Solar panels and MPPT regulator any thoughts?

[Windway]

I am presently buying new solar panels and an MPPT regulator for my Joshua 40 ketch. Being a canoe stern ketch presents problems from the start as where to locate the panels as I have no arch/fixed sprayhood or bimini. As I will be sailing across the Southern Ocean I need to make sure any panels I fit do not wash off when the going gets tough. So whilst I cannot avoid shade, I have decided to go with BP Solar mono crystalline panels in preference to semi flexibl.

I propose to fit an 80w on the doghouse roof, a 65w over the tiller on the rear deck, both of these having a hinge port and starboard so I can set the at 45 degrees to the sun and fold the one on the rear deck out of the way completely if I need to service Henri my self steering. I am also considering 2 x 50w panels athwartships in the mizzen shrouds on an alloy frame. A bit of a gamble but if it does not blow away the extra power will be most welcome. I will be able to stand on the doghouse roof to sweep snow off the panels. In addition I will have two 50w roving panels which I can hang over the rail on gentle sunny days. There are 3 x 43w Solara glued on the deck forward of the doghouse but these are currently not working! That will give me 345w on the new panels and a possible further 129w if Barden manage to get the Solara panels to work. Giving me a theoretical maximum of 474w.

Having read up on regulators I think I should fit an MPPT, but how big? I see Lensun on Ebay sell a Chinese made 60A MPPT regulator for a cracking £130 which I would have thought ample even for a total 474w.

I wonder if I plug and unplug my roving panels whether this will confuse the MPPT? Anyone know?

 

[[2574]]

I have a similar setup to yours on my Nauticat with a permanently wired 70w semi flexible panel on the pilot house roof with a further 150w on roving panels. I have this MPPT: http://www.blueskyenergyinc.com/products/details/solar_boost_3024il I plug and unplug the roving panels as and when needed and it doesn't seem to have upset the MPPT; all works fine.

 

[William_H]

Yes the MPPT type regulator will be most suitable. However if the panels are 20v ie made for 12v system then you can in an emergency connect the panels straight to the batteries. Just make sure that you are using much of the power generated. Likewise multiple individual panels gives a lot of redundancy.
Having said that the cheapest panels around here are the huge 200 watt types used for household PV systems. They however are 40 v so will definitely need a MPPT controller to convert to suitable voltage for 12v system. Again in an emergency you could couple directly to a 12v battery. It will not harm the panel and provided you do not overcharge ie use most of the generated power, it will not harm the battery.
Enjoy the Southern Ocean, drop in to see us, about 200NM north of Cape Leeuwin a little port called Fremantle. olewill