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28-03-2017, 12:34
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#1
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 63
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Where to install solar panels
I am buy a Block Island 40 and will be looking to install solar panels Where is the best place to install I was thinking at the stern rails with tilting mounts so they can be stored vertically out of the way and tilted up when needed. I guess the easiest way in on top of the doger
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28-03-2017, 12:55
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#2
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Surrey, B.C. Canada
Boat: Passage 24/30 Cutter
Posts: 683
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Re: where to install solar panels
I do not have solar panels, but if I did, I would do likewise. It seems to be a popular location for a good many others too.
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28-03-2017, 13:04
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#3
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Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Solent, England
Boat: Moody 31
Posts: 18,398
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Re: where to install solar panels
Just moving mine up from the stern rails to an A frame. The stern rails were great in keeping them out of the way of the crew. However, I have two other yachts hit them in 3 years, the last time damaging the frame permanently.
Before and nearly there shots. the A frame is second hand off a rib to keep the cost down but needed some work.
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28-03-2017, 13:18
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#4
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Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Solent, England
Boat: Moody 31
Posts: 18,398
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Re: where to install solar panels
Quote:
Originally Posted by jonbuilder
I am buy a Block Island 40
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Fab looking yacht btw
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28-03-2017, 13:25
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#5
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Astoria, NY
Boat: Sabre 38
Posts: 566
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Re: where to install solar panels
Away from shadows! This is why on top of the bimini frame or an arch off the stern are preferred by many, depending on how far aft your boom hangs.
Having the panels off the pullpit might invite shadows from the bimini frame.
__________________
Stephen
s/v Carpe Ventum
1983 Sabre 38
My Intro
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28-03-2017, 13:43
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#6
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Senior Cruiser
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: 29° 49.16’ N 82° 25.82’ W
Boat: Pearson 422
Posts: 16,306
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Re: where to install solar panels
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pete7
Fab looking yacht btw
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Absolutely beautiful, classic lines. If you didn't already know, it's a Bill Tripp design, first cousin to the Hinkley B40, both derivatives of earlier S&S designs.
__________________
The water is always bluer on the other side of the ocean.
Sometimes it's necessary to state the obvious for the benefit of the oblivious.
Rust is the poor man's Loctite.
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28-03-2017, 14:07
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#7
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Astoria, NY
Boat: Sabre 38
Posts: 566
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Re: where to install solar panels
Quote:
Originally Posted by fallingeggs
Away from shadows! This is why on top of the bimini frame or an arch off the stern are preferred by many, depending on how far aft your boom hangs.
Having the panels off the pullpit might invite shadows from the bimini frame.
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After actually looking at pictures of the boat (a beautiful one indeed), I can see that my suggestion doesn't really work. In fact, the boat has few opportunities for shadow free solar. I suppose getting the panels as far out to the side of the boat, either off the side of the bimini or off the side of a stern rail is best. Put each panel on its own MPPT as I suspect that when one side is clear of shadows, the other side will be partially covered (except for high noon-ish).
Also, maybe a wind generator on that mezz mast?
__________________
Stephen
s/v Carpe Ventum
1983 Sabre 38
My Intro
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28-03-2017, 14:24
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#8
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Senior Cruiser
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: 29° 49.16’ N 82° 25.82’ W
Boat: Pearson 422
Posts: 16,306
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Re: where to install solar panels
Hi Jonbuilder,
On a sailboat there are just a few places that solar panels will even fit at all and all of them have pros and cons. It's mainly a matter of deciding which location is the best for you and your boat.
1. On top of bimini or hard top. Out of the way but have to have a sturdy frame and there's potential shading from mast and boom.
2. Davit/stern frame. Maybe one of the best options IF you have davits. With the BI40, the narrow beam on the stern doesn't leave much room. Also the overhang doesn't contribute much buoyancy to support the weight aft.
3. Stern on the pushpit. Hanging on the quarters with a tilt bracket gets the panels out of the way but they are exposed to damage in docking and isn't the most attractive.
4. Similar technique farther forward on the lifelines. Same issues.
Part of the decision making is whether you want them for underway or mainly at anchor or moored.
__________________
The water is always bluer on the other side of the ocean.
Sometimes it's necessary to state the obvious for the benefit of the oblivious.
Rust is the poor man's Loctite.
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28-03-2017, 15:05
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#9
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 63
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Re: where to install solar panels
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pete7
Just moving mine up from the stern rails to an A frame. The stern rails were great in keeping them out of the way of the crew. However, I have two other yachts hit them in 3 years, the last time damaging the frame permanently.
Before and nearly there shots. the A frame is second hand off a rib to keep the cost down but needed some work.
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My first thought was a frame on the stern could double as a davit for a dingy like your frame; my broker who use to manage a boat yard suggest the panel frame in stall at the aft hand rails just forward of the stern is what I envisioned seen it on my endless search for a boat
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28-03-2017, 17:07
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#10
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Marion, Ma
Boat: Little Harbor 38
Posts: 301
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Re: where to install solar panels
B40s are great, good looking boats. When I designed our solar panels for my Little Harbor 38, I didn't want to change the look of the boat. I put 2 semi soft 95w panels on the dodger and an currently putting 4 95w on the Bimini. The great part is that you cannot see the panels from the water when you are off the boat.
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28-03-2017, 17:37
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#11
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Good question
Boat: Rafiki 37
Posts: 14,131
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Re: where to install solar panels
I had a similar challenge of where to put panels on our boat. As a double-ender, we have very little usable space.
I first mounted a couple just ahead of the dodger (100 watts), and then build a bimini using two 150 watt panels as the roof. So we have 400 watts mounted out of the way, and the bimini does double duty as sun/rain cover. My plan is to set up a gutter so I can collect rain water off the panels, but that will come later:
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28-03-2017, 19:21
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#12
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: New York
Boat: LeComte NorthEast 38
Posts: 499
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where to install solar panels
Safari, what brand/dimensions are the panels? Photos would also be appreciated. Thank you!
Anton
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28-03-2017, 21:50
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#13
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Everywhere
Boat: Colegate 26
Posts: 1,153
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Re: where to install solar panels
When I look at pictures of a Block Island 40 it reminds me of the first time I looked at a porn magazine.
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29-03-2017, 03:04
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#14
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,413
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Re: where to install solar panels
I've placed to panels on the coach roof... not optimal for avoiding shadows... but they are very out of the way.... easily moved and even removed... Not very large but they do keep batts topped up.
How about a floating array tied to the stern????
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29-03-2017, 08:18
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#15
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Panama City Beach, FL
Boat: Beneteau 343
Posts: 534
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Re: where to install solar panels
Quote:
Originally Posted by Safari38LH
B40s are great, good looking boats. When I designed our solar panels for my Little Harbor 38, I didn't want to change the look of the boat. I put 2 semi soft 95w panels on the dodger and an currently putting 4 95w on the Bimini. The great part is that you cannot see the panels from the water when you are off the boat.
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What brand / model panel did you use?
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