Suggestions for Mounting Solar Panels

[SV Demeter]

Im looking for suggestions on mounting panels on my boat. Below is a photo. She is a Wauquiez Amphitrite 43. I am considering mounting (4) 135 watt panels. I would mount (2) on each side along the stern rails. I have measured and they would extend just a bit forward of the rail. Im looking to mount them in a way to be able to change their angle when appropriate and am open other suggestions on mounting locations. Thanks in advance!

[zeehag]

bimini under mizzen boom instead of canvas....

[SV Demeter]

Originally Posted by zeehag

bimini under mizzen boom instead of canvas....

Interesting idea. I suppose it would shade the aft deck as well. Just wonder how low it would have to be to not interfere with the mizzen boom. I have been thinking of the side mounting route for a while but am now giving thought to an arch. Shame is that the boat came with a decent set of simpson lawrence davits. They are probably too low though to be a good location.

[senormechanico]

I'd go with fixed mount on the davits. It would also be easy to clean them and provide a bit of shelter to your dinghy as well.
Usually as far aft and as high as possible is the best place.
Most mid size catamarans mount them either on a hard bimini or over their davits.

Re, movable panels, I'm always amazed when I see a cruiser anchored, drifting around in circles in light wind readjusting their solar panels every few minutes. They look like slaves to their panels...
Imho, mounted flat, with more panel area is the best way.

[zeehag]

onthe davits is dangerous when pooped by a sea-in that you WILL lose them ....and the squat the boat gets qill cause pounding and uncomfortable ride. pounding is nasty.. is much better on the bimini one each side of boom. center is open for mizzen work. you would be surprised how handy-dandy it all is that way. works quite well.....and much less squat. much less pounding. closer to center of boat.

[SV Demeter]

Im sort of doubtful that my existing davits are high enough but I have some cheap thin plywood I used for making patterns. I could make some mock panels and see what the shading looks like. I guess the other option is an arch, but then if I did that I would probably eliminate the existing davits and incorporate them in the arch? Sounds expensive...

[zeehag]

while you aare checking outthe shading, checkout the trim of the boat as she sits in the water--you will see what i mean by the overhang making the boat squat. squatting makes for pounding by the bow which is a very uncomfortable sailing ride. that is why i keep mine more centered on my boat -- bimini is lot better than davits--closer to the mizzen mast.

[SV Demeter]

Think Im back to the side mounting option. Just not sure how though.

[zeehag]

side mounting-- think about canal and lock transits-- they will be affected by the canals-- like , will break--had a friend with that problem. is why i like th e bimini mounting option-- nothing overhanging the sides of boat--i plan on transiting a canal and mebbe some locks in my sailing future.

[PeregrineSea]

I have installed six solar panels aboard my 40 foot cutter PEREGRINA - totaling almost 300 watts. Three of the largest panels are adjustable and the biggest one at 95 amps it adjustable fore and aft, port and starboard. A bit of adjustment on these panels makes a huge difference in power generation, as does a slor regulator like Solar Boost. The Peregrine Sea: The Solar Boat - there is more at The Peregrine Sea: More on the Solar Boat

[SV Demeter]

Thanks folks. As I mentioned earlier I am not worried about dock or canal issues as the Amphitrite has a lot of tumble home in the hull such that it would be nearly impossible for the panels to get hit when folded down. Still working on some mounting ideas though.