<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< SOLAR PANEL >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

A solar panel is something I should have installed years ago. I have been relying on periodically running the motor to keep the battery fully charged. This has had the advantage that the boat gets opened up and aired out while the engine and all the other routine checks (mooring lines etc) get done. The disadvantage is that if for some reason there are extended periods where the boat is not getting visited and / or used (overseas travel or any other reason) then battery life is shortened.... and batteries are expensive. So, when a friend who is a qualified electrician and electronics engineer offered me a solar cell he no longer had any use for (along with installation advice and help), I jumped at the offer. The photo shows the first stage which is the external mounting and installation. Mounting the solar cell and running the wires has called for careful planning and execution - especially keeping the whole system watertight. I have to admit I had to gulp hard a few times before drilling into the cabin top roof and other structural components The first half of the job is now complete. The next stage involves running the wiring back to the solar cell controller and then attaching the whole system to the boats battery ..... roll on stage two - watch this space  : > )