robtheplod Posted August 16, 2022 Report Share Posted August 16, 2022 Came across this which I found interesting. I'd be concerned about breaking the vertical panels with vegetation etc that you go through.... stick on flat panels might work though?? See what you think.... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Gravy Boater Posted August 16, 2022 Report Share Posted August 16, 2022 I have considered this, Rob, and it is interesting. Using excess solar panels as hatches for your bus windows Various advantages. It's another argument for side rails when it comes to mounting options. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUMPY Posted August 16, 2022 Report Share Posted August 16, 2022 What an unprepossessing tit. Lasted about one minute before I turned it off. Vertical panels will only work if they face south, horizontal panels will work in any direction. What do you do if the canal runs north south or you are going along an East West canal and they are on the wrong side? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Higgs Posted August 16, 2022 Report Share Posted August 16, 2022 It wouldn't be the most practical use of solars, but better than no use, if you already have a full roof. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hudds Lad Posted August 16, 2022 Report Share Posted August 16, 2022 What's with this craze for rope "swag" fenders recently? This chap has them on the bow, i've seen others with them round the stern, and even round the full exterior of the boat hung down like christmas garlands. They're just asking to get snagged in a lock Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheese Posted August 16, 2022 Report Share Posted August 16, 2022 I think the science of this is probably right, in that in the winter you will get more power from a vertical panel than a horizontal one - provided you are somewhere with a good view of the southern horizon. Plus the advantage of it not gathering as much snow, leaves, dirt etc. It works having them just on one side for the OP because he has a short boat that can wind almost anywhere. So worth thinking about if your boat / lifestyle / winter mooring etc fits Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUMPY Posted August 16, 2022 Report Share Posted August 16, 2022 There are at least two in the marina i moor in that do vertical panels, however the pontoons run north east - south west so fairly good for doing it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ditchcrawler Posted August 16, 2022 Report Share Posted August 16, 2022 Lots do it. There was one at Park Farm covered in them Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackrose Posted August 16, 2022 Report Share Posted August 16, 2022 It sounds like a great idea, as long as you don't mind what your boat looks like. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ditchcrawler Posted March 14, 2023 Report Share Posted March 14, 2023 On 16/08/2022 at 15:00, robtheplod said: Came across this which I found interesting. I'd be concerned about breaking the vertical panels with vegetation etc that you go through.... stick on flat panels might work though?? See what you think.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LadyG Posted March 15, 2023 Report Share Posted March 15, 2023 (edited) On 16/08/2022 at 17:14, Loddon said: What an unprepossessing tit. Lasted about one minute before I turned it off. Vertical panels will only work if they face south, horizontal panels will work in any direction. What do you do if the canal runs north south or you are going along an East West canal and they are on the wrong side? He explains that later. You still have roof panel. But solar only works in daylight, not sure he made that clear! Edited March 15, 2023 by LadyG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robtheplod Posted March 15, 2023 Author Report Share Posted March 15, 2023 When moored with one side facing south i have taken off a few of my panels and put them on the side. Looks ok and still sticks fine..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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