda 40

>From: "Rick Williams" <rwsail35@houston.rr.com>
>Reply-To: baba-l@ballreich.net
>To: "Baba" <baba-l@ballreich.net>
>Subject: [Baba-L] Solar Panels
>Date: Thu, 18 Jan 2007 09:57:13 -0600
>
>Hi everyone. I thought I would post some information on my latest attempt @
>power management aboard Lorac. As I have not yet figured out a suitable
>location to install a generator in a Baba 30: nor do I care to haul a fuel
>barge behind me, I elected to try solar power. I purchased two 130 watt
>Kyocera panels from solarkits.com. I mounted them on top of the Bimini and
>have mounts that allow for quick removal. I have had them on the boat for
>about one month and am very pleased with their performance. I have been
>able to remain off of shore power for the last month and have not
>experienced any serious drops in battery voltage ( Three AGM 105 amp group
>27 batteries). I keep my refrigeration unit running at all times, you never
>know when you will need a cold beer or a rum on the rocks. The panels are
>averaging about 8 amps per hour for 9 hours per day. The peek charge is
>11.4 amps at the highest point of the sun. During the early and late hours
>of sunlight, the number is less. These numbers are verified via a Xantrex
>Link 1000 Battery Monitor. The power supplied, during optimal condition, is
>able to keep up with my electrical demands which include Refrigeration,
>autopilot, lights and computer. There will be times when I will need to use
>the engine to aid in keeping up, but it is rare and I am burning much less
>fuel. I expect to see even better results during the Summer months.
>Fair winds, blue water.
>Rick & Terry Williams
>S/V Lorac; Baba 30 # 71

-----------------------------------------------------------
Baba Panda and Tashiba Owners Mailing List --
For more info, please check out the FAQ...
http://www.ballreich.net/hypermail/baba-l/faq.html
Received on Thu Jan 18 15:43:43 2007