Droughts and Decisions

The problem with summer and solar power is decision making. 

For 8 months of the year out 400w solar panel array and cheapo controller provide all the power we need when we're static. 

It's almost like an extra Christmas when the Winters blue skies turn into early spring warmth and we start getting more power into the batteries. 

By late spring to early summer we're back to being reliant on solar as the main charging source and look at maps and past mooring logs to see where is likely to provide most sun for the next stop. What side the towpath is, the orientation of the mooring and any known obstructions can all play their parts in the decision making process. At least on Lois Jane. 

Don't you just hate the fact that lead acid batteries have to be regularly fully charged and that their chemical and physical make up means that last 10% capacity takes several hours at least to fill. I am glad we went for higher spec AGM batteries though, they can take a higher current early on so they're quicker to get to the 80-90% mark than standard wet cells.

We've only had two days of rain since early May and now the canal system is starting to struggle. As if 13 current unplanned emergency stoppages weren't bad enough the lack of water looks like it'll be closing the remainder of the the Leeds and Liverpool Canal next week. More will follow. It's a good job there's nowhere particular we've planned to be.

Making our own shade, the canopy side pieces roll up and store in a washing line cover

I thought that tree was going to provide a lot more shade than it did

Nearly there, panels in the sun for about 4 hours should net about 60 Amp hours

Lack of a breeze doesn't help

Mooring pins in and getting the canopy up takes only a couple of minutes

With 30°c plus temperatures forecast again for next week we'll have to make the decision between free power and mooring in the shade for a slightly cooler boat, we can't have both. If we're only moored for a day or two it's never an issue as we've enough power reserve for a couple of days so we moor in the shade and recharge on the next cruise. As we're getting a few boat jobs done we've been mooring in sunny spots for up to a week. Even with front back and side doors open and both Houdini hatches open 30°c outside can soon get to an uncomfortable 35°c inside and with sunset still not until 9.30 we're still in the high 20's at midnight.

Insulation, power consumption, energy charging, power storage will all be key budget decisions in regard to Narrowboat Ernest. Can we achieve the best of both worlds? I doubt it but we'll give it a bloody good go.