Solar Cockpit Lighting

[scross]

I added two solar dock lights to the cockpit next to the starboard and port side steps. See my album for photos. Although mounted vertical rather than horizontal they still provide 4-8 hours of light on most PNW nights. These are heavy duty all aluminum construction and I have painted the body white to match the fiberglass gel coat on which they are mounted.
Yes,there are switch based lights in the cockpit of my R25 Classic but these solar lights don't have an inconviently placed switch to operate and draw no house battery current!
With their placement leaving or entering the boat from the dock is much easier and safer IMHO.

 

[LADY JANE]

Solar is an interesting source of electrical power. Making that first Solar Step is a big decision that boaters, etc, will either take onboard, or just think it's a cute science project. Many people still believe that serious electricity that's made solely from a sunshiny day is unreliable ....that It's a plain headache going from a system that works to another that might not. But while a 12v refrigerator, for example, drains excessive power from the house battery(s), would you consider adding more solar panels to help run that single appliance?

Are there any marine solar Kits available out there designed specifically for Power Zapping units, like a 12v fridge?

Bill & the Lady Jane