[C320-list] Solar panels and shading

[Greg Flanagan]

Just add my Canadian nickel’s worth. 

About 4 years ago I installed a GoPower system, including the 30 amp controller and their 140 watt aluminum framed panel (now 160W). I had to add a perpendicular tube to my Bimini frame to which the panel was attached. The wiring was straight forward by taking it down my arch frame and into the hull on the port side with a clam cleat. From there the wires ran through the cockpit locker and through the galley cabinets directly to the wooden electronics panel forward of the electrical panel. I cut a hole in this panel for the regulator and attached the wires from the solar panel. Then I ran a single wire (#10 red) under the floor across to the positive battery buss to charge the battery.  All very easy and neat. The regulator is grounded at the electrical panel.

This system provides up to 10 amps and is sufficient to run the fridge (5 amps when running and everything else. I rarely plug in to shore power in the summer even when I can. This saves a lot of money especially, for example, when in the Broughtons where shore power runs $30 a night. I have a Balmar Smartgauge to monitor my battery SOC. I have all LED lights so little load from lighting.  I have never run the engine to charge batteries even  at anchor for up to a week at a time. 

Subsequently, last season, I bought, a Torqueedo electric motor for my dingy. I also bought a 50 watt flexible panel to charge this battery independently of my house battery ($80 on Amazon) . I just attach this panel to my lifelines when docked or at anchor and connect directly to the Torqueedo battery (it has a built-in regulator). I have bought a parallel connector (not tried yet) to add the extra 50W panel to my house system in the same way when I don’t need it for the dingy motor. 

Solar is the way to go!

Cheers,

Greg 
Hoop Dancer #1076
Sidney, BC 


> On Jan 31, 2018, at 8:57 AM, Utility Email <kswanson123 at comcast.net> wrote:
> 
> 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
>>>> 
>