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Old 15-12-2018, 15:38   #1
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Solar panel solution on a Hylas 54 with Simpson Davits

Though someone might be interested in our new solar arch and panels on our Hylas 54.

We wanted to add significant solar area but we were not keen on putting panels on deck (shading, slippery), on rail “wings” or on the canvas bimini top (shading, dynamic substrate, complex wire routing, not useable when boat stripped bare for storage). We wanted a solution that looked in keeping with the existing boat structures and we did not care for sharp-cornered aluminum flat frame panel solution often seen.

So, we had a curved frame of stainless rail welded to the top of the Simpson Davits which matches the existing Hylas rails. Over that is a GRP panel color matched to deck grp to act as structure to attach the semi flexible solar panels (four Solbian SP130W). The curved shape makes sure there is head room to duck under to use the transom steps. The structure does not interfere with after-swim showers, dinghy storage, nor does it impinge on the ability to use the steps for dinghy loading. And it keeps the sun off the dink. In fact the structure seems to make the davits even stronger than before. The added weight is still well within the 225 kg specs of the davits and as we just switched from a GRP to a much lighter aluminum dink, the weight aft is probably more or less unchanged. We also moved the aft nav light from the davit to the aft edge of the frame and relocated the ensign pole socket so the ensign does not flap over the panels. So far we are very happy with the power from the panels, the look, and the strength of the solution. Happy to share the plans with anyone interested. 😃

note in pics wires not tidied up yet.
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Old 15-12-2018, 16:51   #2
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Re: Solar panel solution on a Hylas 54 with Simpson Davits

Looking good!
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Old 15-12-2018, 16:59   #3
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Re: Solar panel solution on a Hylas 54 with Simpson Davits

Wow! That's nice.
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Old 15-12-2018, 17:17   #4
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Re: Solar panel solution on a Hylas 54 with Simpson Davits

Nice! Can you please PM the specs, cost and name of the company who made the arch for you. This would work out nice on our 62.

Thanks

Ken
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Old 16-12-2018, 08:47   #5
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Re: Solar panel solution on a Hylas 54 with Simpson Davits

This looks great! Well thought out and nice clean installation.

Can you please e-mail me the specs and cost. mwmsea@gmail.com


Thank you and enjoy the holidays.

Mike
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Old 17-12-2018, 00:40   #6
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Re: Solar panel solution on a Hylas 54 with Simpson Davits

Very aesthetic result,
But you can do the same with rigid panels for better performance and much cheaper.
No need to built a GRP support, with SS frame.
Advantage, rigid panels have connection boxes below. Much easier for wire path.
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Old 17-12-2018, 03:41   #7
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Re: Solar panel solution on a Hylas 54 with Simpson Davits

Quote:
Originally Posted by CdS2 Roland View Post
Very aesthetic result,
But you can do the same with rigid panels for better performance and much cheaper.
No need to built a GRP support, with SS frame.
Advantage, rigid panels have connection boxes below. Much easier for wire path.
Sure you can do that, but it most certainly wouldn't look nearly as visually pleasing to the eye. Looks do matter, why would the OP want to add the look of cheap on a beautiful new Hylas 54?
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Old 27-12-2018, 07:16   #8
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Re: Solar panel solution on a Hylas 54 with Simpson Davits

One of the neater methods I've seen, but it is still a great big ugly wing on the back of a nice looking boat that ruins the original design.
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Old 27-12-2018, 08:13   #9
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Re: Solar panel solution on a Hylas 54 with Simpson Davits

I'd love to see some wide photos showing more of the boat. It'd be nice to get an overall aesthetic on your design.
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Old 05-01-2019, 14:07   #10
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Re: Solar panel solution on a Hylas 54 with Simpson Davits

Bump for pictures of that sweet sweet Hylas rump
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Old 10-11-2019, 09:05   #11
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Re: Solar panel solution on a Hylas 54 with Simpson Davits

I too would love to get a private message with more details, and specs if possible. Thanks!
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Old 11-07-2023, 07:04   #12
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Re: Solar panel solution on a Hylas 54 with Simpson Davits

@Hobiehobie, excellent information. I know it has been a while since your original post but would you be willing to share information on the wiring you did to integrate the solar to your system? We are considering doing the same with our Hylas 54 this fall. Thanks!
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Old 15-07-2023, 08:51   #13
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Re: Solar panel solution on a Hylas 54 with Simpson Davits

Back then the electrical process was a mystery to us so we let our electrician who was installing new electronics take care of it. But basically the panels feed to a Victron controller that monitors the output and controls appropriate power into the batteries depending on their charge.
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Old 15-07-2023, 10:03   #14
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Re: Solar panel solution on a Hylas 54 with Simpson Davits

Pros:
Beautiful

Cons:
Expensive
Heavy
Won't make much power
Panels won't last long


Overall, 520 Watts peak (Wp) of those panels you won't make much KwH per day.

But of course it is your money and your decision.

And it does look beautiful.
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Old 15-07-2023, 10:21   #15
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Re: Solar panel solution on a Hylas 54 with Simpson Davits

Quote:
Originally Posted by FlyingScot View Post
Pros:
Beautiful

Cons:
Expensive
Heavy
Won't make much power
Panels won't last long


Overall, 520 Watts peak (Wp) of those panels you won't make much KwH per day.

But of course it is your money and your decision.

And it does look beautiful.

This original post was from a few years back so have the benefit of hindsight
It was quite expensive correct, but did not break the bank. Panels have lasted with no noticeable degradation in power output, we could have added more or larger ones but the four SP 130 make us power self sufficient in all circumstances except ocean legs of more than 5 days with full time autopilot operation in heavy conditions, but lithium ion batteries solve that. Or when there is no sun for days. We are now in UK with the Caribbean behind us so that is a distinct possibility!🙄
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