Jedi lost a solar array

[rslifkin]

I'll give Solaris Shop a big thumbs up as a source for panels. I bought the panels for my boat from there and was happy with everything.

[pcmm]

I feel your pain. having panels destroyed really ruins your day. When I built my Solar panel frame i used what alot of people thought was way over sized materials. The side rails are 1.5 x 3" aluminum rectangular section with 1.5 x 1.5 as the cross beams. I wanted the frame to be able to be used as part of the davit system If I wanted later. Most important I wanted there to be no question as to the strength. In the winter where I am we get a good amount of snow and wind in the winter and those panels are expensive... I found a local guy who does good aluminut welds. The whole frame is clamped to the arch with 4 major aluminum clamps that use 2 x 3/8' bolts each.

Thoughts for your version 2.0 of your solar system

P.S. not sure what is wrong with CF but all my images get posted rotated 90deg. Only forum where this happens...

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by pcmm

I feel your pain. having panels destroyed really ruins your day. When I built my Solar panel frame i used what alot of people thought was way over sized materials. The side rails are 1.5 x 3" aluminum rectangular section with 1.5 x 1.5 as the cross beams. I wanted the frame to be able to be used as part of the davit system If I wanted later. Most important I wanted there to be no question as to the strength. In the winter where I am we get a good amount of snow and wind in the winter and those panels are expensive... I found a local guy who does good aluminut welds. The whole frame is clamped to the arch with 4 major aluminum clamps that use 2 x 3/8' bolts each.

Thoughts for your version 2.0 of your solar system

P.S. not sure what is wrong with CF but all my images get posted rotated 90deg. Only forum where this happens...

The parts I selected for the frame were all oversized at 1.5” IPS which is around 1.7” outer diameter and heavy gauge and the fittings cast and about 1/4” wall thickness. The problem was that it got ripped apart at one fitting-to-pipe connection, exactly at the diagonal brace. After that, the wind got help from a large moment arm to the next fitting that got torn to pieces. Even with the torque that it got from the moment arm, it still is humbling to see a big fitting like that torn apart. There must have been some hefty gusts. After that the whole corner got lifted up, presenting a surface area to the wind so it immediately folded back over itself, tearing all fittings apart.

I did plan to glue these parts with epoxy, but after performing well in very rough conditions, I had decided to just use thread locker on the set screws and call it a day. I will buy new parts where needed and glue it. Also, I will add tie downs to the aft corners using Dyneema. Both changes would have prevented this, so together it’ll be plenty strong.

About the solar panel supplier Solaris-Shop: yes, I got the other panels from them as well; very good service, recommended.

[coopec43]

When I installed the solar panels on the aft f/g cabin I followed the manufacturers instructions and left a gap between the panel and cabin roof of over 1".



I've wondered how they would handle very strong winds. Do you think a f/g cowl around each panel to deflect the wind up and over the panel would help? But then the gap is meant to dissipate heat

[goboatingnow]

I note walking around my marina the tendency like you to carry the rib effectively on the Arch. Usually carried high Up to allow passage underneath , while the arch is substantial tubing it always seems up me to be exposed to sideways forces bending forces

Comments ?

[pcmm]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

I note walking around my marina the tendency like you to carry the rib effectively on the Arch. Usually carried high Up to allow passage underneath , while the arch is substantial tubing it always seems up me to be exposed to sideways forces bending forces

Comments ?

I don't think its a good idea to carry a RIB as high up on the arch as most people seem to do. I haven't attempted it yet as I'm getting a new RIB this winter and want to see what it really ends up weighing before I commit. But I have see a number of arches with tenders haning from them. I've seen a few that have cross bracing to deal with the inevitable movement.

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by pcmm

I don't think its a good idea to carry a RIB as high up on the arch as most people seem to do. I haven't attempted it yet as I'm getting a new RIB this winter and want to see what it really ends up weighing before I commit. But I have see a number of arches with tenders haning from them. I've seen a few that have cross bracing to deal with the inevitable movement.

It all depends on how strong an arch is. We can lift the boat with ours.

This picture shows construction details if you zoom in

[rgleason]

Jedi sorry this happened. Your frame looks light but strong, but can it be reinforced in some way? I guess the panels got smashed and cells on the edges and one end are damaged. You are clever and resourceful, is there a way to utilize what is good until you can get good replacements?

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by rgleason

Jedi sorry this happened. Your frame looks light but strong, but can it be reinforced in some way? I guess the panels got smashed and cells on the edges and one end are damaged. You are clever and resourceful, is there a way to utilize what is good until you can get good replacements?

Thank you. I have another 750W array which will have to do for now. The panels are a total loss but most of the frame is still good. I probably have to buy a coupe new fittings as I still have a length of pipe and it looks like only one piece was bent

[Pizzazz]

Jedi, sorry to hear about your loss. You can definitely make the arch stronger but may be a better approach is just to take the panels inside when you expect strong winds.