450: Solar installation

[Krabimike]

My 450S is in Singapore, I am working with sunergysolar on a solar package of 5 sun power 327Wp panels and was wondering if any one might have some photos of there panel location and mount? I was thinking of a design over the divits on a swivel. But was hoping to see some other thoughts and ideas. If you have please post or pm me for direct email. Thanks

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[sailormed]

I installed 2 Sunpower 327W panels on my boat, in a fixed frame above the bimini (not a cat, sorry :-)).
Wanting a structure that you can orient for optimum power harvesting seems a bit to much for 5 panels of this size.
A horizontal fixed panel installation has roughly 70% efficiency.
Good luck with your installation.


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[PaulinOz]

On my other boat L421 I built a tilting frame over the davits, adds weight and complexity and never tilted it. If at anchor I find a cat is very rarely sitting in one stable position for very long. Moor often all over the place like a mad women's hair. Over the davits restricts access to dinghy and also the view out the back. High up off the hard top gets them up and out of the way provides sun/rain protection across the back of the boat and less shading from the boat itself.

My 6 x Sunpower panels on my boat. I originally mounted 5 then realized I had room and controller capacity for one moor so added it a year in. Each group of 3 feeds an 80 amp MPPT controller. Not a particular bright sunny day, took the photo because at the time they where outputting 30 amps into the batteries.



A friend Steve Plum's set up, same number of panels but mounted 2 x 3 which I think looks neater and moor finished than mine. Extends rearwards a little moor but not as wide.

[Krabimike]

PaulinOz, thanks so much. I think it comes down to one of these 2 choices. Would you happen to have a underside photo of yours after you added the 6th panel?

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[PaulinOz]

Hope this helps sum.

[Krabimike]

Paul helps a lot!. You are in Asian waters in the next year be sure and collect the beer I owe you!

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[Scottster]

For what it's worth


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[Mardi Gras]

Hello Scottster,

I appreciate you posting your solar panel installation pics. It looks like a very clean install! The other installs I have seen have a significant structure fabricated to support the panels, which I'm trying to avoid. It appears you are using the frame of each panel to as a structural member, from what I have seen that is what the solar panel manufacturers intend. I also like your mount to the top of the Bimini support poles. Am I correct in my assumptions? The two cross braces, are they commercially available solar panel mounts?

I would appreciate any details you are willing to share.

Happy belated Canada Day,

Tony Brouillette
SV Mardi Gras
2014 Lagoon 39


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[Scottster]

Howdy,
Your odes rations are correct and the panels are a structural part of the system.
If you send me you would like I will send you a drawing of the boat mount and follow up with some pictures.
It's a simple and robust panel install.
Cheers Scott scottdoranssr@gmail.com


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[Scottster]

If you do a search on YouTube " solar lagoon 400s2"
There is a video up on an installation of a solar array.



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[mr336]

[QUOTE=Scottster;2165106]If you do a search on YouTube " solar lagoon 400s2"
There is a video up on an installation of a solar array.

Great video Scottster. Your workroom on your 400 is da bomb. Maybe you'll do a part 2 on the controller/battery side next?

Cheers

[Scottster]

No need for a video
In my case I have 5 panels, I divided them 2 on one controller 3 on the other, fairly simple.
The wire from 2 get put in series and then they run to a breaker, the 3 remaining panel get put in series and run to a second breaker. From the 2 beakers run a wire to the each of the controllers then from the controllers to the 12 volt battery bus.
The factory cuts the holes in for the breaker in the wall and supplies the bus.
Slick as *****.
The only problem for me is set up. I needed a MasterVolt tech to initialize the system and set it up to perform for my needs, I have not idea how to do that. I wonder if that will come back to haunt us.
If one panel is shaded the second still gives great power.
My experience is that shading is not a problem, in the video you can see the panels are way aft and even under sail I get enough juice to make it all happen, like magic.
I love my solar, it's a game changer.
I love my washing machine
I love my water maker
I love my shop
My entire set up is just about perfect for us, not everyone will agree and that's OK.
Now the real test will be how dependable will it all be.
The jury is still out.
The big test begins July 23, 2016 when we set sail for, the South Pacific and beyond.
I will keep you up to date.
Did I mention
I love my wifi Booster, Oh ya baby.



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[Scottster]

The "BOOSTER"


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[Krabimike]

Well I got my panels ordered with 5 - 327w / 2 80A controllers from sunergysolar in Singapore. Between Emeraldsea, PaulinOz, & Scottster thanks for all the ideas! Ordered a 100 Dessalator 12v/ 230v, watermaker, but when my boat was ordered they added 2 175L extra water tanks which apparently took the place where the factory installs the water maker. If any L450 or L450S owners have some location ideas that would be great!
Also Scottster tell us more about the booster!

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[Scottster]

My booster is simply amazing.
I was 3 NM from the marina in Sidney BC that once was home and I was streaming Netflix.
Later that same trip in Nanaimo BC I was about the same distance from the marina there and streaming there as well.
While in the Nanaimo anchorage I gave my anchoring neighbour my password for the booster and he streamed from my modem as well.
The manufacturer is Coastal Marine located in Sidney BC
Phil Morris is the guru that compiled the system and is a wonderful guy devoted to customer service, nothing but great things to say about Phil.
Where I am right now if I rely on the iPad without a booster connection I get 2 locked sites, with the Booster on 28 sites and 4 open for my pleasure.
Awesome !
Scottster out!


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