Squeezing Every Drop of Energy from the Sun... and Then Some
Solar Stik saves space & increases power for cruisers

Posted Sunday, January 7, 2007

 


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Related info:
Solar Stik Website

In a world where “new ideas” are often little more than a color or packaging change, the Solar Stik has truly broken through a barrier which will change the way cruisers cruise.

As we all know, solar panels are a good way to produce power. But, there are some limitations that have kept it from being a GREAT form of power production. First, mounting has always been difficult, cumbersome and the final placement often forces the cruiser to give up precious space either on their deck, cockpit or stanchion systems. Beyond that, solar panels have typically only produced large amounts of power between 10am and 2pm due to their inability to be manipulated toward the sun. Even recent davit or single axis mounts have compensated for this in small ways but have not solved the problem. Lastly, solar panels have an inherent loss of power so all of the energy collected by the panel does not make it to your battery. Well, that was true until now.

The Solar Stik has single handedly solved every problem related to solar power production for the cruiser. First, the system is typically mounted to the aft of the vessel on the transom so that no deck space is used. Imagine that, deck space for cruising! Additionally, because it can be positioned to aim at the sun from sunrise to sunset, regardless of your heading or drift at anchor, the system is working at its maximum production from dawn to dusk. Lastly, the inclusion of a software based charge controller with every system means that your panels will work at their rated capacity rather than at a fraction thereof. All and all, the manufacturers of the Solar Stik, cruisers themselves, have thought of everything to give you more power, during more of the day, without taking up as much space on your boat. If that wasn’t cool enough, the Solar Stik is designed to not only produce solar power but can be used to mount a wind generator. This increases the entire systems power production from 80-96 amp-hours to over 125 amp-hours a day. Cruisers can also mount their GPS, VHF and a wide variety of antennas all at the same time on the Solar Stik. Literally, move all your clutter that is needed for cruising to the Solar Stik and reclaim your cockpit and canvas structures.

What I found most appealing about the Solar Stik in addition to it’s having overcome the known solar panel deficiencies, was it’s ability to be broken down or set-up in minutes. This allows you to stow the system during bad weather or when safety and theft are a consideration. It is light weight and only weighs in at 80 lbs. making it an option for boats 19’ feet and up. Because of its design, cruisers of all statures can easily handle the Solar Stik in that no single piece weighs more than 20 lbs. If there is no room for a transom mount, a deck sleeve mounting option is available. The entire system was designed to be as permanent or as temporary as you want it to be.

The boys over at the Solar Stik have a phrase that says, “Come home because you want to, not because you have to.” While they are referring to your power needs I say that is what cruising is all about!