Solar Panels Pacific North West

[Newtugnut]

Any experiences with these in the Pacific North West Cruising area? We are getting a pre wire for solar on our Ranger 31 - but uncertain as to whether there is a real benefit to adding solar power generation for summer months cruising. Maybe we should be adding a rain generator 🙂.

Any experiences that folks have would be appreciated.

Sincerely,

Dawn-Marie and Frank
R31 Blue Horizons
schedulled launch some time end of July

 

[knotflying]

I am in the Northeast. My experience is that the single panel is okay, but two would be better if you plan on being anchored out for more than a day. That is why I am searching for a East coast supplier so I can add a panel. The refrigerator alone draws more than a single panel can provide and after a day you need to run the engine or generator to top the batteries off. So I would say where you are with some extended periods of cloud cover two panels may be better and using one may not be effective. Your PNW Ranger comrades will have a better handle on that.
Good Luck

 

[linedoctor]

My wife talked me in to getting a solar panel and I'm sure glad she did. We leave our boat in the water year around. From spring to fall we don't even hook up to shore power unless we're on a trip somewhere and want to keep the water hot. No worries about our batteries going dead, and once we accidentally left the fridge on for two days with the door cracked open. Although we had a little mess, the batteries were still charged up.

 

[sportner]

We have one panel and it keeps up quite well with the refrigerator and small freezer when the sun is shining, LED lights help conserve power too. On a cloudy/rainy day we still get a little solar activity but need to start the engine on the second day at anchor.

 

[Newtugnut]

Thanks for the replies, much appreciated.

Will report back if we install any panels