[C320-list] Solar panels and shading

[Utility Email]

I installed a Solbian CP 125 panel on my bimini last winter.  I used Tenax fasteners to attach the flexible panel.  These fasteners work very well and don’t really show when the panel is not deployed.   They were originally designed for convertible car tops.   I normally keep my panel stowed under the aft berth mattress when it is not in use.  

I installed a Genasun controller and also a low voltage outlet in the transom near the shore power inlet.  That way I can just plug in the wiring harness and Velcro tie it to the stanchion that supports the Bimini when the solar panel is deployed.  I also wired my system for another flexible solar panel to be fastened similarly to the top of my dodger, however I haven’t purchased that panel yet (they are expensive).

The system works well.  No shading from the bimini.  I also like the fact that you don’t know it is there when deployed and is easily removable and stowed.  It allows us to stay away from shore power for up to 10 days with the long PNW summer days.  That is such a bonus for us with our sailing in the expansive San Juan and Canadian Gulf Islands.    

There are photos of my installation on our owners website under my boat name.  

Dave Swanson
S/V Emily Ann
2007 C320 MK II
Mukilteo, Washington



David B. Swanson, P.E., S.E.
Principal, LEED AP, F. SEI
Director, Structural Engineering

Reid Middleton, Inc.
(425) 741-3800 office
(425) 741-5011 direct
(425) 508-7971 mobile

www.reidmiddleton.com

> On Jan 31, 2018, at 2:14 AM, Timothy Woods <woodstimothya at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Scott
> I've never heard of two controlers being used for two panels. Generally
> people buy one controler and size it by adding 10 amps × panels. I have a
> 20 amp with my two panels and thats over kill in my opinion.
> 
> I bought the panels on eBay from HQST. I wired them in parallel because it
> was easy with the wiring kit. They sell the wire connections to join the
> two panels wiring together on top of the bimini. From the connection I ran
> two wires down the back stay into the boat.
> 
> One thing you might want to consider is that flexible panels are covered
> with a thin plastic that's not very UV residence. Mine are two years old
> and getting a little cloudy.
> 
>> On Jan 30, 2018 5:02 PM, "Scott Thompson" <surprise at thompson87.com> wrote:
>> 
>> Tim, which panels did you buy?
>> 
>> 
>>> On 1/30/2018 2:19 PM, Timothy Woods wrote:
>>> 
>>> Two years ago I installed two 100 watt flexible panels on my bimini and
>>> haven't plugged in since. I connected them in parallel with a MPPT
>>> controler and have no problems with shading when sailing. I'm in south
>>> Florida and primarily use my boat during the winter months when the sun is
>>> low. ( November till April.) We live full time on the boat for two to
>>> three
>>> months at a time. At anchor or on a mooring I tie the boom off to the side
>>> and get approximately 65 amp hours returned on a good day to the
>>> batteries.
>>> The refrigerator is the biggest draw at 35 AH per 24 hours. We also watch
>>> 2
>>> to 3 hours of TV and charge both cell phones.
>>> 
>>> I hope this helps, Tim
>>>