?? on my solar project

[CAELESTIS]

I just ordered the Iverson's bimini and brackets for solar panels. I want the maximum wattage for the confined footprint possible.

The boat has a split backstay, and the panels must fit inside of the split. I will have about 67-65 inches of room. The backstay is hydraulic and loses space as it is applied. Lowering the bimini won't work as I am 6'4" and want to stand at the helm. The original plan was 2 x 240w Sanyos, which would be 61L x 64W (both). There would be no window to see the main with this 480w array. Plan B would be one Sunpower 345 mounted at the back of the bimini, and have a window. The rest of the system would be a Outback or Midnite controller, breakers, etc. The panels would have the MC4 connectors, with the wire run below deck to a bus bar, and then thicker cable for the rest of the distance.

I have read over a thousand posts on solar, but only want to do this once. Any thoughts on the project? Any San Diego sources for Sunpower?

Thanks!

[senormechanico]

How about fitting a panel or two inside the backstay and a couple on the outside?
Sort of a forked design?
A 49 foot boat ought to have enough room to do that.

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by CAELESTIS

Any thoughts on the project?

I all depends on what electrical needs the solar has to keep up up. I more than keep up at anchor/mooring on a 290W panel in the Northeast.

But if you can install some 1.5"x1.5" angles onto your mounting system I bet you could install the 2 panels, push the panels aft some, provide support for the panels, and still be able to see the main sail

[autumnbreeze27]

I need to put solar on our boat next year, please share as much info as you can, as I will be going along the same route.

I'm also watching the LiPO battery threads. Plan on doing everything myself except for having the solar panel brackets fabricated.