Randy – Page 3 – Sail Vietnam

Solar panels have moved from nice-to-have to a necessity. And from one or two panels to an array of matched panels. Choosing which type and where to install has become a bigger decision. While the actual cost of solar panels has dropped dramatically, they are still a large initial cost that will pay for itself over time. The transition from film to digital photography took about seven years from zero percent digital to 0% film. The transition from gas to electric cars and boats may be similar. We are already past 0% electric powered cars. There don't appear to be any percentage figures for boats, but clearly we have begun the transition. Electric boats are already above one percent. The Renogy Starter Kit is probably the best starter solar power kit. This is a good start for most beginners. They can be used on any sized boat. You will have four solar panels. They can be mounted temporarily (or semi-permanently) quite easily and they are convenient to transport. They have many benefits and very few problems. In this article I will cover some uses and sources of solar panels for your catamaran, which should also apply to your sailboat of any type. I hope you will feel more confident in your decisions as a result of this information. Are Solar Panels on Sailboats Necessary? Installing solar panels on your boat is a choice. However, there are few things that don't run on electricity these days and there are few sources on open water besides the sun. The sun and wind are free. You may not need solar panels for day trips. Smartphones and other devices sometimes have a hard time making it though they day on a single charge. This is especially true when they have to reach the shore towers for data. Of course you don't actually need solar panels for short trips. You can charge a battery from the shore. This should last a relatively long time. If charging the battery from shore power is convenient, then this may be your solution. However, if you are planning to live aboard, you will save money by investing in at least some solar panels. This will top off your batteries on a regular basis through a charge controller. This frees up your time for other things, like enjoying the view and your time on the water. Are Solar Panels on Boats Safe? Solar panels are generally safe. They have no moving parts to cause wear and generally they are placed inside strong, protective covers that keep the elements out. This cover also keeps the electronics protected and away from small hands. As a source of power, solar panels are generally safe unless they are damaged. The protective cover for solar panels is most often made of a frame holding the panels behind a layer of glass. This also helps prevent rain damage. However, in some cases, this glass can break. This presents the danger from broken glass. It is possible there is danger from the glass and also shock from the electronics inside. However, this is rare in general use because the frame holding the glass is strong and the frame itself is usually well mounted. This case is also good at protecting your electronics from salt water corrosion. The only time a panel would break is from debris hitting the glass. This would not likely happen except in a storm. What are the Benefits of Having Solar Panels on a Sailboat? The benefits of solar panels are range from convenient to life-saving. They top off and recharge your batteries. They keep your electronics, including your navigation and emergency communications equipment, supplied with power. They are generally much more powerful and less obtrusive than wind generators. Below are some of the benefits. Money-saving Some will argue that solar panels are not cheap. Consider that this "generator" comes with a lifetime supply of fuel. Solar panels are an upfront expense that do not ever require fuel or maintenance. This means that solar panels pay for their cost in a relatively short period of time. Emergency Power Conditions at sea can vary widely from no wind to gale force. During such times, you may need assistance. Batteries will run out of power during use, and they can also run out of power from disuse. Keeping your batteries up to charge can be important. They are your link to getting life-saving help when you need it. Comfort Amenities Solar panels can provide many of the comforts of home life while on a journey. These can include, AC, TV, radio and internet entertainment, VHF emergency and marina communications, Satellite navigation and emergency messaging. Solar power can also mean convenient cooking, coffee, gaming, and even the microwave oven. Even the most luxurious yacht can be less exciting if you are not moving. Sometimes it can be a real comfort to have some of the amenities of land. Solar power can bring these to you. Eco-friendly There are few power options at sea. Until solar panels became generally available, gas or diesel generators were the only options. There are three or four main power sources at sea. Gasoline Generators Gasoline is more common for household uses like lawn mowers and for fueling cars. However, gasoline is less prevalent in marinas. If you have a gasoline generator, you will have to keep fuel for it. Getting fuel for your generator may mean locating a source and a long walk or bike ride with a heavy container on the return trip. Gas generators are noisy and smelly in comparison to solar panels. Diesel Generators Diesel is much more common, in fact, it is ubiquitous at marinas. This may lead you to consider a diesel generator for your power. And, indeed some choose this option. However, diesel generators are also noisy and smelly in comparison to solar panels. A better choice might be to use solar and batteries. And, then use a diesel generator to charge your batteries as a backup. Solar Panels Solar panels power your electronics directly. They replenish themselves automatically. They do not need to be converted from gas or diesel. They work automatically with the sun and charge controller doing the work. You never need to make trips to buy fuel. The investment you make can last for decades. Wind Generators There are times when the weather is cloudy. Early adopters of wind generators felt that, while they did charge the batteries, wind generators were noisy and inconvenient in actual use. They can be an asset on cloudy and windy days when there isn't much solar input. In this case, wind can compliment solar. How Much do Solar Panels Cost? The cost of solar panels and batteries keeps dropping. Sometimes with technology, we need to study the trends for a while and then make a decision and jump in. The cost of solar panels and their voltage and wattage can vary considerably. Portable Solar There are two basic types: portable and rigid. The portable kind of solar panel generally cost much less. However they usually need to be carried on and off the boat and are much less efficient than the rigid panels. You will need several portable solar panels to manage the basic needs, but that's usually not a problem. They will cost only a few hundred dollars each. These flexible panels can be rolled up for carrying on and off the boat. They can simply lay on the deck of your boat when in use. The battery you choose will be the most expensive part of your system and you may want to secure it on your boat so you don't have to move it. Although, the new Lithium batteries are much lighter and can be moved much more easily than their heavier counterparts. When fully charged, your pattery can last for days, even with constant use. Rigid Solar The rigid panels should be professionally installed. This can add to the initial cost. However, it is a one-time cost and can be well worth the investment when your boat is tossed around at sea in weather you didn't expect. Of course, once installed you can mostly forget about them. Rigid solar panels, once installed, become a permanent part of your boat and the electrical connections are safely out of the way. You don't have to put them up or transport them. And, you don't have to plug them in to use them. And, of course, they can charge your batteries between trips. Again, your batteries will be a significant part of your investment. I recommend that you have at least two or three. You should always have one fully charged battery for emergencies. Charge it and possibly disconnect it from your system, in case there is a problem. Remember to recharge it periodically! Rigid solar panels come in two varieties: Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline. Monocrystalline Monocrystalline wafers are made from a single silicon crystal. These panels are generally thought of as a premium solar product, but the main advantage of monocrystalline panels are higher efficiencies and sleeker aesthetics. Polycrystalline Polycrystalline wafers generally have lower efficiencies than monocrystalline cells because there are many more crystals in each cell. They are easier to manufacture and usually have a lower price. Polycrystalline panels can usually be identified because they have a bluish hue. How Do I Maintain My Solar Panels? Unlike gas or diesel generators, solar panels are easy to maintain and don't generally require maintenance. They don't need fuel or tune-ups or moving parts that need lubrication. This makes them user-friendly and mostly hands-free in operation. However, like any system, there can be some problems with electrical systems. That said, if there is a problem, you will need to address it quickly. Electronics and water don't mix well, especially salt water. Make sure the panels are sealed. This is usually not a problem with the portable panels. However, it can be a problem with the rigid solar panels. The frame enclosure should be sealed against water damage. Your battery connections should also be sealed from moisture. The connections should be metal to metal and covered with waterproof covering. While each panel has a lower voltage, panels connected together can have a much higher power. Bigger electrical systems will have higher voltages. Contact with these and water can potentially be fatal. Hire a professional if you see problems. Do My Solar Panels Need Cleaning? Solar panels convert sunlight into electrical power. This process can be complicated and actually varies with the different types of solar panels. The result is simple. There are only a few reasons why your panels are less efficient and keeping them more efficient is easy. The easiest way to keep your solar panels efficient is keeping them clean. Any dust or covering will reduce the conversion of sun power into electrical power. Salt water spray can lead to salt deposits. Simply wash your panels at regular intervals with warm soapy water. Use fresh water! Which are the Best Solar Panels for Sailing? There are many good options for solar panels. For beginners, a simple system is probably best. This avoids the need for a detailed understanding current, voltage, load, resistance and connectors. While price is important, the long-term benefits are the major pay-off. Remember that any solar panels come with a lifetime supply of fuel - the sun. Renogy Starter Kit Th Renogy starter kit is a set of portable panels. This is a good start for most beginners. They can be used on any sized boat. You will have four solar panels. They can be mounted temporarily (or semi-permanently) quite easily and they are convenient to transport. These panels generally work best on a flat surface, but are smaller in size, so finding a suitable area should be easy. This kit is modestly priced. Buying extra panels is possible. They are easy to install and connect and adequate for most uses. Wattage: 400/4 (100 per panel) Nature Power Rigid The Nature power is a rigid type of solar panel. These are a good start for a permanent installation on most boats. They are large enough to give you adequate power, yet small enough to be out of your way once installed. You will need a flat surface area away from potential damage yet close enough for cleaning. If you are wanting a permanent solar system, this is a good place to start. These panels will need professional installation. Hire someone who knows how to install solar power systems. Wattage: 165 Nature Power Monocrystalline This system is in between portable and rigid. "Monocrystalline" as I mentioned above are generally more efficient. This Nature system comes self-contained in a special container that looks like a briefcase. It can be perfect for stowing on your boat for when you need it. You will have to set it up for each use, but this is simple and easy. This is cheaper than the rigid system, but more expensive than the portable. This system could easily supplement a rigid panel system or serve as a backup for any system. Wattage: 120 Conclusions Solar power is going through a revolution. Many new manufacturers are inventing new products and find new solutions. There are many, many options in solar power and the needs and uses are constantly changing. New panels, new batteries, and new charge controllers are announced all the time. There is lots to learn. I hope this information was useful and helpful. Solar panels are a useful addition to any sailboat and can be a life-saver in an emergency. Having backup power is always welcome in unexpected emergencies. If you have questions, I am happy to help you find the answer.