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PV panel

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

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

Meet Me In Miami

This weekend a significant portion of the boating industry descended upon Miami for the annual Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show. It’s a warm and

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