even at idle ... not too mention no more belt dust. I'd love to have solar, but finding the real estate to put enough panels to satisfy our meager needs (60-100Ah/d) so my boat doesn't look like a huge luggage rack has puzzled me for years. I will also install a water maker this year, likely to run only when the engine is on, which is not often, but if the serp belts give me 3 times or even twice the amount of power I'm getting now, this could be the answer for me ... At that, $500 would be a bargain if my balancing energy requirement question is solved.
cheers, John