Thinking of Solar Energy?
Harnessing Solar Energy for Power
Living off grid on solar energy and power is not only beneficial for the environment but also for our own well-being. It allows us to reduce our carbon footprint in our tiny home, save money, and contribute to a healthier planet. One unique way to embrace sustainable living is by living on a sailboat and harnessing the power of solar panels. In this blog, we will explore the concept of sustainable living and how it can be achieved through solar panels on a sailboat.
Understanding Sustainable Living:
Sustainable living for us is a lifestyle that aims to meet our present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It encompasses environmental, social, and economic aspects. By adopting sustainable practices, we can reduce our impact on the environment and create a better world for future generations.
Embracing Solar Panels for Off-the-Grid Living:
Living off-the-grid on a sailboat offers numerous advantages. It provides complete control over our lives, flexibility to live virtually anywhere, and the opportunity to save on utility bills. One of the key components of sustainable living on a sailboat is harnessing solar panels for energy.
Solar panels work by converting sunlight into electrical energy. They allow us to generate our own power without relying on traditional energy sources. By utilizing solar panels, we can achieve a self-sustaining lifestyle and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
Living Off the Grid Sustainably on a Sailboat: Our Approach:
On our sailboat SV Angelsea, we have implemented various sustainable practices to minimize our environmental impact. Firstly, we rely on the power of the wind to propel our boat. Sails, when properly trimmed, create lift and move the boat forward without the need for fuel.
In terms of cooking, we use a kerosene stove instead of propane. Kerosene is a cheaper and less flammable fuel option, making it safer and more convenient for our sailboat lifestyle. Additionally, we collect rainwater from our awning and, when necessary, utilize a Katadyn water maker that can produce 7 gallons of fresh drinking water per hour using battery power.
To minimize energy consumption, we have installed LED lights throughout the boat and use energy-efficient appliances. Our communication system, including the marine radio, operates on battery power. We have also upgraded our radar to a more energy-efficient model that consumes only a fraction of the power compared to older models.
Our two Laptops used for our photography business of Garyfelton.com and this blog are both energy efficient . If you would like to know more about our lifestyle look no farther than here A day in the life of Living on a sailboat
Even our grooming equipment for our two dogs can be run off of the battery or recharged by battery.
The heart of our off grid living
The heart of our off grid living approach lies in our lithium iron phosphate battery. This battery requires no maintenance, is stable, and provides a reliable source of power. It stores the energy generated by our solar panels, ensuring we have electricity even on cloudy days.
Speaking of solar panels, we have installed five panels. Each panel with a capacity of 100 watts of solar energy each. While shading may reduce their efficiency at times, they still provide us with a significant amount of solar power energy.
LightLeaf
Two of our solar panels are from LightLeaf, which we have found to be incredibly durable and efficient. When the time comes to replace the remaining panels, we plan to choose LightLeaf again due to their exceptional construction and ease of use. Cannot express our pleasure of being able to just clamp on the panels to a single bar. The ease of use of these solar panels were a game changer for us. The cost of them far out weighed their durability. Just knowing that they will not have to be replaced for a long time is worth it. The solid lightweight construction means they can be added with the least amount of build out which was an additional bonus.
Conclusion:
Living off grid and sustainably on a sailboat offers a unique and fulfilling way to embrace a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. By harnessing the power of solar panels, we can generate our own electricity and reduce our reliance on traditional energy sources. Sustainable living not only benefits the environment but also provides us with a sense of self-sufficiency and control over our lives. Let us all strive to live in harmony with the planet and inspire others to embrace sustainable practices for a brighter future.
This blog in part was sponsored by Light leaf.
We do not Affiliate or sponsor products unless we use and are totally happy with them.