Where's the best place for mounting solar panels?

[Heckler]

Re: Where\'s the best place for mounting solar panels?

Vyv
v nice too!!
thanks for the gennie, fired her up ok, am plucking up courage to connect this weekend, I found the Dolphin charger site and it specifically says that it can cope with fluctuating power, http://www.reya.com/English/Catalogue/batterychargers.pdf
Stu

 

[capsco]

Re: Where\'s the best place for mounting solar panels?

I could use some of those panels Queenie, 3 x 40 = 240 who makes them?

 

[lyralicious]

Re: Where\'s the best place for mounting solar panels?

3 x 40 on each side ... 2 sides? (doh)... try again!

 

[capsco]

Re: Where\'s the best place for mounting solar panels?

I assumed you meant that, but you did not say so.

 

[lyralicious]

Re: Where\'s the best place for mounting solar panels?

[ QUOTE ]
The advantage of 3 smaller panels on each side (apart from looking neat) is that if shadow falls on one the other two still work perfectly.

[/ QUOTE ]

Pedantic, moi?

 

[capsco]

Re: Where\'s the best place for mounting solar panels?

Sorry my mistake.

 

[giolconda]

Re: Where\'s the best place for mounting solar panels?

Thanks everyone

Other half is home now, and it's given him plenty to chew over!

I'll let you know the decision, it'll have to be made soon!

/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Again, many thanks for the input.

 

[Abigail]

Re: Where\'s the best place for mounting solar panels?

Hi - we have a mix - flexibles on the dodgers which we move about if we are in one place for long but otherwise don't move despite boom shade. Rigid on a bar across the davits aft - essentially operates like an arch but inhibits stern-to mooring (not that we do that anyway if we can help it!). That is haded by the mizeen boom which we scandalise when anchored for long.

These plus good rutland on mizzen and demountable ampair on foredeck for longer stops make us self-sufficent for months in the summer.

I agree with gypsy that you can choose between lots of faffing about and fewer panels, or more panels not all always at full effect.

We have added longer cables and deck plugs so we can/ take off and move the flexibles more easily.

 

[Chris_Robb]

Re: Where\'s the best place for mounting solar panels?

Queenie - I am about to install panels as you have done.

Just to clarify:

Yours appear to swing down outside the guard rails, I note that the mizzen shrouds might make it difficult to fold down inside. - I think I can do the either side, as their is plenty of room. (centre cockpit Oceanlord). Would it be better (safer) to stow inside?

Have you made up an additional frame round the panels? It looks in the photo that you have. Is this necessary or should the Ally frame that comes with the panels have sufficient strength?

I am using 6sq mm cable for the connections which I think should be more than adequate, however, I was planning on having no plug at deck level as I was worried about the voltage drop with each connection. However, They will need removing if the boat is left for any time, as they will be really nickable! Is this a problem?

 

[lyralicious]

Re: Where\'s the best place for mounting solar panels?

Hi CR

If we had the space to fold the panels inwards we would have, but an over-rigged centre cockpit ketch leaves very little space! I say go for it, much the best solution if you can - safer in every way.

Yes, we have an extra frame for strength, but perhaps this is not necessary if you are folding them inwards? Your choice.

We live permanently aboard and the boat is seldom left uninhabited; ours are not designed to be removed.

Finally, I don't know the answer to your question about the cables and the old man isn't here to ask... some other clever forumite may be able to advise?

Cheers

 

[Chris_Robb]

Re: Where\'s the best place for mounting solar panels?

Queenie - thanks for that info - very helpful.

Chris