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Changing from Wind to Solar Energy

When I moved my new Nicholson 32 sloop, Alibi of Bridham, from a marina to a mooring this summer I also had to rethink my power requirements, since the change meant severing my umbilical to the grid. Although I had a powerful (read: noisy) wind generator as an alternative power source, along with a small photovoltaic (PV) solar array to keep the engine’s cranking battery topped up when the wind dies, I’ve since decided to lose the noisy windmill and go wholly solar.

Installing a Pole Mounted Solar Panel

I had to find a way to charge the batteries in my absence, which meant wind or solar power. I toyed with the idea of installing a wind generator, but it seemed like too much expense and hassle; and, lacking a bimini, there was nowhere convenient to place a solar panel where it wouldn’t be either in the shadow of the rig or in the way of the crew…

Flexible Solar Panels

Maintenance-free and weatherproof, Ganz Eco-energy semi-flexible solar panels provide clean, quiet, reliable power offshore

April Sneak Peek

The Charter issue is on the way! Here’s what to look forward to in the April issue of SAIL Magazine. Cruising in the Land of

Lagoon 38

Replacing a legend isn’t easy, but this new cruising cat may have what it takes.

Rating Rifts

ORC has been criticized for re-rating the XR 41 for the 2026 season. Let’s talk about it. 

Cruising Tips

Do away with mean reef points I’m always pleased to be on a boat with reef points for the mainsail. Without a stack pack, tying

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