Cruisers Forum
 


Reply
  This discussion is proudly sponsored by:
Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on Cruisers Forums. Advertise Here
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Rate Thread Display Modes
Old 22-04-2018, 06:42   #196
Registered User

Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 22
Re: Illustrated Guide to Solar Installations on Boats

here a video that I made for a client for show him the difference between a poli semi-flexible panel and a mono Sunpower under the same condition (same solar charger regulator, same battery , same spot , same inclination) . The video is in Italian but that is the result of the test:

0 degree tilt comparison at 3 pm yesterday (north-east Italy) between Sunpower A grade cells (mono) and polycrystalline A grade cells, both 110W panels,
Results 4.5 for sunpower, Poli 5A (arriving on battery)
same regulator, same conditions (ps: I removed the overload protection battery for that the battery was so charged and the regulators did not go in float mode)

So sometimes if we have enough room, poly is a good choice (also cheaper btw)
Attached Files
Velanera is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22-04-2018, 10:35   #197
Registered User

Join Date: May 2009
Location: Massachusetts
Boat: 40' Silverton Aftcabin with twin Crusaders
Posts: 1,791
Re: Illustrated Guide to Solar Installations on Boats

Might be a great video but waiting almost 2 minutes for it??? I gave up.
foggysail is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22-04-2018, 10:55   #198
Marine Service Provider
 
Steadman Uhlich's Avatar

Cruisers Forum Supporter

Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 6,103
Re: Illustrated Guide to Solar Installations on Boats

Quote:
Originally Posted by Velanera View Post
here a video that I made for a client for show him the difference between a poli semi-flexible panel and a mono Sunpower under the same condition (same solar charger regulator, same battery , same spot , same inclination) . The video is in Italian but that is the result of the test:

0 degree tilt comparison at 3 pm yesterday (north-east Italy) between Sunpower A grade cells (mono) and polycrystalline A grade cells, both 110W panels,
Results 4.5 for sunpower, Poli 5A (arriving on battery)
same regulator, same conditions (ps: I removed the overload protection battery for that the battery was so charged and the regulators did not go in float mode)

So sometimes if we have enough room, poly is a good choice (also cheaper btw)
Thanks for sharing the video and synopsis.
I tried to watch the video.
Unfortunately it would not load, and I could not view it on my iPad.
Steadman Uhlich is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22-04-2018, 22:51   #199
uhu
Registered User

Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 29
Re: Illustrated Guide to Solar Installations on Boats

Quote:
Originally Posted by Velanera View Post
here a video that I made ...
the video is an AdobeFlash video
- which should be converted to a different, + more modern format

  • most browsers do no longer support AdobeFlash (for security reasons) - and therefore require a plugin.
  • on Apple products ( i-pad, etc.) , AdobeFlash cannot be watched
uhu is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23-04-2018, 03:22   #200
Registered User

Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: ABC's
Boat: Prout Snowgoose 35
Posts: 1,756
Re: Illustrated Guide to Solar Installations on Boats

So in that test the larger but still rated 110w poli beat the mono, but of course you can buy mono semi-flex panels too at the same cost. Again they are larger than the panels boast high efficiency sunpower cells.
mikedefieslife is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23-04-2018, 03:48   #201
Registered User

Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 22
Re: Illustrated Guide to Solar Installations on Boats

ok, now is on youtube.

Here it is https://youtu.be/EYxvz4bLsQk
Velanera is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23-04-2018, 04:26   #202
Registered User
 
CatNewBee's Avatar

Join Date: Aug 2017
Boat: Lagoon 400S2
Posts: 3,755
Images: 3
Re: Illustrated Guide to Solar Installations on Boats

and what is the message?
__________________
Lagoon 400S2 refit for cruising: LiFeYPO4, solar and electric galley...
CatNewBee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23-04-2018, 04:51   #203
Registered User

Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 22
Re: Illustrated Guide to Solar Installations on Boats

Quote:
Originally Posted by CatNewBee View Post
and what is the message?
Nothing really important.. just in this case my client was looking for a 100/110W and he has enough space for for both types of panels so he asked me which one - placed on bimini - could produce more. That’s the reason why I made this video.

Then I thought that might be interesting for this forum, everyone can draw their own conclusions, or just have a little more information.
Velanera is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23-04-2018, 04:52   #204
Registered User

Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 23
Re: Illustrated Guide to Solar Installations on Boats

Quote:
Originally Posted by Velanera View Post
Nothing really important.. just in this case my client was looking for a 100/110W and he has enough space for for both types of panels so he asked me which one - placed on bimini - could produce more. That’s the reason why I made this video.

Then I thought that might be interesting for this forum, everyone can draw their own conclusions, or just have a little more information.
well, thank you for sharing it
Sailsgood is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23-04-2018, 05:49   #205
Registered User
 
Mr B's Avatar

Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Melbourne Australia
Boat: Paper Tiger 14 foot, Gemini 105MC 34 foot Catamaran Hull no 825
Posts: 2,912
Re: Illustrated Guide to Solar Installations on Boats

Quote:
Originally Posted by GILow View Post
Try shopping for panels in Australia. Then compare the quotes.
I just bought two new panels in Melbourne,
These ones came from Altona, But there is another place in Preston with the same prices,
They are very competitive here,

2 x 250 Watt Mono Panels, with inbuilt Diodes, Free delivery,
Plus 2 x 2 into 1, MC4 connectors,

$324-00, for 500 watts combined, With MC 4 connectors and delivery included,

The reading was taken in full shade, Im not a sparky, I was just seeing if they worked,
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	368.jpg
Views:	285
Size:	418.1 KB
ID:	168584   Click image for larger version

Name:	Boat, Solar Panels, March 2018 002.jpg
Views:	250
Size:	435.7 KB
ID:	168591  

Click image for larger version

Name:	Boat, Solar Panels, March 2018 001.jpg
Views:	247
Size:	402.4 KB
ID:	168592   Click image for larger version

Name:	Boat, Solar Panels, March 2018 003.jpg
Views:	255
Size:	324.1 KB
ID:	168593  

Click image for larger version

Name:	Boat, Solar Panels, March 2018 010.jpg
Views:	291
Size:	296.2 KB
ID:	168594   Click image for larger version

Name:	Boat, Solar Panels, March 2018 012.jpg
Views:	247
Size:	310.8 KB
ID:	168595  

Mr B is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 24-04-2018, 14:03   #206
Registered User
 
Captain Randy's Avatar

Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Orange County, CA
Boat: Cheoy Lee Pedrick 41' 1986
Posts: 139
Re: Illustrated Guide to Solar Installations on Boats

I have the same bimini and want to do the same thing but like yoou note I am concerned about the side t side action stability. Have you reinforced yet. If yes or not what is your plan and a pic would be awesome. Thanks, Randy
Captain Randy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-05-2018, 17:22   #207
Registered User
 
Safari38LH's Avatar

Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Marion, Ma
Boat: Little Harbor 38
Posts: 301
Re: Illustrated Guide to Solar Installations on Boats

We mounted six GSC95, Gioco panels on our bimini and dodger. They are mounted with Velcro on both sides. Has worked well and hasn't changed the look of our boat.

Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1525738901.419506.jpg
Views:	280
Size:	447.5 KB
ID:	169384
Safari38LH is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-05-2018, 04:25   #208
Registered User

Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Port Phillip Bay
Boat: Etap 37 S
Posts: 183
Re: Illustrated Guide to Solar Installations on Boats

Simple Solution...

What we have done is added 6 Grommets down each side of 110 watt flexible panels, then used the grommets to string the panels to what are effectively bimini bows. (I actually had them made from 1.6mm stainless tube then cut them to size, but it's the same idea).
Used 2mm spectra to thread them up and keep them taut.
Note the angled stays at the back from the same 25mm by 1.6 tube. We actually used the top of the rear stays as a mounting point for a block to lift the outboard engine. There are also 2mm spectra lines going forward holding the structure taut. If needed I was going to add props between the vertical legs of the bows, but it didn't seem necessary.

So we get solar plus shade in one structure. And they are behind the boom so no shading when the mainsail is down.

The four panels are configured with split into 2 panels fore and aft, then each string run into separate MPPT controllers. The panels face a little forward for the front pair and a little back for the rear, so I figured that this was the best way to split the panels up. Two panels in series to get the voltage up, then the two pairs in parallel to reduce any shading effects etc.

Now, multiple people said that this wouldn't work. However in winds to 40 knots we saw no flapping of the panels, and this photo was taken a year after install. We are still getting 30 + amps from the controllers after 12 months of use - which was enough to keep us independent from shore power or running the engine. You can see where the tension lines from the grommets are in the panel, however the grommets were placed between the individual cells so no cells are being bent.
Overnight consumption for us was between 80 and 120 AHs, we were always back to float by mid afternoon at the latest, and typically charged all toys etc in the afternoon using the spare power.

Cost was;
$400 for the bows and supports, plus $120 worth of fittings
$220 each = $880 for the panels
$280? each for the Victron 100/30 controllers.

So under $2k AUD all in to get us to power independence.

Mike
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	Exterior cockpit small 2.JPG
Views:	446
Size:	295.8 KB
ID:	169423  
MLOI is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-05-2018, 05:25   #209
Registered User

Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 23
Re: Illustrated Guide to Solar Installations on Boats

Here a little installation made on a customer's boat, it is a 75W semi-flexible panel polycrystalline by FLY Solartech solutions.



€198 panel
€104 for the Victron 75/15 controllers.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG-20180507-WA0000.jpg
Views:	267
Size:	139.2 KB
ID:	169426   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG-20180507-WA0001.jpg
Views:	245
Size:	173.3 KB
ID:	169427  

Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG-20180507-WA0002.jpg
Views:	235
Size:	138.7 KB
ID:	169428  
Sailsgood is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-05-2018, 07:04   #210
Registered User

Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: BC
Boat: O'Day 40
Posts: 1,082
Re: Illustrated Guide to Solar Installations on Boats

Quote:
Originally Posted by MLOI View Post
Simple Solution...

What we have done is added 6 Grommets down each side of 110 watt flexible panels, then used the grommets to string the panels to what are effectively bimini bows. (I actually had them made from 1.6mm stainless tube then cut them to size, but it's the same idea).
Used 2mm spectra to thread them up and keep them taut.
Note the angled stays at the back from the same 25mm by 1.6 tube. We actually used the top of the rear stays as a mounting point for a block to lift the outboard engine. There are also 2mm spectra lines going forward holding the structure taut. If needed I was going to add props between the vertical legs of the bows, but it didn't seem necessary.


Mike
Awesome!

This is much better looking than the rigid panel bimini I've been considering.
Are your panels aluminium backed?
__________________
Trying to make new mistakes.
bcboomer is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
boat, grass, installation, solar

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Hard Dodger (Sprayhood) Illustrated Guide - Examples, Tips Steadman Uhlich Monohull Sailboats 360 20-09-2023 14:57
Flush Deck Boats Illustrated Guide Steadman Uhlich Monohull Sailboats 208 31-08-2021 19:55
Cold Moulded Boats Illustrated Guide Steadman Uhlich Monohull Sailboats 107 15-10-2018 13:34
Show Me Your Maretron WSO100 Installations, Please Patrick_DeepPlaya Marine Electronics 9 23-01-2013 19:16
Photos of electrical installations knottybuoyz Electrical: Batteries, Generators & Solar 9 04-04-2007 01:19

Advertise Here


All times are GMT -7. The time now is 17:19.


Google+
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Social Knowledge Networks
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.

ShowCase vBulletin Plugins by Drive Thru Online, Inc.