[Rhodes22-list] speaking of solar panels

[Joseph Hadzima]

Thanks elle & Art!

I had assumed the pannel utilitiy was related both to
consumpson, and latitude; and since you're also just above
the 37th latitude, I appreciate your calculations.  



--- "Arthur H. Czerwonky" <czerwonky at earthlink.net> wrote:

> Elle,
> 
> Excellent perspective on the panels.  They don't bring
> much to the party.  I bought one of the LED utility
> lights from Boaters World at the Annapolis - not bad at
> all, and low power consumption.  I bought LED Xmas lights
> before the holidays, for next year's boat parade in
> Savannah possibly.  Five strings powered thru a 70 watt
> inverter (the lights were a/c because the DC were sold
> out) were no problem at all, plenty for 80' of big LED
> bulbs.  The mfg will not comment on amp draw, but it must
> be minescule.
> 
> I really think the stability questions about the Rhodes
> have been  overdone, therefore of concern to you, Hadz,
> and others.  Each of us skipper has our own comfort
> boundaries, and this remarkable craft has the ability to
> adjust accordingly.  If you find the boat sensitive to
> particular winds, it is so simple to trim either main or
> genny.  Bill likes to stay level on the water in the LI
> area, even with the ability to steer with weight
> distribution.  Match that...
> 
> I really don't think there is a boat to compare with
> our's in any catagory except maybe competitive racing
> with IMF.  
> 
> I can't wait to read your first postings after you
> receive yours.  We will hear the Oh's! and Ah's in
> Atlanta, at Hartwell, and at Edenton without fail!  I can
> bet you're ready to get underway.  If you are a little
> short to see the bow, nary a problem because you will
> just levitate.
> 
> Many cheers,
> Art
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> >From: elle <watermusic38 at yahoo.com>
> >Sent: Jan 27, 2007 12:41 PM
> >To: The Rhodes 22 mail list <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
> >Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] speaking of solar panels
> >
> >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.
> >


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