Solar Mockup feedback request

[dkall]

I'm mocking up how to handle a couple of solar panels. I'm going to show the setup and explain what I'm seeing and you guys (gals) can tell me what I'm missing.

<img src="http://www.svelysium.net/_images/_4csbb/solar_mockup1.jpg" />

Here I'm using the Magma grill table mount. I'm going to extend it w/ stainless steel but I'm using wood to work easily and cheaply with it. (It's basically scrap teak to don't get your underwear to tight).

<img src="http://www.svelysium.net/_images/_4csbb/solar_mockup2.jpg" />

One of my largest issues is that we require an awning in the tropics so I need to get it outside the shadow and the other is since we're a double ender I don't have a square transom to work with.

<img src="http://www.svelysium.net/_images/_4csbb/solar_mockup3.jpg" />

Because of the curved stern I don't think I'll be able to adjust it much of an angle.


<img src="http://www.svelysium.net/_images/_4csbb/solar_mockup4.jpg" />

The cardboard is the same size as the panel and has 4 holes in the ends for securing. I don't know if I'll be able to pick up three. Could hold it a little farther away from the boat but will have to see if the SS bar will support it. Also don't want to have it in the way for some fool roaring by in a dinghy (I might be the fool some night LOL ).


<img src="http://www.svelysium.net/_images/_4csbb/solar_mockup5.jpg" />


Sorry about the links, I couldn't find how to put the images in my post.
Thanks
Fair Winds

[Squeaks]

Dave:
Looks like it should work ok. Never perfect dealing with curvy boats ;-). Will the Magma brackets hold enough or will you use something more? I was thinking of using same or similar clamps, are they available seperately?
John

[dkall]

Thanks, I have the solar modules from Marine PV Panels, RV & Boat Solar Panels, Superwind Turbines and Charge Controllers . They're much lighter than the standard household ones; also more expensive. Get them at a boat show and you can save some $$$. I bought the magma brackets from Defender http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|406|552|322400|747127&id=58671 in pairs and they seem like they'll hold tight. I may actually make a mock up with a singel clamp but first I have to ask the pv people if I can drill through the panel for a center attachement.

Really I figure this is my fist try at it and will use what ever I come up with for about a year and around next spring make any changes. We'll be wintering in the Bahamas and I'm sure I'll get suggestions from other cruisers and maybe even see the "perfect" solution.

Thanks for the feedback.
Fair Winds

[Squeaks]

Thanks for the info. I have not checked prices for a while but thought that with the presumed higher demand that the prices would nicely go down - doesn't look like it :-(

[knottybuoyz]

[knottybuoyz]

On the toolbar above use the "image" icon.



A small window will popup to enter the URL to the image.





The easiest way, if it's not already displayed, such as in Photobucket direct URL is to "right click" on the image and select "properties" from the menu that pops up. Then highlight and copy the URL (Ctrl+C) and go back to the image popup and paste (CTRL+V) into the box. Click on "OK" and voila!