another consideration in using a solar panel is where to locate. a 45W, as as been discussed, will be about 2' x 2' in size (exact depends on model). solar panel output is significantly reduced by any shading of the panel, or when the sun isn't directly overhead, or even a cloudless but 'hazy' day. even the shade from the mast (just the mast, not the sails) can reduce output. -- :: Dave Scobie :: former M15 owner - www.freewebs.com/m15-named-scred :: M17 #375 SWEET PEA - www.m17-375.webs.com On Thu, Nov 13, 2014 at 9:35 AM, Bill Dixon <bill@miralee.com> wrote:
As Judith says, the quiet and easy shifting of electric propulsion are delightful. Plus, it is a gentle treatment of the environment.
Be cautious however in depending upon solar power to keep you motoring for long periods. Max (full throttle) power into the 1003 is 1 KW, and at 29.6 battery voltage that means you are drawing over 30 amps. A 45 W panel is going to deliver max 1.5 amps, or approximately 5% of full throttle requirements, and the specs say that it takes 13 hours to fully charge the battery which is rated at somewhat over 0.5 KWHr. I use PV panels for several systems and have found that it takes a lot of effort to obtain 13 hours of sunlight aimed directly on your panel. If you have long charging periods in between uses, that becomes less critical, but steady state solar propulsion would require larger panels.
Lapping water on the hull,
Bill M-17 Robbin Windsor, CA