When we started with the solar panel project on Wind Horse, we were 100% certain we would use the panels only in flat mode, unless they were in storage configuration at the dock (in the past we have always thought that tracking was not worth the effort). We have previously reported that substantial increases in output were recorded when the panels were squared to the sun. Now, with the Maretron N2K view data available on our iPads, we can play with tilting/angling the panels and see results as we adjust.
This astonishing photo, taken on a clear day, with the sun just above the horizon, 30 minutes from sunset, is an example of what is possible. That 30 amps of output shown is at 26 volts, so 780 Watts, during a period when output would be zero for flat panels (you will recall that this is with four 320 Watt panels). The extra output is alluring, and we have pulled the trigger on the aluminum required to modify the current dual array system into a single array. This will allow tilting and rotating without one array shading the adjacent.
We expect a substantial increase in power output from a very small investment in time. On a clear winter day nine to ten kilowatt hours should be easily attainable.
Posted by Steve Dashew (October 13, 2012)
October 14th, 2012 at 2:21 am
The more it moves, the more it breaks. You knew this better than I ever will before I was born, but I like being the voice of annoying obvious statements. There is a crossover point between capital outlay and maintenance costs for tracking arrays and just installing more and better batteries. In the same way that free wind costs a lot in replaced sails and rigging, the advantages of free solar come at a cost. Your integrity in recording those costs make this project very worth watching.
October 14th, 2012 at 7:21 am
The movement in this case is via hand, and so very simple. There a re no bearings, just sloppy fit of pipe over tube. Works now quite nicely, this is just a step up. Beyond this, we are thinking of tying an old auto pilot into the system driven by photoelectric sensors. Still pretty simple, but this latter approach will have to wait for a period of boredom.
October 14th, 2012 at 9:36 pm
Does Wind Horse lay quietly head to wind? My boat shears off and sails back and forth at anchor. Tracking would be a pretty active thing…..
October 15th, 2012 at 10:57 am
Not as quiet as our ketch, Beowulf, but not as bad as most sailboats and powerboats.