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Solar / wind power

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Docjames122 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Docjames122 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Solar / wind power
    Posted: 28 November 2021 at 11:34
So my 2009 320 is out for winter overhaul.  One of the jobs I am contemplating is adding some “eco” power generation.

Could I ask how others have done this on their 320.

I think the only place for solar panel would be coach roof (I would have to remove the liferaft from here possibly  on to pushpit.  But is that enough space for a decent solar array to make any discernible difference (I live in Scotland!).

Alternatively do I get a frame on the back for a bigger array? 

Or has anyone fitted a wind turbine (worried about the noise).

We cruise mainly around the Clyde so batteries get an engine or shore power charge except for alternate nights away (Mrs H likes a marina shower!)

I do some short handed racing and could really do with topping up batteries to keep autopilot running as well.

TIA

James
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Wayne's World View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Wayne's World Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 November 2021 at 14:40
James,

We have a 575 but the concept of adding solar etc is similar. First, we are now in the Caribbean and wind generators are popular. Because a lot of the Caribbean enjoys trade winds for most of the time wind generators seem to provide a reasonable amount of power. If you are not in a trade wind area they seems to be of little use. We finally bit the bullet and fitted solar last year and now couldn't be without it. Finding space to fit enough panels which is generally shade free is a challenge. Very small amounts of shading drastically reduces the output from the panels or the entire array unless you use multiple solar controllers. Fitting solar on your coach roof will suffer badly from shading from the boom or you may need to spend time during the day moving the boom out of the way if possible. We had an arch made off our stern and fitted 1025W of panels (3 panels) but should maybe have fitted more. We use a lot of power on an average day at anchor- about 250ah for general stuff (lighting, fridge, freezer, TV, coffee maker, charging of various items as well as two inverters etc). Add to this running the water maker for 2 hours - 60ah, running the water heater 30ah, washing machine 30ah per wash (every second day). Over the last 10 months we have averaged about 350ah per day from the solar array. There are various on-line options to calculate how much solar you need to replace your daily consumption. I think Victron have calculator  on their website which also takes into account your location and therefore your normal potential hours of sun etc. After speaking with many cruisers it seems you should fit as much solar as you can fit, use a MPPT controller for each panel and fit the panels where there is the least potential for shading. It seems flexible panels provide less power per square meter than non flexible panels. Flexible panels do not last as long as non flexible panels. We have two sets of cruiser friends who fitted flexible (expensive as well) panels which failed within 2 years. We also fitted lithium batteries - 600ah @ 12V and have a Watt and Sea hydro generator.  
Wayne W
Cruising, currently in the Caribbean and will head across the Pacific early 2024
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Docjames122 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Docjames122 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 November 2021 at 15:27
hi Wayne,

Thanks.

I think we are the other end of a sailing spectrum😉.  But your comments about shading are what part of my concern regarding using the coach roof in an area not renowned for its sun shine levels! 

Wind is more prevalent but I worry about noise and intrusiveness of a wind generator.
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perry View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote perry Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 November 2021 at 16:40
Hi regarding Solar My last Hanse [H301]  I  fitted a permanent 80W panel under the boom on hatch garage, and an 80w movable panel, with a socket in aft cockpit and in front mast. The movable panel produced most efficient power as it could be positioned at optimum angle when moored. The gage top panel often shadedby boom etc. During and English summer it would keep batteries topped up and run fridge except on exceptionaly cloudy days. Note I fitted fridge and its well insulated.
Currently with my 2007 H315 I have same configuration, it works well but the fridge is badly insulated [Hanse factory fit with recent  new compressor] and I expect the solar to struggle; but as yet not tested on longer summer cruise. Although moored in marina my single fixed panel keeps batteries topped all year round without using any mains.
Both boats fitted with Sterling alernator charge control [https://sterling-power.com/collections/alternator-regulators] ::
so even short engine runs quickly replenish batteries [2X 100 ah sealed lead acid MF type ].
I have never heard of wind turbines being good touse on my type of uk coastal cruising. I find other yachts turbines noisy to anti-social. Good for the Atlantic circuit type cruise??
My reccommendation is fit biggest solar you can accomodate, and maybe a movable panel.
Current Yacht Hanse 315 2007
Last Yacht Hanse 301 Round GB in 2017
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Docjames122 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Docjames122 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 November 2021 at 16:53
Perry,

Thank you - didn’t think about an extra removable panel - what sort do you use?

Was it easy to wire in?

James


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cptgood View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cptgood Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 November 2021 at 18:11
I have a removable 100w panel that I put over the bimini only during the summer cruises.It takes 5  in to install. There is also enough space for another one of these. No shade problem over there!
The cables run down to a 12v wayerproof outlet and the regulator is inside the locker. I just secure it with small ropes (NO motion up to 30 kts so far; if the wind might increase I just remove it in 2 minutes). The panel is flexible so I screwed it on a wooden panel to increase stiffness when handling it). Power is sufficient for refrigerator, lights, autopilot etc..).
By the way, I keep the emergency life raft in the cockpit floor between the pedestal and the mainsail sheet attachment: easy to reach in case of need and no disturbance for the crew.






Edited by cptgood - 28 November 2021 at 18:14
Hanse320 - Hull#127/08 - Wheel - ST headsail - Yanmar 3YM30 - SD20
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S&J View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote S&J Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 November 2021 at 18:38
So I am probably middle ground between 320 and 575!  On Ningaloo (385) I had a 100W panel in front of the sprayhood.  Some shading from the boom but provided enough to keep things going during the day.  I am a low power user - no inverter.
On Primal (458) I have installed 2x120W but as I am spending almost all my time at anchor I will be adding 2x90W next season.  I'm also getting a 160W foldout panel which I will use on top of the stack-pack.
My usage requirements have increased as I now need to charge my ePropulsion outboard!
So I'm ok during daylight hours but still deplete the batteries when sailing overnight.
[Edit: Strongly recommend the Victron charge controller and battery monitor..  Easy to monitor using Bluetooth on a phone.]


Edited by S&J - 28 November 2021 at 23:26
H458 #159 Primal Mediterranean cruising
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perry View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote perry Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 November 2021 at 08:42
My movable panel was a flexible panel which came with boat,  previous owner had kept it strapped over spray hood long term and it was wearing/damaging the sprayhood. For my use I mounted [sikaflex bonded ]  it on a sheet of semi-rigid  PVC about 2-3mm thick with tie down holes on each corner. I had a flying lead about 3m long to plug in to deck sockets. I used cheap PWM battery charge control modules, one for each panel. And switching allowed to charge batteries seprately if desired.  More expensive MPPT give slightly better performance, my solution works at a price I'm happy with.


Edited by perry - 29 November 2021 at 08:43
Current Yacht Hanse 315 2007
Last Yacht Hanse 301 Round GB in 2017
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Black Diamond View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Black Diamond Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 November 2021 at 02:06
We have 800 watts of solar on our bimini.  I considered wind power as there are some zealots out there that won't let you consider anything else.   Once I did the analysis,  one thing rose to the top for me.

QUIET. 

No one has ever complained about solar power being noisy.   On the other hand I've seen/heard some really loud wind generators.   Even the quieter ones move air and that makes some amount of noise.  They may be more efficient on cloudy days, work in the rain, etc..  but all that doesn't matter if you don't want to hear them.

Our 5 panels are Solbian SR series (2 186W, 1 166W and 2 124W) tied to four controllers (aft, mid and one for each of our front panels to avoid  potential boom shadow issues).

FWIW



Edited by Black Diamond - 30 November 2021 at 02:08
Rick
S/V Black Diamond
Hanse 575 Build #192, Hull# 161
Newport, RI
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