Solar panel on sliding sunroof, connection ideas...

[snowbird30ds]

I'm toying with the idea of having a semi flexible solar panel but my only good tidy mounting option is on a sliding sunroof (it's on a stinky BTW) but I'm lost as to the best way to make connections and keep it looking tidy with the sunroof still usable.
The roof is on aluminium runners but I think a sliding contact through these would be too prone for corrosion issues to get a good connection, same for copper tracks and brushes.
All ideas welcomed.

 

[Poignard]

You could have a short lead on the solar panel with a socket and two plugs, one plug located near where the socket would be when the sunroof is open, and another near where the socket would be when the sunroof is closed. The two plugs would be wired in parallel.

Just remember to unplug before moving ing the sunroof!

 

[simonfraser]

position a longer lead so it slides / flexes
might need a bungee chord to hold it down

p.s. there is a mobo forum ....

 

[rogerthebodger]

Why not use some curly cables that would allow the sun roof to move with the solar panels fitted.

https://catersparesuk.co.uk/product...e-multi-use-up-to-4-meter-long-parts-13a-3kw/

 

[[70521]]

Why does a motor boat need a solar panel?

 

[rogerthebodger]

Why does a motor boat need a solar panel?

To keep the batteries topped up when no one is onboard as I have on my sail boat.

 

[Stemar]

I'd want the other end of the cable to connect at one extremity of the hatch's movement, and have a bit of slack so it isn't tight when the hatch is at the other extremity of it's movement, and rolls along a bit like a tiny version of this.

 

[snowbird30ds]

I'd want the other end of the cable to connect at one extremity of the hatch's movement, and have a bit of slack so it isn't tight when the hatch is at the other extremity of it's movement, and rolls along a bit like a tiny version of this.

View attachment 77208

I tried searching for that sort of setup but no idea what it's called, solar on a mobo is because the alternators only work when the engines are running and that is plain anti-social at a mooring and I prefer not to be an R'shole.

Just remember to unplug before moving ing the sunroof!

I always aim to moor by pubs, that rules out common sense for the obvious reasons....

p.s. there is a mobo forum ....

I don't see a mast or flappy bit in your avatar, this is practical boat owner forum "not sodd off if it aint raggie forum" and I am looking for practical ideas for a boat owner.

I'm leaning towards a carbon brush holder onthe inside and self adhesive copper tracks at the moment, none of it might happen yet as it's all just pub ideas, but some pub ideas turn out to be brilliant.

 

[[70521]]

To keep the batteries topped up when no one is onboard as I have on my sail boat.

How long to do leave it? Asks man who finds his batteries go from 12.7 to 12.5 volts in about three months of not using them.

Why not find a flat space and run a plug to a convenient surface. When you get onboard you unplug the solar panel and away you go.

 

[Stemar]

I wasn't thinking of anything as elaborate as the pic, but I couldn't think of a way to describe the cable run. Basically, and assuming the hatch slides forward to open, the cable - something flexible and flat, rather than round, would be attached to the side of the hatch towards the aft end and facing aft, so it curls down and runs forward, entering the boat somewhere a bit forward of the forward end of the hatch when closed. As you open the hatch, the curl rolls forward, so no stress is placed on the cable. It could just as easily be done the other way round - play with a bit of wire, holding one end down and moving the other end and you'll soon get the idea.

I'm not an electrician, but I've some experience with 12v electrics starting with my first car over 50 years ago and running an old boat for the last 15 years, and I can guarantee that any sort of sliding contact that you can't be 100% sure will never get wet - especially with sea water - will only end in tears.

 

[rogerthebodger]

I'd want the other end of the cable to connect at one extremity of the hatch's movement, and have a bit of slack so it isn't tight when the hatch is at the other extremity of it's movement, and rolls along a bit like a tiny version of this.

View attachment 77208

This is what electrical cable support chain like this

https://www.amazon.com/Black-Plastic-Chain-Carrier-Router/dp/B00880AVL2

 

[PetiteFleur]

This is what electrical cable support chain like this

https://www.amazon.com/Black-Plastic-Chain-Carrier-Router/dp/B00880AVL2

That is a good idea, and you could run it horizontal instead of upright as in the photo, you would not need a large size as you'll probably use 2.5mm² twin core cable. For going thro' the deck, use the Index Marine Twin deck gland - available in black or white(black is cheaper). https://www.indexmarine.com/product/se7/ Low profile and cables lie parallel to the deck. I've used them on my solar panels.

 

[snowbird30ds]

Thanks guys, I now know what to search for to try the theory and see if it sits in the runner gap nicely, still might not happen yet as it's just one of those ideas you get in a pub.....