Has anybody experience with, or just an opinion on, the flexible solar panels in the link? (Cut and paste it)http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/250992777149?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
I like the idea of tying them down on my deck parallel to the boom. Out of the way except when putting the sail cover on when they can be walked on with soft shoes.
What type of regulator would I need?
Cheers
I have one of these although I paid about $220 for it off ebay. Pulled it apart and have one panel mounted each side of the pushpit, almost vertical.http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Solarking-80w-12V-Foldable-Solar-Panel-Kit-Caravans-Camping-/260901734934?pt=AU_Solar&hash=item3cbef48a16
Came with one regulator, bought another off ebay for $13.
www.ebay.com.au/itm/Solar-Regulator-12v-24v-auto-battery-charge-control-/271024813892?pt=AU_Solar&hash=item3f1a567744
Have two batteries in a two bank system with one solar panel and regulator for each battery. 40 watts a side is more than adequate for my needs.
G'day Graham. I've got two 105 amp house batteries plus the starting battery. I use a fair bit of juice with the fridge, an electric toilet, tricolour light, chart plotter etc and the tiller pilot (although I'm often motoring when it is used).
I have a 40w panel now which is OK for keeping the battery topped up at the mooring but two 80w panels would mean the engine wouldn't be needed on passages, except rarely. I could also put water and beer in the fridge and leave it on all the time so I have cold drinks 24/7.
I like the ability to bend these ones and being able to walk on them a bit.
They look good, if there is space to put it bit out of the way , great option compaired to the ugly wind catching frame on the stern with the panels on top .
To incorporate that Into a dodger would be cool !!!
I must admit I hate those panels stuck up in the air on the stern of yachts. Mine are the same dimension as the sides of the pushpit and I don't notice them. I use a windvane and wanted to keep the stern clear.
John having a fridge needs more power. They are much more efficient these days but still the heaviest user of power onboard. I think I would keep the 40w panel and the $13 regulator just for the starter battery and the new panels for the the house batteries. Use another one or two of the $13 regulators depending on whether you isolate the battery power when you leave the boat or not. Lots of choices.
Thanks HaveFun. The Australian distributor has one for $298 while the ebay distributor has them for sale at two for $425.
Unless I am missing something, the Oz distributor will struggle to sell them.
