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We have installed 250 watts of solar panels on the bimini using flexible Solbian panels. These panels are only 3 mm thick and zip into the bimini with a velcro cover for the cable runs. Weighing in at only 1.5 kgs the panels don't visually impact the bimini at all and avoid the need to install a goalpost on the stern of the boat. 250 watts should mean that we can be 'off-grid' for at least 10 days in sunny conditions before we need to start the engine to charge the batteries. As we would run out of water/food/clothes before that time then I'm hoping 250 watts will be plenty. They are controlled by two MPPT controllers to boost effectiveness. The fridge is well-insulated and the interior and navigation lights are all LED so there'e not much power drain there. The system is monitored through a Victron 602 controller and so far we have had plenty of power in reserve. That's mainly because we have had access to lots of shore-power and have used the engine a fair bit but I expect that to change and will report back as to how this system performs over time.
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When putting this adventure together I realised just how difficult it is to find out good information about boats, equipment, locations, electronics, communications, well, just about everything. It's not that there's a shortage of opinions, in fact everyone has an opinion, that's the trouble. Most opinions are expressed forcibly on forums and websites and these opinions often become facts. Archives
November 2018
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