Solar Install In Process - Leopard 40

[Mystic38]

The only thing you need to know is your consumption.. this is the be all and end all of charging.

At anchor... 95% of your consumption is your fridge setup, underway, 75% is your auto pilot.

If you dont have a battery monitor, install one of these first...then you will be able to get a very clear idea of what you need...there is simply no substitute for knowing your boat.

for example, I run a single fridge, and comsume approx 45aH/day at anchor.. one single 130W solar panel that i throw onto the boom, or on the foredeck and a MPPT charger will maintain this in mostly sunshine without ever charging via engine... in one case, 3 weeks straight in Georgetown, Exumas.

If you wish to run offshore without charging then you will likely need a wind generator to supplement any solar.

Originally Posted by YADO

Solar Install-New Leopard
I've spent days researching this and my interests are current and in line with the OP.
Batteries: My new Leopard has: 2 x 220ah deep cycle lead acid, 2 x 100ah lead acid
Inverter/chargers: Standard Trace 2kw/100amp

Question: Given the size of the battery bank, what would be the correct wattage of solar panels to keep the current batteries topped off? I don't know my watt usage yet but there must be a maximum amount of watts my 2000W/ 12V, 120A inverter charger can use.

I almost have this down but would greatly appreciate your answers.
Cheers,
YADO

[capn_billl]

How much room is on cabintop?

I'm buying some panels, each brand has different dimensions, and I don't want to add a solar bracket, just mount on cabintop.

I have Leopard 44, 2016 should be similar.