Solar panel Sizing

Status
Not open for further replies.
Piratenorm

Piratenorm

.
Jun 21, 2009
119
Catalina 30 Mk 1, #3335 Midland, Ontario
G'day all. A question. My Mk 1 30 is getting an upgrade from the icebox to a refridge, the Isotherm 2301 conversion kit sold thru West Marine. My question is, will a 145 watt solar panel be sufficient to keep the fridge working, the beer cold, steaks frozen and the batteries topped up?
My lighting is all LED now, have 2 dedicated house batteries and I am very economical with it's use anyway. I believe it's all I'd need but thought I'd ask just in case. I'm not in the tropics, Georgian Bay (part of Lake Huron, Great Lakes)
Thanks.
 
Bob S

Bob S

.
Sep 27, 2007
1,805
Beneteau 393 New Bedford, MA
Norm,

I'm not an expert but I've lurked around here for a while now and I would say no. At best you might get 40ah a day and from experience, my frig draws about 60ah/day. There are a lot of factors. How big is your house bank how often will you be using the frig (weekends, daily??). I'd suggest you read as much as possible especially in Musing with Mainesail

http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=147653
http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=146679
http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=144557

Use the search tool. No one can answer your question as Stu would say "it all depends"
Good luck.
 
Jimm

Jimm

.
Jan 22, 2008
372
Hunter 33.5 Bodkin Creek - Bodkin YC
Piratenorm said:
G'day all. A question. My Mk 1 30 is getting an upgrade from the icebox to a refridge, the Isotherm 2301 conversion kit sold thru West Marine. My question is, will a 145 watt solar panel be sufficient to keep the fridge working, the beer cold, steaks frozen and the batteries topped up?
My lighting is all LED now, have 2 dedicated house batteries and I am very economical with it's use anyway. I believe it's all I'd need but thought I'd ask just in case. I'm not in the tropics, Georgian Bay (part of Lake Huron, Great Lakes)
Thanks.
Click to expand
I have a very similar arrangement on my Cat 30 with 140W solar. Here in the Bay it is marginal to maintain LED anchor light and refrigeration. For extended cruising, I'd add another 140W panel. See http://chesapeaketidings.com/the-boat/ for installation - PM if you want more details.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Top Bottom