Pearson Sailing Association of the Chesapeake Bay
General Category => General Discussion => : Ed Criscuolo July 14, 2016, 09:38:46 AM
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Well, after lusting after solar panels for several years, the deed is finally done, and Dolce Vita has two shiny new 100W panels mounted above her bimini!
I initially wanted to install an arch to provide a platform for mounting the panels, as well as consolidate all of the "clutter" that is mounted on the stern, but the $4000+ price was too much to swallow. I figured that cash could be better spent on other projects. So i designed and built a framework of SS tubing over, and independent of, the bimini and put the panels there.
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The addition looks great Ed. I'd like to talk to you about your wiring etc. sometime.
I have been using solar for several years. I started off with a rigid 65w panel that I mount on the cabin top between the mast and the traveler. About a year ago, I got two flexible 50 watt panels that I lay on top of my bimini. I have one small PWM controller for my 65 watt panel and another PWM controller for the two 50s. Depending on the type of cruising I'm doing, I will use only the 65 or may use all three. It's kind of a temporary setup since I still have yet to hard wire anything. But the good news is that I can run a portable refrigerator and almost never let my batteries get under 12.6v.