Power Ocean Adventures with Solar

If you are planning to spend a lot of time on the water, you need a power source to keep the drinks cold, and the good times going. However, it brings up the age-old question that continues to generate debate amongst fishers across the waters: which is better, solar or a generator?

Traditionally, anglers have used generators to power their equipment, although, attitudes are changing. Noisy, smelly, and bad for the environment, generators are falling out of favour with many anglers. Solar, on the other hand, creates no noise or fumes, and is environmentally friendly. Whilst solar does have an upfront cost (like generators), it is free to run without the need to regularly stop for fuel or lug around heavy jerry cans. Solar makes it easy to charge your batteries in complete silence, letting you enjoy the serenity of the waters.

A big issue many people note with solar is that they simply do not have space for one or more big panels to be mounted to their boat, and those who do have real-estate for these panels are affected by shading from their radar arch and other instruments. A main benefit of generators is that you can stow them after use until they are needed again. If it is a compact solution you are after, REDARC’s new range of ultra-portable monocrystalline solar blankets are cheaper than ever before, whilst still folding down to a small size for storage and providing a large wattage output.

Solar blankets offer the ultimate in portable and flexible solar generation. The new range is up to 40% lighter than other portable solar options and folds down to a compact 36 x 36 x 8cm bundle, making it easy to tuck away when you are all topped up. Due to their blanket-like construction, these panels can be draped over the bow or the stern, hung from the hardtop, or simply laid flat on the deck. They also allow you to safely charge when you are away from the boat. If you leave your boat at a mooring or do not plug in at the dock, your batteries will still get topped up, saving you money if you normally pay for dock power.

The new solar blankets are constructed from heavy duty canvas and are covered in an anti-reflective and scratch resistant ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) coating. Meaning, they have improved efficiency and are extremely durable, perfect to handle more than a splash. Better yet, these blankets include genuine industry standard Anderson™ SB™ 50 connectors for convenient plug-and-play portability. Kits are also available which include a corresponding REDARC solar regulator and extension cables for an out-of-the-box, ready to use solution.

To compliment their range of solar solutions, REDARC also offer an extensive range of solar accessories, cables, and adaptors for easy connection of your REDARC solar system. REDARC’s range of MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) solar regulators ensure the most efficient charge from your solar panel. If you are unsure about how much solar you need to keep the adventure going, REDARC has a handy online calculator that considers all the variables, tells you how many hours of sunlight are required each day, and whether there is sufficient battery capacity for the number of appliances in use.

For the ultimate portable power set up, pair the new solar blankets with REDARC’s lithium powerhouse: GoBlock. The new solar panels complement all REDARC’s off-grid power solutions – including power generation, storage, charging, management, and conversion. And, like all REDARC products, the new solar blankets are backed by nation-wide support, including a 2-year hassle-free warranty and after-sales service to answer any questions.

When choosing solar products, it pays to buy a recognised quality brand as panels with the same claimed output can vary considerably in quality and real-world performance. Many cheaper panels are made using inferior quality cells and suffer from poor build quality. A cheap panel may not seem like such a bargain when it fails mid-trip and the food in the fridge goes bad. Like any boating accessory, when it comes to quality you get what you pay for, and with REDARC, you know you will get gear that will go the distance.

REDARC’s new monocrystalline solar blankets are available in 160, 240 and 300-watt power ratings with the 300-watt solar blanket being the highest capacity solar blanket or panel ever available from REDARC. To learn more about REDARC’s new solar range, visit redarcelectronics.co.nz/solar