Solar panel connection

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Caladh

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I’m looking to buy a 100w flexbile solar panel which I can move around the deck as necessary. I already have a static 80w panel connected to a 15/75 Victron controller and am wondering how to connect it to the controller on an “as and when“ basis. I see I can buy “easy” connectors. Any advice appreciated .
 
Caladh said:
I’m looking to buy a 100w flexbile solar panel which I can move around the deck as necessary. I already have a static 80w panel connected to a 15/75 Victron controller and am wondering how to connect it to the controller on an “as and when“ basis. I see I can buy “easy” connectors. Any advice appreciated .
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How about a low profile Bulgin Buccaneer socket on deck, with a plug on the roaming panel ? Inside the boat, connect the wiring from the socket to the controller, in parallel.
 
Caladh,
I assume you mean semi flexible panels. I used a roaming semi flexible panel for a while, its good to be able to move it around the deck to find the best sun. Unfortunately its output has reduced significantly, the panels are not designed to flex to often and develop micro cracks in the cell.

So, I now have two 80W Photonic Universe semiflexible panels mounted on 5mm plywood backing for rigidity and use these as roaming panels with bungee attached to each corner to aid mounting. I could use rigid panels which are cheaper, but they would likely scratch the gelcoat on the deck when being moved about.
 
I have a junction box in the cockpit locker with long cables attached. The ends have MC4 connectors, I simply unravel the cable plug in the panel and close the lock open lid, it has a small cut out to ensure the cables are not crushed.
 
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