WiTHiN’s surface area visible from space is relatively small – especially compared to a much wider ocean row boat. As a result, there isn’t much real estate available for solar panels. Also, many of the panel surfaces are angled and not directly facing the sun which meant that I had to use flexible solar panels to wrap around corners. This type of solar panels is far less efficient than crystalline (rigid) panels.

I thought the solution to the issue was to install a small wind turbine, but I’m not convinced this will be of much use because it takes over 20 knots of wind to generate 25 watts of power. I couldn’t expect 20 knots of wind all the time. I’m also not super crazy about the drag that the prop creates (although, the prevailing wind direction is from behind) and the fact that the turbine is mounted so high above the roll center. I can remove the turbine, but it’s a bit of a tricky job.

Here is my power supply / consumption spread sheet:

<iframe width=’400′ height=’300′ frameborder=’0′ src=’http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=txBZKXO0oIrQOPBNMExSoNw&output=html&widget=true‘></iframe>

Goal0 to the rescue. I was contacted a couple of weeks ago by Chris Meek from this cool new company called Goal-0. You HAVE to check out their web site. Very slick. They will be marketing a line of rugged, portable solar panels and battery packs. Chis was very interested in sponsoring Pedal the Ocean.com with new panels and batteries. Goal-0 will be manufacturing custom shaped crystalline panels to fit the odd shapes remaining on WiTHiN’s deck – including between the port lights and hatches, and the triangular shapes near the bow and stern. Their goal is to place around 400 watts of additional solar panels!! THAT’S HUGE! Between providing emergency power storage banks and a surplus of solar, my total energy needs should be met.

I might even toss the wind mill.

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