I finally got our solar panels installed. I had been planning on doing this from the docks, but with the delays, my father and I decided we could wrestle them over the davits from the step ladders. We couldn’t.
We ended up attaching the solar panel frame to the main halyard and had Sue winch them up while we guided them.
Unfortunately, Odyssey is on the east side of a large shed which blocks the afternoon sun. By the time I finished the installation and wiring, it was afternoon and as you can see from the picture, they were in the shade.
The next day we were out bright and early (for us) and I was excited to see what the panels can do. The problem this time was the batteries were fully charged. I turned on the refrigerator and the charge controllers started putting in what the frig was taking out.
I have a charge controller for each panel and the second controller was also putting in 4.7 Amps. Our refrigerator usually draws around 9 amps while it’s running.
The yard should be finishing up the bottom paint today. I’m hoping to wash and wax the boat over the weekend and be launched on Monday! We’re getting close.
Kurt & Sue Sail 