RE: [Paddlewise] rechargeable batteries for kayak equipment - will they work?

On Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:26:25 +1000, "rebyl_kayak"
<rebyl_kayak_at_energysustained.com> said:
... I'm definitely looking for
> flexible panel units, preferably with diode protection on each cell to
> overcome the line shadow problem which as Paul mentioned, can switch off
> large areas of cells in a crystalline panel. Unisolar flexible arrays may
> be worth checking out but I'm keen to look at the specs on the Brunton
> Solarport folding panel that Jennifer described. Has it lasted well over
> the years?
> 

Hi again Peter,

The SolarPort I have is one of the originals.  There were precious few
options for portable solar when I made that decision, and it has indeed
performed fine.  Using it enroute in a kayak is problematic because of
its relative thickness and the requirement to keep it dry.  I used a
large, clear, flexible map-case type of bag when I needed to strap it to
the deck but never felt really good about that configuration.  Being
able to close it up when packing etc helps alot to keep it safe. 
Brunton is really upgrading the solar power line, and now has devices
with integrated LiPoly batteries and all.  These are interesting but
high $$ options.

If I do something again, I would seriously look at mounting a
made-to-be-tough laminated panel permanently to the deck, running the
cable into one of the compartments (probably day hatch) through a sealed
penetration, and housing the connected stuff (mini-controller (I use a
morningstar), outlets (usb, 12V, etc) and devices (chargers) in one of
the larger otter-box things.  There are lots of ideas on mounting a
battery in the hatch (usually for pump but the tech is portable) and
there are lots of battery options now too, although I still think the
AGM type is the best overall for cost v. performance (and you can roll
it).  You can get a little (3.5"L x 3"W x 4"H ) 5AH AGM that weighs
under 4 pounds and, combined with charging extra batteries enroute,
should be more than adequate for evening recharges and/or rainy days. 

The "bearproof" panel I use (abuse?) is the 30W version of this one:
http://www.powerupco.com/panels/oem/bsp1012L.php - which is the one I
would most consider mounting to the deck.  My take is that this is more
indestructable than many of the roll-up or flexible ones available but
YMMV. Mine survived a direct hit from a large maple limb in mid-winter.

Please post your installed configuration!!

Jennifer
-- 
  Jennifer Pivovar
  jpivovar_at_headwinds.org
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