[C320-list] Wind of solar power

[Robert Seastream]

I'm on a mooring and would go with solar over wind if I were still  
considering.  Solar is quieter, with little or no maintenance.   
Doesn't have to be totally sunny to work well, either.

The only caveat is if you have (or plan to) any AC devices that  
require lots of current (air conditioning, electric heater, water  
heater) to start/operate.  Then you'd need inverters (to change DC   
into AC); these would place a huge demand on your batteries.  A very  
basic comparison is that there's a 10:1 difference in current draw  
between a device running on 12 volts and one running on 120 volts.  A  
1200 watt device which requires 10 amps at 120 volts will require 100  
amps (via the inverters) at 12 volts from your batteries.  At that  
point, solar vs wind is moot; a generator might be better.  The  
differences in AC vs DC current is a bit more involved than I  
describe, but perhaps enough to give you an idea.

Bob Seastream
Intuition, # 906


On May 31, 2009, at 12:36 PM, Jeff Hare wrote:

> Hi Tom
>
> A good option is to mount a solar panel on davits. Wind gen is good  
> also but has a maint cost to keeping it in working order.
>
> We really like the Garhauer davits and sail the boston area also.   
> If we were on a mooring that install would be our first choice.
>
> -Jeff
> ------Original Message------
> From: Thomas Page
> Sender: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
> To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
> ReplyTo: C320-List at Catalina320.com
> Subject: [C320-list] Wind of solar power
> Sent: May 31, 2009 7:45 AM
>
> I have my boat on a mooring in Boston and would like to supplement the
> battery power with either wind or solar.  If I go solar I am  
> thinking of
> installing on top of the bimini.  Or a wind system on the stern of the
> boat.  Does anyone have experience with either?
>
> Any input would be appreciated
> Tom Page
> Jeannette III   Hull #1138
>
>