We’ve 660 watts of panel right now. If we can figure out where to put another 2 to 3 hundred watts of panel up on the bimini, we will (as well as having the ready cash for it).
The Cap’n points out you should have a 2 to 1 ratio of watts to amps. You will need a good solar controler too. We’ve a Victron. Don’t skim on this part either. And make sure you get one big enough for your needs.
We run a fridge unit, several laptops, lights, phones, a small TV and the nav stuff off the batteries. If we have a run of bad weather we have a small Honda Generator (2200e) we can plug into the shore power port to keep us going. We plug in occasionally when we are in a marina, but, for the most part, we anchor/mooring ball out and have to be self sufficient.
The batteries a very light too. When we bought the third one (two just wasn’t enough for our needs), we had it delivered to a marina and the Cap’n picked it up and carried it to a cart. Folks thought she was a superwoman or something. And you can put them in any orientation. We have one laying on it’s side. No room other wise.
“...And you can put them in any orientation. We have one laying on it’s side. No room other wise.”
Thanks, I did not know that.
Buying a really, really small trailer that barely has room for solar panels (2 trimmed down 50 W panels will fit - barely).
Great info - thanks a bunch!