Solar panels help needed Oceanis 42CC

[squirty34]

I am looking at panels to help us cruise for the whole summer in Greece. I think solar would help charge and protect the batteries but I don't know where to start. We will spend time between town docks and anchor not many marinas.

What are people recommending for a good solar solution. I would like about 150 to 200 watts.

It can be flexible panels or hard, but any expertise/experience would be very welcome as I am struggling sifting the marketing bollards from reality.

Andy





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[StuM]

Before anyone can give you a sensible answer, they need to know:
What is your current battery type and capacity?
What is your typical daytime/nighttime energy usage?
How do you presently charge your batteries?

(150-200 Watts will give 60-80 Amp hours @ 12V per day at most.)

[squirty34]

Hi. Thanks very much.

Not on the boat currently but I know the following.

2 sets of two batteries. One set two batteries powers the windlass and thruster. One set is the house batteries.

Both AGR, sadly NO labels on them.

Currently pulls 5A on the fridge when running approx 20% of the time. Led lights pull virtually nothing. Usual pull from instruments and we only run the radar with the engine on. We don't have high current items like water makers or TV.

Boat had historically been plugged in a lot, but we will anchor a lot and use the town dock in Greece. Power not always available.

80A Alternator.

Apologies for not being able to answer your questions but I hope the above will help?

Andy

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[barnakiel]

Think if you can place 4 to 6 panels on the stern arch. This may easily give you up to 1000W of solar energy for less than EUR 1000 to 1500 including the wiring and regulation (but not including the arch ...)

This translates into around 200 Ah of avg daily juice. Scale down if you do not need this much.

Installation is easy. A weekend do it yourself project.

b.

[squirty34]

Any suggestions on manufacturer model of panels and controllers?

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[barnakiel]

Plain rigid frame from your chandlery should be good. All solar stuff today is made in China anyways. I buy monocrystalines for our boat and for the boat where I set up solar. About 2EUR per Watt but way less when buying big panels or in bulk.

Victron makes decent inexpensive MPPT regulators.

If you want better panels you can get black ones (backlinked) from svb.de. These are better efficiency per ft.

b.

[MikeFergie]

I use 345w sun power panels. Best wattage per square meter size.
Just keeps up with my requirements of my leopard 40 cat.
Might add another panel for safety sake and allow for future growth



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