It beats running a 60 hp diesel just to turn an alternator, which is what I've been doing when needed. Quieter, and more efficient.

The 180 watt solar array does fine staying ahead of the fridge and lights/instruments when we're local on the mooring and daysailing, but when we cruise we run an amp deficit. 180 watts produces about 6-7 amps peak on a bright sunny summer day at 40-degrees north, but usually between 2 and 5 amps due to clouds and shadows from sails/rigging. Not enough, especially when cloudy.

We sail as much as possible even in light air, open the fridge more, use more lights and laptop, and usually don't motor enough to top off the batts between anchorages. If we stay in an anchorage for a few days it's even worse.

Let's raft up sometime, and I'll put the generator 28 feet away from you and downwind (on the open spot aft of the panels on the opposite side of my boat). You won't even know when it's running. :)