Solar Powered Narrowboat! Installing Solar Panels on our canal boat. Ep. 98
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- Опубліковано 21 лип 2024
- Rigid Solar Panels? Angled Solar Panels? How well do flexible solar panels work on a canal narrowboat? We installed our flexible solar panels when we built our narrowboat in 2019 and now have a full year of data to share with you.
We'll also show you our flexible solar panel set-up, how we installed them, wired them up, which solar controller we use, and how well they've performed in the last twelve months.
Buy the exact kit installed on our boat here: bit.ly/2yl4BYZ
Catch-up on every vlog, from the beginning, in order, as we explore Britain by Narrowboat:
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Video Recording:
Sony FDR-AX-700 Camcorder: amzn.to/3aLxj68.
DJI Mavic 2 Pro Drone: click.dji.com/AAUkyEcEGBe0kGd...
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SanDisk Extreme 128GB microSDXC Memory Card: amzn.to/2WPBqpi
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Music.
'Deeper Insight' by Pulsed.
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'Central Domain' by Pulsed.
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'Strange Behaviour' by Luwaks.
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#solarpanels #narrowboat #solar
I tend to limit my comments, but this explanation was simply outstanding. Educators should take your lead for clarity.
That's so kind. Thanks, William 💜
Agree my simple mind understood 👌
I've never noticed the name Silver Fox on the roof before!! Nice touch!😊
Understated 😉
@@FoxesAfloat I very much like how everything you do is considered and well thought out! There is a great finish to everything you do!
What no out takes ??? Well done that was a complicated vlog to get it across so clearly 👍
Thanks 👍
Your boat is really nice.
The solar panels that you have got match the boat perfectly,
I have never seen panels look so neat,
Thank you for explaining how they are connected and what you get from them.
Thank you for sharing your ideas and results.
Much appreciated.
Thanks mate! 👍🏻💜
I was really impressed with how clean the installation was, I can't see anyway to improve it.
This was a brilliant explanation. You fellows have learned so much over the last year. Very impressive. Excellent video, as usual.
Our pleasure! Stay safe ☀️
A big thumbs up from me. These are the kind of vlogs I like the best and handily for me, I think you do best too. I sometimes think you missed your vocation and somewhere up north a classroom exists that should have had you in it teaching.
Thank you so much! Not with today's generation of kids though 😬
This is an application that should be more universally adapted to residential and small businesses that will help reduce the world’s dependence on fossil fuels. A great byproduct is that during power outages homes and small businesses can have some limited power to supply essential needs like computers and refrigeration. Clearly, there are some limits, but I think all new construction should allow for solar applications with appropriate tax incentives. In the states such applications and incentives are already in place. Great blog!
I totally agree!
Thank you for a wonderful vlog, it was very informative and helpful with out getting to into all the technical stuff that can confuse.Colin you do a wonderful job explaining things, I hope you will do more like this about canal boats and life.Thanks for making the present troubles nicer.
Glad it was helpful!
That is one beautiful boat! I love the "Silver Fox" Logo on the roof.
Thank you very much!
That Silver Fox logo on the cabin top caught my eye as well. It is little details like that that make things stand out from others.
Your production values and your personalities made this an interesting vlog.
That's very much appreciated 💜
Usual high calibre vlog ,you have a knack of making highly technical subjects understandable , thanks and keep well .
Much appreciated. Take care ☀️ 💜😛
Wonderfully done, Colin! We love that some of your videos are so educational. We have no need for solar panels but this helps to understand how they work. Thank you! PS Thanks to Shaun for asking for layman’s terms!! LOL
Awesome, thank you!
First time I've spotted the Silver Fox sign on the roof, looks brill. Great Vlog.
Thanks, Rick 👍🏻
Thank you very much - this is the exact vlog I have hoped you would produce one day. It’s informative and it’s comparative .... and it’s ideal. Thank you again.
No problem. I hope you got something from it 👍🏻
Fantastic explanation that's better than what the experts have ever done. Thanks for sharing ... Vic
Our pleasure Vic 👍🏻
Do you have a hidden production crew somewhere on your boat? The quality of your videos always impresses me.
Hehe! Thank you, Kira. Take care ☀️ 💜😛
Colin and Shaun, That was one of your best videos yet, you're getting even more confident with a very slick presentation style. You must have spent an awful lot of time on researching the technicalities of your solar panels, besides putting into words your own experiences as users of them. Thanks a lot you two, now what's on the agenda for next week?
Thanks, Brian! Agenda... naked sunbathing, editing, and filming for new vlogs (but not the sunbathing) 😛
@@FoxesAfloat lol fear getting booed and hissed at by the joggers? Or is that worried about asked for a date by a cute female jogger... ;-)
You guys do have the nicest looking boat on the canals and the flexible panels help in that matter as well. It is good to see you can still sit next to each other. lol. Take care and God Bless, Paul from Florida,
Thanks guys. Stay safe. I hope the sun is shining in Florida! ☀️ xx
@@FoxesAfloat I may be big, 6'2" and 306 lbs., but I am just one guy. LOL. And yes, it will be shinning when it comes up. Thank you.
I have absolutely fallen in love with you two(and I'm not even gay) but I don't care , I love the banter between you two , I wish i could give you both a big cuddle in these trying times, keep doing what you do and I will be happy
Haha! I LOVE this comment. Thank you! 💜😛
@@FoxesAfloat and I live in Australia so would be a BIG cuddle
One of the aspects of your boat that is striking, is the clean and sleek line. Those roof hugging panels look like they belong to the boat. I suspect they are not inexpensive, but they sure look good.
Thanks! They're actually no more expensive than similar rated rigid panels.
Hi Colin and Shaun,I enjoyed watching your brilliant blog,so interesting to see how the solar panels work on your narrowboat,just awesome,
Stay safe and carry on entertaining your bloggers
Glad you enjoyed it
Hey Colin & Shaun! VERY interesting vlog. Colin, you are a SUPERB "presenter"...clearly laid out, and nicely done! All the best to you both... :)
Glad you enjoyed it
@@FoxesAfloat
Love the attention to detail on how your boat is always presented- warps always laid in Flemish flakes are always nice to see and tell so much about your attitude (and really appeals to my need / sense of order). Fantastic!
Thank you very much, Simon!
I fully understand that when you build such a beautifull boat you don't want to destroy the slick looks with these rigid panels! And the flexibles you have work fantastic! Well done!
If there is one thing I love is educational stimulation. Loved this from start to finish. Thank you both for yet another perfect vlog. :)
Glad you enjoyed it!
Well done, I actually understood the way the panels work. Love you guys.
Yay! Thanks, Peter
Have been waiting an age for the chat on your panels. Very smart looking and would be happy with that power return.. Been watching since day 1 and you have answered a lot of problems that I have had in my head before I start my Build. Thanks Guys...
I actually under-calculated it by about 70kW for the year. Glad you got something from it 👍🏻☀️
Thank you boys. Always very informative and enjoyable to watch your vlogs. Stay safe and take care x
Thanks, Martin! Take care ☀️
A very informative vlog boys. Well explained. Collins, you could of been a school teacher. Keep up with your Day In The Life vlogs, we love hearing from you.
Thanks so much. Stay safe ☀️
That was a very Interesting video guy's..thank you keep up the good work
Cheers! 👍🏻
Nice to see you two pop up mid-week....
Excellent vlog.
Glad you enjoyed it. Take care! ☀️
Thanks, that was valuable to watch.love the look on Silver Fox. Can’t understand why some people could give it a thumbs down!??
I appreciate that! Ah, most of those are in the first few minutes after posting, so they haven't even watched it yet. It's the same sad haters every week. It doesn't bother us at all so don't worry about it 😛💜
I love your channel Colin and Shaun❤️ I have just subscribed and every video is worth every minute of watching it✌🏾
Thanks so much and welcome! x
Thanks guys for another very interesting and informative vlog, I think that you'd use less diesel to power your boat with your very light weight panels that will cause alot less drag against the wind also. Take care and all the best. Stevie
at max speed 4kph, drag is a non-issue. That rears it's ugly head starting around 40kph.
@@Krieghandt Sorry dear chap but the drag on a canal or river boat especially at low speed is crucial, anything upwards of the roof surface of a narrowboat or a river cruiser acts like a sail, try helming one. We're not talking about speed boats. Steve
Cheers Stevie!
Most excellent vlog. Well explained. Thanks Colin . You too keep safe.
Glad you enjoyed it. Take care lovely! ☀️
Once again a great, professional vlog. Thank you. Hope you recover fast.
Thanks, Warren 👍🏻💜
Well done.
Thank you! 💜
Great info.... sounds like they are working out very well for you. I quite like the flexible panel approach, it's much more aesthetically pleasing. Silver Fox is absolutely the best looking narrowboat in the cut.
Thanks, Shawn! 👍🏻
Those are the coolest looking solar panels v'e seen. They blend into the design of the boat and I think give it a pleasing distinctive look.
Yeah, we love 'em!
Love your show guys, i have learned so much and thank you for doing all you both do to keep us informed and inspired......a beautiful couple to which the world is a better place for.....peace and love
Awesome! Thank you! Sending love! 💜
Great vlog, really informative, and well explained, for me the flexible panels are more appealing to the eye and are less obtrusive as they do not spoil the original clean lines of the narrowboat due to their low profile., I am not a great fan of the fixed ridged panels you see stuck at 45 degrees on the roof of a narrowboat, I personally think they look horrid.. Stay safe…. :-)
I do seriously agree with you the flexible solar panels are easier to make good locking, and silverfox is a prime example of this.
Totally agree!
Love the sun! Love solar! It's lovely being off the grid! 😁
We're being spoilt rotten with all the sun were getting at the moment! I could power most of Warwickshire! 😂😛
Great vlog guys. Love the technical side of narrow boating. Keep em coming
We will! Stay safe ☀️
Good morning from Panama...coffee in hand and watching more of your videos..thanks for the share
Good morning!
I have rigid panels which generate a lot of power (as much as rated output +25%), but I do like your tidy installation - really clean and neat, with nothing to catch on bridges or tunnels. I was put off the idea of flexible ones, as I was told they don't like being heated by the steel roof - but your evidence seems to refute that. Might be worth a re-think...
Yeah, there's a lot of information still going around for the old style panels. Our roof gets so hot that you can't touch it, but the panels performance is unaffected. last weekend one of our 120W panels was bringing in 145W at 12.30pm while the roof was red hot.
@@FoxesAfloat Just had a look at the dimensions... the trade-off is that my rigid panels produce more power per square metre than the flexible ones. Yours are peaking at 161W/m2, mine are 251W/m2. Even quality rigid panels like Panasonic are also much cheaper to buy (per Watt), but do look messy in comparison. Given your relatively low power consumption, no doubt you made the right choice.
@@Strutty1956 It's really not a competition 😂😂😂
@@FoxesAfloat Lol, I know, but we all like to get the best value for money! 😊
Ampen Spekersohn Cool. You win 🙄
Very interesting lads, thanks 🙏🏻 I would definitely have solar panels, think they look really smart. Anything to avoid generators x
We agree!
Just what I what I've been waiting for.Well done, cheers chaps. Keep safe. G
Glad you enjoyed it
Thanks so much Collin for explaining your solar panels. You helped me understand how the flexible panels work. I'll be adding them to my motorhome.
Glad it was helpful!
If I had a narrowboat, I would certainly have the flexible type of solar panels, they are invisible and don't ruin the sleek look of the boat.
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Extremely well done. I must ask, how do you keep the top of your boat, and the the solar panels, so CLEAN?
We mop it 😂
Hi both. Just watched your solar vlog and found it very interesting, and can I say a big thank you for explaining it in a simple language I understood. X
Awesome, thank you!
I love your solar panels. That’s the kind of set up I would have if I was to build my own narrowboat. Thanks for the info 😊
Our pleasure!
Sold me, nice work and excellent video. One question, without the engine running is there enough power to heat your water or do you use the gas/diesel burner
The engine heats the water but we also have a separate diesel powered system for water and radiator heating which isn't connected to the engine or solar, although I'd love to be able to install a thermal solar heating system one day 👍🏻
Hi guys, I can definitely think of worse places to moor up 😉. With the panels I know this will be a silly question but do the panels still generate any power when it's cloudy ??. Thanks for sharing this very useful information. Stay safe and take care, much love. xx🙏🏼💖
Yeah, they generate good amounts even on rainy days 👍🏻
@@FoxesAfloat Oh cool, thank you. xx
Spot on pu has come along way in a few short years your set up is the best for the long run no damage no tripping and nice and clean looking on boat too keep well stay safe ⛴⛴⛴⛴⛴⛴⛴
Cheers, Greg. Take care 😛💜👍🏻
Hi guys I've often wondered how the solar panels work and now I know thank you for all the information re solar panels and exactly how they work.
Absolutely amazing and educational 😁👍
Our pleasure!
Hello Sunshine! This vlog was electrifying and so very illuminating. But do the panels work at night? I'm thinking maybe not but watt do I know? You're probably plugged in to the shocking state of current events so please 'Stay Safe, Keep Grounded' - that's the mains thing. Thanks for the vlog. Cheers, Hollers.
Be honest. How long did that take you? 😂😂😂
@@FoxesAfloat : 2 years, 7 months and 36 days. Approximately. It's my life's work. LOL
@@davehollingworth5537 😂😂😂
You miss one thing, they look nicer it's a nice clean look to your boat.
True!
Thank you so much for your vlogs. I live in Central Florida so canal boating is something we never see. Enjoy watching the both of you.
Thanks, Debbie 👍🏻💜
Great vlog chaps, very informative and good to see you happy and hopefully avoiding the worst of the current situation .
Stay safe xx
Yeah, we’re away from civilisation. 💜
Has the system paid for itself yet?
It was included in the price of the boat.
Foxes Afloat as standard equipment and not as an option?
Tidiest roof in showbiz.
Haha! Thank you 👍🏻
Excellent Vlog guys. Explained in terms that are easy to understand.
Thanks! 😃
First of all, I love your boat! Everytime I see it it looks so good! I like the way your solar is so unobtrusive to the roof of the boat, it helps maintain those sleek lines! Your explanation of the solar was perfect. Thanks for the great video! Stay safe!
Thanks, Jeremy! 👍🏻👍🏻 Stay safe ☀️
Sod the Panels this guys got sexy legs
😂😂😛
WOW....great vlog guys!! Loved It. Thanks for putting in the effort...it means a great deal to many!! Mark
Totally our pleasure, Mark 👍🏻
Brilliant video, well constructed, full of facts and good music. Thank you so much.🥇
Glad you enjoyed it!
I'm most unlikely to ever put what you've imparted to work but it was darned interesting and should I ever want it, I know where it is. Late to the party, nice bit of nature study with the goose, last vlog and I've never studied the finer points of lock operation, just know they work so thanks for that. Keep safe guys.
Thank you so much for appreciating the videos. That means a lot. Thanks, Peter! 👍🏻😛
Thankyou for sharing that, very useful point with the power they generate, like the fact they are streamlined and lie flat.
Glad you found it useful xx
Very informative explanation there and well impressed with now much energy you produce using the solar.
Cheers, Graeme!
Great vlog again guy's, I think it's a no brainer especially on the esthetics of them. Keep healthy.
It really is a no brainer. Only one or two people have disagreed. I think they are people with noisy generators 😂
Great video😊.It looks like an added bonus is aesthetically they fit as well,gives it a clean look.
Yeah, they look really cool 😎
Fascinating vlog as always, you are really good at explaining the technicalities in ways that folk can understand. I also feel envious of you two sitting there in the Sun, next to a fantastic narrowboat on a lovely looking slice of canal. Keep 'em coming!
Thanks for that! Stay safe ☀️
Great to see you guys during the week! Really interesting vlog, the solar set up on Silver Fox is very nicely done 👍🏻 take care and be good to see you soon with another vlog. Stay safe guys 👍🏻
Thanks so much! Take care ☀️ 💜😛
Brilliant! Great explanations and it's certainly given me a head start, on thinking about what I'll want on my boat. Thanks 🙂
👍🏻
Thanks for this vlog, I enjoy all your vlogs tremendously, however this one I have been waiting for patiently since the start. Cheers and keep safe and well. All the way from mostly sunny South Africa.
Sending love to SA! Take care ☀️ 💜😛
Middle of April in shorts and T-shirts! We got an inch of snow today in Tobermory, Canada. Love your vlog, Colin, Shawn and Dillon! All the best!
We haven't seen any snow at all this last winter.
Cheers for this vlog, really enjoyed it..
Keep safe and see you later in the week
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Incredibly useful, looking at solar now and hadn’t considered flexible panels. Thank you for another great vlog.
Stay safe guys.
Glad it was helpful!
Great vlog boys as usual. It looks gorgeous where you are. Lovely here too nr Sevenoaks but chilly. Look after yourselves. Debbie. Xxx
Stay safe ☀️
Great explanation of the set up and in a way even I understood. Also it’s the first time I’ve seen the silver fox on the roof. Nice 👍
😂
Great to see you are safe guys! Like you all the tech stuff goes over my head quicker than a jet fighter! However, very informative. Stay safe! :)
LOL! Back to normal on Friday 😂
... the pannels you went for help maintain the clean lines of Silver Fox, all the best ... ;o) ... mb
They do. We love them! Take care! ☀️
Thank you soooo much for a very informative video. I am trying to DIY convert a transit bus into a tiny house and this could be PERFECT! Also the composting toilet vlog helped me out.... a brand I've not heard of.
Thank you boys for the update, I personally like the flexible panels. They make a clean look and seem to have held up well thru the first year and you don't have to muck about with them other than washing debris off them. Stay safe and healthy.... Cheers...
Cheers Kurt. No regrets here 👍🏻☀️
Thank you boys, I find your films very interesting to watch, and informative. I have never written anything about films on UA-cam, so this is a first for me, well done. Charles.
We’re honoured! Thanks, Charles! 👍🏻💜
Great VLOG Colin. My Missus moans every time we see solar panels saying they are an eyesore. I must show her yours. You don’t even know they are there! Darn sight better than running the bloody engine!! John- NB Cherry
Silent, clean, free... No brainer 👍🏻
Tuesday Technical Foxes? Super. You guys look very relaxed in this one - great to see that. Peace from NY!
Thanks, Jeff. Stay safe ☀️
Bloody good vlog, well done, more POWER to you lads.
Much appreciated 👍🏻
Guys I've been waiting patiently for this vlog for ages... Absolutely cracking video you really get the details across in all your descriptive vlogs in a way a layman can understand, thankyou👌... Hope the leg is healing OK...😁👍.
Cheers! Yeah,I'm being nagged to rest. It's not in my nature to!
Great education... very informative and well explained.. cheers lads. . take care of yourselves
Wayne
Thanks, Wayne 👍🏻
Excellent explanation! 👍 My hubby is always looking into solar panels, we've been looking at an RV, so he was thinking of installing them. I am terrible at reiterating explanations, so he can watch this on his own, from someone who is actually using them...so thank you so much! Please give Dillon a hug for me! 💖Enjoy that sunshine! 😊 Thank you for sharing...stay safe, take really good care!
That is awesome! Glad I was helpful 👍🏻💜
I really like the redundancy of two controllers... and two sets of panels... and the bypass diodes... glad it is all working well. cheers
Cheers, Daniel. Yup, happy bunnies here 👍🏻
I’ve always wondered about your solar. This was informative. Colin, take care of those stress fractures. Shaun, hang in there. Sending good vibes your way.
Hehe. Thank you! Very painful 😖 Stay safe ☀️
Awesome. Entertaining and informative. Thanks for sharing.
Our pleasure!
Very handy that was guys......thank you
Our pleasure, John!
I love your solar panels! Take care guys! Have A Great Week!💜💜
Thanks! You too!
It has to be said. Silver Fox is a beautiful and very well appointed vessel. Cheers
Thanks, Greg! 👍🏻
One of the best how to vlogs. I for one understand the work and planning it has taken to make this and other videos. You certainly dont have to explain any shortcomings you may have either as we all have them and I hate generators as well and other things but you guys are a lesson to us all.
Thanks you for being who you are and for what you are doing. Your ways of explaining things without the down sides etc is supreme. I wish I had your skills and ways of explaining what to some is a mundane subject. Stay safe both of you,
Thank you for making me smile! Getting a message like this, appreciating the work, makes my day. Thanks! 💜
Thanks for all the explanations. You guys are amazing and I actually do envy you for living on the Silver Fox. A wonderful boat. Keep those vlogs coming. A big 👍🏻 from me. Take good care and stay healthy! Greetings from Switzerland.
Thank you! 👍🏻