Xort,
If you will give me just a bit longer, I will give you all first hand experience.
I purchased my stuff a while back, but have been dragging my feet on putting them on (as I do not want them to walk off the dock), but am about ready and everything is prepped. I bought 4 - KC130's, wired series, connected to an Outback MX60 MPPT. The wind is an AirX. THat should give me about 520 watts on solar, somewhere between 36-45 amps depending on voltage at max output. The MX60 MPPT is in theory able to convert even low levels of light into something that is useful (even if to float). The boat I fashioned after had 6 panels and not 4, but put out 65 amps/hour in the summer (an important distinction with panels). 6 panels is a bit tough for me to squeeze (space wise) so I went with 4.
I will try and get pictures and post them. Maybe I should shoot a shot of the charge controller so everyone knows I am not lying about what it puts out!!! HAHA!
I think the problem and negative comments associate with solar are associated with arrays that are too small, not using a MPPT charger, not using AGM's as batts (I will explain), and poor location. Unrealistic expectations might fall in there too.
As far as AGM's, (not bringing up an old thread), but for the life of me I do not know why anyone would not go with them (except cost)??!! THe only comparable wets are probably Rolls, but they are not cheap so why not a good AGM like a Lifline?? With an AGM, assuming voltage is regulated, you can really put in high current and faster recharges. THis makes them a better candidate for cruising with generators, mains (as a recharge source), and solar. Wind will be longer and more constant, so would be applicable to either battery type. Here is a post from Lifeline, which I use:
LIFELINE MARINE BATTERY BENEFITS
User Safe
sealed construction
non-spillable
install in any position if properly supported.
submersible without damage
Maintenance free (no adding water or repairing corroded terminals)
Fastest recharge. (no current limitations with voltage regulated recharging)
Deep Cycle (thick positive plates to provide real deep cycle performance)
Outstanding cranking performance (aircraft cell construction lowers internal resistance)
Best charge retention (especially against flooded cell types)
Lowest discharge rates (Less that 3 percent per month unattended)
Easily shipped (even via UPS except GPL-8D and GPLAD because of weight)
Shock and vibration resistant. (100% of plates are covered with separator liners)
Properly supported, LIFELINE AGM batteries with absorbed electrolyte can be installed and operated on their side.
I also use 4 - 4D's plus an alternate starter battery totally seperated from any of these systems as a backup/emergency starter. I also have a generator and use a Prosine
Inverter/Charger 2.0 (I really like it).
I agree with Cam's point about a good MS charge.
My array is smaller than the boat I fashioned after, so the real test is coming very soon. We will see and I will let you know if I can arcweld in full sunlight!!
Take care.
- CD