I recently bought a 27' Oday Sloop, and I'm using it as a live aboard. I'm curious about using a solar panel for my electrical power supply. Which type would be best? Thanks a bunch
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You mean other than free?
Well John, free is always best.
Barring that, there are few things to think about. I assume you want something to replenish the main house bank instead of just topping things up. That means a largish array. Best place to mount them is probably on a trestle built across the transom. Its important to try to keep the panels aimed at the sun. That usually means an angled mount instead of a horizonatl mount. Gimballed is even beter. As far as brands - Siemens is my choice. Others like others. Hard panels tend to have better output than soft panels. I would definitely use a regulator. Justin - O'day Owners' Web
Well John, free is always best.
Barring that, there are few things to think about. I assume you want something to replenish the main house bank instead of just topping things up. That means a largish array. Best place to mount them is probably on a trestle built across the transom. Its important to try to keep the panels aimed at the sun. That usually means an angled mount instead of a horizonatl mount. Gimballed is even beter. As far as brands - Siemens is my choice. Others like others. Hard panels tend to have better output than soft panels. I would definitely use a regulator. Justin - O'day Owners' WebAdvice is oft-times worth what you pay for it
Take a clue from Jason's words "largish array" and "panels", like in many panels. I accepted advice that the flexible solar panel I bought would keep the battery charged sufficiently to run my anchor light and recharge my cell phone. The last two weeks of a 5 week cruise I had a dead cell phone and hung a kerosene lantern for an anchor light. I am not knowlegible regarding solar panels but do know what didn't work although assured that it would. "Largish array" and "Panels" sounds better than what I had.
Take a clue from Jason's words "largish array" and "panels", like in many panels. I accepted advice that the flexible solar panel I bought would keep the battery charged sufficiently to run my anchor light and recharge my cell phone. The last two weeks of a 5 week cruise I had a dead cell phone and hung a kerosene lantern for an anchor light. I am not knowlegible regarding solar panels but do know what didn't work although assured that it would. "Largish array" and "Panels" sounds better than what I had.
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