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Old 28-03-2017, 12:34   #1
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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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Old 28-03-2017, 12:55   #2
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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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Old 28-03-2017, 13:04   #3
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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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Old 28-03-2017, 13:18   #4
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Re: where to install solar panels

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I am buy a Block Island 40
Fab looking yacht btw
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Old 28-03-2017, 13:25   #5
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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.
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Old 28-03-2017, 13:43   #6
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Re: where to install solar panels

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Fab looking yacht btw
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.
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Old 28-03-2017, 14:07   #7
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Re: where to install solar panels

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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.
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?
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Old 28-03-2017, 14:24   #8
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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.
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Old 28-03-2017, 15:05   #9
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Re: where to install solar panels

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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.
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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Old 28-03-2017, 17:07   #10
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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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Old 28-03-2017, 17:37   #11
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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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Old 28-03-2017, 19:21   #12
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where to install solar panels

Safari, what brand/dimensions are the panels? Photos would also be appreciated. Thank you!
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Old 28-03-2017, 21:50   #13
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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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Old 29-03-2017, 03:04   #14
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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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Old 29-03-2017, 08:18   #15
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Re: where to install solar panels

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Originally Posted by Safari38LH View Post
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.
What brand / model panel did you use?
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