Solar panel vs. wind generator on motorsailer? Why not both? I've been looking to buy a motorsailer with solar panels AND a wind generator. It seems the large majority have either or. Why? Any first hand knowledge and experience out there?
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ANSWERS: 5
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Usually one or the other will keep your battery topped off just fine even if you have a million gadgets and a flat-screen. Some people really like toys and do actually use both and I have even seen a few of each on some boats. ¤ Solar panels cost $$$. Solar panels just take up a lot of space, they're heavy and a lot of people say they are overrated(unreasonable expectations.) Many things can reduce output such as the shadow from your mast, bird gifts, clouds etc.... ¤ Downside to the props is that you have the noise factor. There are a few types of wind generators that produce different amounts of power at different wind speeds. There also has to be wind for these to work. • Are you anchoring in areas protected from wind? • Do you like toys? The reason people might choose one or the other is because of what their needs are and if they have space or not.
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The wind generator has moving parts and will eventually wear somewhat. The solar panel has no moving parts. however, the wind generator will operate on a cloudy rainy day. The solar needs some sun. If you can afford it, have both.
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I believe in solar.
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Solar is the best way to go...wind generators are good but they have a noise problem [ trying to sleep on a windy night] and they have a safety problem...those unprotected blades. So they must be mounted a long way out from the deck. And at about $1500AU for the wind unit, you could buy 100 watts of solar...enough to run a fridge continuous...and solar will get cheaper. Since the Australian government has realised thast by people getting lots of solar panels on their roofs, then power can be fed back into the grid...the price must drop.
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It depends on a lot of factors. If you've got a small turbine and solar panels, you are more likely to generate electricity for more of the time - at least in theory - but in reality, most people are finding solar panels more useful on a small boat. The problems with wind turbines are that they like a a fairly stiff breeze with little turbulance. They don't tend to work so well when moored in a busy harbour with lots of other boats around. Solar panels can be a better bet, but it depends on exactly what you want to do with them - and if you've got a suitable space to put them. You can buy solar panels that you can stand on, but they produce less electricity and cost more money to buy.
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