[Rhodes22-list] speaking of solar panels

[elle]

Hadz,
   
  Whether the solar panels can keep the batteries charged is a function of the no. of  amp hours used by the goodies below.
   
  I don't have my estimated numbers with me (I'm at the marina working...!) but, for example, if you have 5 interior lights below and if each interior light  pulls 1.5 amps/hr , you are using 7.5 amps per hour using all lights. Or you could use 1 light for 7.5 hours. The solar panels may provide approx. 1-2 amp hrs/day each in this latitude (maybe a bit more when the days are longer & fewer when the days become shorter)...so estimating usage, and the knowing the % you can draw your batteries down, I'd say don't count on the solar panels doing more than to top 'em off.
   
  When I did some estimates the other day, I figured I could stay out 2-3 days (if sunny), bieng conservative in use, and have to go in to recharge from shore power on the 3rd day...more or less.
   
  elle
   
  
Joseph Hadzima <josef508 at yahoo.com> wrote:
  
I was under the impression that solar panels worked best
when they are set 90 degrees to the Sun. With the panels
statically mounted on the Rhodes, are they sufficient at
keeping the batteries charged during a typical weekend
cruise, or are they more for: charging when you leave your
boat tied at a mooring / slip during the week and sail on
the weekend?

I assume the latitude where you sail may affect the
efficiency.


--- elle wrote:

> You know, Ed, you may have a kernel of an idea
> there...remember, this is the first design of this
> type...and all good designs need tweaking....this is
> not in its last iteration....we WILL make it comfy &
> safe...
> 
> Actually...one issue was the location of the solar
> panel on the laz lid...if we moved it (which we did
> discuss) then the seat could go back farther and
> perhaps lowered also, as the sight line to the cabin
> top will be changed.
> 
> I believe that that particular solar panel is for the
> battery that runs the motor lift...but as my engine
> has an alternator and if engine & lift motor are
> wired to that battery in the laz....might that keep
> the battery charged enough for the lift to allow the
> removal of the panel??
> 
> Ideas, anyone???
> 
> elle


HADZ (a.k.a. joe)

"That's what a ship is, you know. It's not just a keel and hull and a deck and sails. That's what a ship needs. But what a ship is... is freedom." 
-- Captain Jack Sparrow
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