The time has come to get serious about adding solar power to Second Star.
The basics:
House battery bank: 4 6v Deka GC ~ 450 ah
Charger: ProNautic 1250P
Alternator: Externally regulated CMI 90 Amp alternator
While on anchor on Lake Ontario we use around 75 ah per 24 hours. The big draw is refrigeration at about 60 ah a day depending on the weather. We're pretty frugal with energy, mostly LED bulbs, turn the VHF off when, occasional use of the stereo, etc.
If we can keep our bodies and minds intact, next spring we are planning to sail out the St Lawrence and down the east coast. Adding solar will make us less dependent on marinas and motoring for charging.
The rough plan is to add 2 ~140 watt panels connected to 2 Victron suitably sized controllers. That should provide about 60 ah a day on average (23 amps x 3 good sun hours).
There is a bewildering supply of vendors and brands of solar panels. In order to narrow my search I would appreciate suggestions as to brands and vendors to review and to avoid. The budget is not limitless, however, we will pay extra to get better quality, performance, and reliability. Local (Central NY) vendors are not an option as there aren't any. Vendors in Eastern Ontario Canada might be an option.
Suggestions?
Thanks.
The basics:
House battery bank: 4 6v Deka GC ~ 450 ah
Charger: ProNautic 1250P
Alternator: Externally regulated CMI 90 Amp alternator
While on anchor on Lake Ontario we use around 75 ah per 24 hours. The big draw is refrigeration at about 60 ah a day depending on the weather. We're pretty frugal with energy, mostly LED bulbs, turn the VHF off when, occasional use of the stereo, etc.
If we can keep our bodies and minds intact, next spring we are planning to sail out the St Lawrence and down the east coast. Adding solar will make us less dependent on marinas and motoring for charging.
The rough plan is to add 2 ~140 watt panels connected to 2 Victron suitably sized controllers. That should provide about 60 ah a day on average (23 amps x 3 good sun hours).
There is a bewildering supply of vendors and brands of solar panels. In order to narrow my search I would appreciate suggestions as to brands and vendors to review and to avoid. The budget is not limitless, however, we will pay extra to get better quality, performance, and reliability. Local (Central NY) vendors are not an option as there aren't any. Vendors in Eastern Ontario Canada might be an option.
Suggestions?
Thanks.