I want to equip my 42 passage (1992)with either wind or solar auxilliary power. I have an 8kw generator but obviously would like other sources for backup and relative quiet. The primary charging need would be the Adler-barbour refrig/freezer. What wattage or amp rating would anyone recommend and if solar would you go with flexible vs. rigid. If Wind how reliable are they Thanks
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running engine or generator
Looks like I will still have to run the engine or generator a couple hours a day if I want to keep refrig chugging along. Thanks for info on demand of adler may be wind can provide more amps
Looks like I will still have to run the engine or generator a couple hours a day if I want to keep refrig chugging along. Thanks for info on demand of adler may be wind can provide more amps
solar on a P42
On our P42, we have three siemens 55W panels on a bracket we built that extens rearward fron the arch over the rear stateroom. There is a series of photos in the photo forum, just search for 42 photos. I use a Morningstar Prostar 30 solar controller. They will just about keep my refer going with 10-12 AH net daily draw from the house based on a 2 week study I did. Of course, if there were a two week storm that would be different. I have the refer connected to the load control terminals of the controller. If the voltage were to drop due to a prolonged storm, the load (refer) is disconnected until the voltage comes back up to a set point, about 12.25V I think. I did some computations and another 100W panel would get my freezer, because it actually runs less. I am building aan insulated shelf for the refer that will sit just below the evaporator. When I'm not out for extended periods, I can install this shelf and just cool the top half. I'll be able to have cold beverages and snacks for a lot less power.
On our P42, we have three siemens 55W panels on a bracket we built that extens rearward fron the arch over the rear stateroom. There is a series of photos in the photo forum, just search for 42 photos. I use a Morningstar Prostar 30 solar controller. They will just about keep my refer going with 10-12 AH net daily draw from the house based on a 2 week study I did. Of course, if there were a two week storm that would be different. I have the refer connected to the load control terminals of the controller. If the voltage were to drop due to a prolonged storm, the load (refer) is disconnected until the voltage comes back up to a set point, about 12.25V I think. I did some computations and another 100W panel would get my freezer, because it actually runs less. I am building aan insulated shelf for the refer that will sit just below the evaporator. When I'm not out for extended periods, I can install this shelf and just cool the top half. I'll be able to have cold beverages and snacks for a lot less power.
solar array thanks
Bill thanks for the great pictures. They really make it clear as to how I can do the same.Do you take them down when making a passage I assume you would. Do you mind telling me how much this cost?
Bill thanks for the great pictures. They really make it clear as to how I can do the same.Do you take them down when making a passage I assume you would. Do you mind telling me how much this cost?
solar array cost
I've never taken them down although I built it so I could remove it for a hurricane or similar event. It's been through several warnings, we keep the boat in Marathon, FL., but no problems yet. The panels were on the order of $500 ea but since then I've seen them cheaper but not much.. I used these particular models because they allowed me to get the most wattage in the space available between the arch and the backstay while not extending out wider than the arch. I can't remember the entire cost of the frame but it was in the range of several hundred dollars for all the fittings and tubing. I had originally wanted to bend one tube but the radii were too shape. Then I thought of welding but the local welder wanted as much as the panels just to weld and polish a simple hoop. So I settled on the method shown and it worked out great. I don't yet have davits but will probably add them this Summer along with another pair of 70 to 80W panels.
I've never taken them down although I built it so I could remove it for a hurricane or similar event. It's been through several warnings, we keep the boat in Marathon, FL., but no problems yet. The panels were on the order of $500 ea but since then I've seen them cheaper but not much.. I used these particular models because they allowed me to get the most wattage in the space available between the arch and the backstay while not extending out wider than the arch. I can't remember the entire cost of the frame but it was in the range of several hundred dollars for all the fittings and tubing. I had originally wanted to bend one tube but the radii were too shape. Then I thought of welding but the local welder wanted as much as the panels just to weld and polish a simple hoop. So I settled on the method shown and it worked out great. I don't yet have davits but will probably add them this Summer along with another pair of 70 to 80W panels.
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