T-Pain Is On A Boat: Re: [Electric Boats] Marine Solar Array makes 3 knots

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Re: [Electric Boats] Marine Solar Array makes 3 knots

Tracking array numbers work on averages. The 10 X number was an instant change from horizontal to directly towards the sun. Many times on a boat a horizontally mounted array will be aimed away from the sun, due to the boat's heel.

By being focused directly on the sun, the difference is enormous. Considering being able to do this continuously, as you sail, and you can start seeing the potential benefits.

James

On Oct 2, 2011, at 10:32 PM, Femm wrote:

I've had people ask me about sizing a solar array for here in the northwest/Puget Sound area and I tell people to figure they are only going to get 50 to 60% of their rated output up here most of the time.

I would like to see a real world test to prove that 10X number! I would be more inclined to think it's more like 10 to 12% real world.

femm

--- On Sun, 10/2/11, Myles Twete <matwete@comcast.net> wrote:

James noted:
"Tracker Expected to be released soon. By Focusing on the sun, power developed is as high as 10 times more than if panels are mounted horizontally"

Really…10x?

Would you believe 18%: http://www.civicsolar.com/resource/effect-array-tilt-angle-energy-output

Array Tilt Angle
(degrees)
Phoenix, AZ (33 North)
Portland, OR (45 North)
Annual Production
(kWh)
Delta
(%)
Annual Production
(kWh)
Delta
(%)
0 - flat
5,723
0
3,624
0
10
6,178
+8%
4,019
+9%
20
6,461
+13%
4,239
+15%
30
6,575
+15%
4,355
+18%
40
6,526
+14%
4,368
+18%
50
6,310
+10%
4,279
+16%
90 - vertical
3,966
-31%
2,967
-20%

From: electricboats@yahoogroups.com [mailto:electricboats@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of James
Sent: Sunday, October 02, 2011 6:37 PM
To: electricboats@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Electric Boats] Marine Solar Array makes 3 knots

We have just recently completed testing of our solar array which you can find on the website at

http://www.propulsionmarine.com/electric/charging-sources

SOLAR - The Propulsion Marine Solar Array Features:

2 x 225 watt Sanyo Panels for total of 450 watts at 90 Volts

Midnite Solar Charge Controller

Electric Actuator Lift Arm

Electric Worm Gear Chain Drive to Rotate Pole

Joystick Control

Tracker Expected to be released soon.

By Focusing on the sun, power developed is as high as 10 times more than if panels are mounted horizontally

Kapowai is capable of obtaining 3 knots while motoring under power made directly from the solar panel.

James