Solo sailor Andy Lamont sets off on westward trip

Karsten said..
Andy, if I was to cross an ocean single handed, I would probably favour using three or four smaller panels rather than one or two large panels, wherever they are mounted.

Other things being equal, smaller panels would withstand green water better, and be easier to de-mount and store below in unexpected circumstances.

I would also favour using several simple, compact solar charge regulators, perhaps even one per panel. (I'd get brand name regs, sealed, no display, say $60 region). Dead simple regulators are less likely to malfunction, and having two or three of them would make me feel better if I only have one set of batteries to last 11 months.

Of course with ancillary equipment choices such as this, a lot of it comes down to personal preference and opinion rather than outright right vs wrong.