‘Local power worldwide’ is Leading Edge’s slogan, and the company’s high-quality off-grid power solutions really are used all the way around the world—from the frozen reaches of Antarctica to the tropical climate of the British Virgin Islands. Their products include British-made small wind turbines, the leading stainless steel and aluminium wind turbines for marine applications, highly efficient solar panels, long-lasting deep cycle batteries and the Leading Edge PowerBoxes, which are all-in-one off-grid power solutions.
Leading Edge supply two ranges of wind turbine for boats and yachts: the horizontal axis LE-300 Marine and LE-450, and the vertical axis LE-v50 and LE-v150 wind generators, all are designed and precision manufactured in the UK. These can be used independently or alongside the company’s Solara marine solar panels.
The LE-300 Marine has been named the best value wind turbine for yachts and sailing boats by Practical Boat Owner magazine, with the lowest cost per watt. It has stainless steel counterweights to offset the effects of pitching and yawing on the water, and it’s designed to be used with a 'diversion load' controller, making it simple to integrate with a solar charging system.
The LE-450 is the most powerful small wind turbine within the Leading Edge range. Its 1m rotor, able to provide meaningful power levels at everyday wind speeds of 5-8m/s (11- 18mph). Both are ideal for ‘live-aboards’ and canal boats and are available in 12V, 24V and 48V versions. Lightweight, quiet and specifically designed for the corrosive marine environment, these turbines are robust and reliable, able to survive winds up to 27m/s (60mph). Their aerospace grade coatings and anodising protect their components from harsh conditions and saltwater.
Bea Freeman, who has lived full-time on an 11m Catamaran for over 23 years and used an LE-300 Marine since 2014, says: “I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this unit to fellow off-shore and in-shore cruisers for its excellent efficiency, low cost compared to other similar brands, durability and reliability.”
However, for those wanting to protect their batteries when their boat is not in use, Leading Edge recommends its vertical axis trickle chargers: the LE-v50 or its bigger brother the LE-v150. These vertical turbines are much quieter than conventional horizontal wind turbines. They are compact, fitting neatly onto a mast, and their components and coating are designed to make them virtually indestructible. Both are lightweight turbines that can withstand wind speeds of up to 27m/s (60mph), and they’re available in 12V, 24V and 48V versions.
