General Info: Mounting solar panels

[jbinbi]

Sorry for yet another solar thread, but wanted some input from Lagoon owners.

I plan on adding solar to my 380. I have come to the conclusion that the first place to add them would be over the davits.

But I need some help on hardware to mount, how big can I go, how to mount. E.g., did you actually use the davits to mount to or attach to stanchions, do you go wider than the davits, if so how much and is it an issue, etc. I don't plan on having to have the panels adjust for sun, just have them mounted and catch what I can.

Not sure how wide I can go, this will determine the amount of power. I know I can get about 400 watts on the 3 Kyoceras 140s, not sure if I can get 3 or the 225 or 2 320s to fit there on my boat.

Any pictures would help as well. Also asking in the lagoon yahoo group...

Thanks.

[nigel1]

Not a Lagoon owner, but this set up may give you some ideas.
I have a 30mm stainless steel tubular mounted across the two davits. One picture shows the davits without the panels mounted.

On the panels, I fitted aluminium flat bar to the underside of the frame, (running fore and aft) and used these fittings to mount the panels to the cross bar

DRB Innovators - High Quality Stainless Steel Boat Products

[seelka]

I've got 5 x "Sunpower 100Wp" panels over the davits, all switched in parallel to minimize shading effects. Two big panels may give even more nominal power (and possibly be cheaper), but if one is even just partially shaded by the rig, it's virtually gone during that period. Even worse so if you switch them in series, which gives lower amps/higher voltage and hence better efficiency - - - on a roof for instance, with no trees or similar to throw shades... But partially shaded, the whole serial array is gone.

I used the davit pulley axes to mount the frame. And I can only encourage you to spend the effort to support it with telescopic stanchions on the other side (mounted on the small rim above the raft compartment): I've seen up to 15 amps more coming in when inclined towards the afternoon sun.

But I must admit I'm addicted to maximizing solar energy collection - - each outer panel in the frame is also inclinable sideways...

[jbinbi]

Excellent. Thank you both.

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[careka]

we have 570 watt on the back(3 x 190) Victron , if you look at bit back on our blogg there are many pictures. Lagoon 380 Careka

we also have 2kw inverter, and we dont need shorepower. 780 amp 12v bank.

[StuM]

Originally Posted by careka

we have 570 watt on the back(3 x 190) Victron , if you look at bit back on our blogg there are many pictures. Lagoon 380 Careka

we also have 2kw inverter, and we dont need shorepower. 780 amp hr 12v bank.

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ml#post1933764

[Scottster]

I just ordered 5 - 265 watt panels for my L400
I will be duplicating Rotter's set up.
They measure 72" x 40" and will be supported just behind my traveller and out over my dingy.
Great shade and rain protection as well.
1325 watts will get the job done


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[ozsailer]

Hello jbinbi,
we have a 2005 410S2. I had a frame made to fit two 140 watt panels that is attached to the davits. The frame has an arm that extends from the frame to the davits and through bolted using the bolt through the pulley wheels. Very easy to extend the bolts and put new longer bolts through.
At the base of the davits I had a set of half collars made that fit around the base of the davits and when tightened fit snugly around the davit base. I then had telescopic arms made that ride vertically from the collar mount to the desired level where they are then attached to the frame. Its been on for 18 months now and showing no signs of fatigue etc. I used polished aluminium angle for the frame and polished aluminium for the telescopic arms. Works a treat and unless point it out that its not stainless no one has ever noticed. Don't spend a fortune on stainless when there are other products that are better suited to the job and look good at the same time. When using the alloy collars I insulated them against the stainless with Duralec and there are absolutely no signs of any adverse reactions. Will take pictures in morning and post.


Greg H
SV Sunshine

[OBXSkipper]

I really dislike how panels make a boat look sometimes, I know they are a necessity for most cruisers.

[Scottster]

These are some pics of Roetter's and soon to be my solar install
I have a L400, Roetter's has a L450 so he has 6 panels as I will have 5.
Additionally Roetter's has additional side panels giving him 1,800w, I will have 1,300w

Very simplistic and proven.
Thanks Rolf


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[jbinbi]

Originally Posted by ozsailer

Hello jbinbi,
we have a 2005 410S2. I had a frame made to fit two 140 watt panels that is attached to the davits. The frame has an arm that extends from the frame to the davits and through bolted using the bolt through the pulley wheels. Very easy to extend the bolts and put new longer bolts through.
At the base of the davits I had a set of half collars made that fit around the base of the davits and when tightened fit snugly around the davit base. I then had telescopic arms made that ride vertically from the collar mount to the desired level where they are then attached to the frame. Its been on for 18 months now and showing no signs of fatigue etc. I used polished aluminium angle for the frame and polished aluminium for the telescopic arms. Works a treat and unless point it out that its not stainless no one has ever noticed. Don't spend a fortune on stainless when there are other products that are better suited to the job and look good at the same time. When using the alloy collars I insulated them against the stainless with Duralec and there are absolutely no signs of any adverse reactions. Will take pictures in morning and post.


Greg H
SV Sunshine

Greg, thanks. If you take any pics, would love to see them.

[blackcatscooter]

We have 3 panels, Kyocera 245W each, across the back over the davits on our 380 S2. We have a custom made frame with the panels mounted almost as high as the bimini top so they don't block the view. With 765 AH battery bank, 735 W solar, and a 2 kW inverter, power is taken care of. If there are multiple days of rain, then we also have a generator to help keep the batteries topped up.


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[Scottster]

Here is mine


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[arsenelupiga]

doesnt look too bad, actually.

question from coastal cruiser : why do you need so much power ?

[jbinbi]

scottster, thanks, doesn't work for me as the 380 has the traveller in the cockpit so I need to mount over davits. but your looks great!

Never a thing as too much power , ESPECIALLY if you are going to do extended cruising and want some amenities. From reading his other posts, I don't want to put words in his mouth, but I thought he wanted to do that. Refrig, washing machine, auto pilot,watermaker, electric windlass, etc. when you are not docking for 3 weeks all use lots of amps. You don't always get sunny days, so more panels help out. And cost of a panel is under $300, lasts for 5 to 10 years you hope, so your cost per day vs. what it gives you is a great bargain IMO.

I am just thinking of being out for 3 days without plugging in and wondering if 420Ah battery bank and 550w solar will be enough....