All-In-One Energy Mount

Solar Stik array on stern

We met these folks at the Annapolis sailboat show in October 2006 and were very interested in their product.

But our ideas aren't this adjustable, and several of you have asked us if this sort of thing is commercially available.

It is now! If you're willing to manually tweak your solar modules throughout the day, and you've got the expendable income, this is the best system we've seen yet!

Our Caveat: Originally, we said we wouldn't recommend installing a wind generator on top of the pole. Our fear was that it would cast shadows on the solar modules, especially in the middle of the day when the sun is overhead and the solar modules should be producing at their max. However, we have reconsidered our caveat based on this reply from Solar Stik:

Solar Stik's Reply: "I'm not trying to control what is on your site and certainly not your opinion of our product. We like the scrutiny. However, I just want to be sure that old paradigms do not get used when talking about the Solar Stik."

"You are correct: there are cheaper systems. The Solar Stik is the 'Mercedes' of the solar panel mounting world. But, if you want top performance there is typically a price. Additionally cost is higher in that we are made in the USA. To many that does not mean much, but to us, it is really a big deal."

"Unlike flat mounted panels, we do not rely on the 10am to 2pm solar window to do most of our solar energy production. The solar power from the sun is virtually the same at 8am as it is at noon provided the panels are at a ninety degree angle to the sun. Therefore, the wind generator does not affect production of power."

"Additionally, we have tested the Solar Stik over and over with and without a wind generator on top of it and the difference in total amps drawn per day is almost non-appreciable. It certainly does not factor into 99% of most cruisers who will not use all the power that the system can create."

"You are correct: the system doesn't accept large panels but the entire point is that you don't need them. Large panels only exist to maximize the power you get between 10-2. The Solar Stik changes this idea completely.

"And finally, yes there are many, many ways to mount solar panels and our position is that if you need more than 120-130 amp-hours a day between solar and wind draw, throw up more flat panels on a hard top that does not interfere with your cruising. But don't buy flat panels thinking they will ever do for you what the Solar Stik can."

"I say all of this in that I know firsthand how many people look to you and your site for knowledge when it comes to solar and wind. Our product is the culmination of years of testing and re-testing and we will put it up against any system on the market and will beat it hands down."

The Solar Stik is a revolutionary concept in solar energy that has completely shifted the conventional paradigms on for cruising enthusiasts.

By creating the first triple-axis mounting system, the Solar Stik allows you to manually face your solar panels toward the sun from sunrise to sunset. Regardless of your course or heading, the Solar Stik provides a platform for you to maximize your power production at all times because the entire unit spins 360 degrees.

Prior to the Solar Stik, solar panels were relegated to being mounted flat onto the deck or cockpit structure and operated at their peak hours between 10am and 2pm. These systems take up a great deal of space and only work well only a third of the entire day. They are bulky and require most boat owners to give-up space for a system that only delivers top performance 30 percent of the time.

Solar Stik locked down
for rough seas

In addition to the Solar Stik out-producing other systems on the market, it is also designed for quick set-up and breakdown. In rough seas, The system is designed to collapse so the panels can be locked in the down position. If for any reason you wish to stow the Solar Stik. simply unscrew the adjustment arms, unplug the waterproof electrical connectors and pull the quick releasing hinge pins to stow the panels below. Pull the quick-connect waterproof electrical harness from the Solar Stik, stow the stik below and you have stripped your entire unit down to the mount. This can be done in less than five minutes.

The Solar Stik can be purchased with two mounting options. The first, a transom mount, is delivered with 3' arms that will need to be fabricated to your specific stern.

While installation can be done by someone with gifted fabrication skills, the manufacturers urge boat owners to have a local, reputable, marine fabricator complete the work. The transom mount allows the Solar Stik to take up no deck space and thus makes it's appeal greater. Due to the strength of the Solar Stik, a hoist can be mounted on it to lift items up to 125lbs.

The second mounting option is a deck sleeve. The sleeve is mounted below the deck and the Solar Stik rests in the sleeve itself. This option is particularly good for boats with a very unique stern profile and/or vessels where a transom mount may not be an option.

Close up of Solar Stik mount

The Solar Stik is designed with a 1" O.D. mount on the top to facilitate many accessory items. A wind generator, radar, or other devices can be mounted easily.

The Solar Stik is rated to capture 70 to 80 amp-hours a day. Combined with a wind generator, the entire assembly can produce well over 100 amp-hours a day.

The Solar Stik has a retail price of $4589.50 for the transom mount package that includes: The Solar Stik, 2 - 50 watt multi-crystalline solar panels, the unfabricated transom mount and the quick connect waterproof electrical pigtail.

The deck sleeve package has a retail price of $4212.75 and includes: The Solar Stik, 2 - 50 watt multi-crystalline solar panels, the deck sleeve and the quick connect waterproof electrical pigtail.

Other mounting options include a tripod base that can be used in land applications (i.e. - RV's and motor homes, camping, emergency operations, etc.)