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Old 11-05-2009
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manujosortudo
The problem is that most try to anchor in a less windy place, and water generation adds drag. Solar is the closest we can get to a "free ride" at this time and into thr forseeable future. Why put solar panels on deck where they are liable to be either stepped on or shadowed some of the time? If you use rigid panels and mount them out of the shadow areas at the stern either on a pole mount or on a stern platform or hinged to the pulpit on either side which is probably easiest. Nobody really lacks unshaded areas - you just have to be creative about mounting them. Remember you will sail primarily downwind if offshore passagemaking - this will lessen the apparent wind which will not be great for a wind generator, not to mention the noise. And who wants the drag of a water gen? Trim the sails for the wind and then lose 1/2 a knot or more to gain a few amps? I plan to install rigid panels on either side of the stern pulpit on simple mounts so they can be up for use and folded down if I wish at a dock. With the proper regulator the voltages should not be an issue as the best controllers (MPPT type) will convert wattage to amps and amps to voltage. See this link for the details: Solar Power on Boats | Adrift at Sea
Brian
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