|
|
We have 2 x Kyocera 130W 12V panels and a
15amp Steca PR1515 controller, wired up to give 24v.
With the controller and battery monitor I have taken some data over the 2008 cruising season. Since we are 24v all data is recorded in watts (since watts are the same whether 12v or 24v)
We have a Shoreline 128 litre fridge with 16 ltr freezer and a Shoreline 93 ltr freezer. On every occasion we have left the boat (up to a week) with everything switched off except fridge and freezer we have returned with more power in the batteries than when we left.... A nice feeling!. Pay back time. With an average of 1000wh per day we will be saving 10p per day (if connected to shore power at 10p per Kwh). During winter we may be lucky to get only 300wh per day!. So pay back will probably take around 50 years. But if using diesel to generate power then payback will be a lot quicker, and a lot quieter!. Do we save electric when hooked up to shore power?. Yes we do. The solar controller seems to take priority over the Victron multiplus charger. If using 100 watts on board and the solar panels are producing 100 watts we use no shore power electric at all when the batteries are full and thus not being charged. We purchased the panels through the internet, and found Energy & Environment Ltd at Manchester the cheapest Tel : + 44 161 881 1383 www.energyenv.co.uk
Created 11 April 2009
- Last
updated
20 December 2009
|
Generally
if it is a rainy day we get around 50% less power than the average in a
day, reasonably sunny day around 50% more in a day.