Flexible solar panels

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Fri, 08/26/2016 - 17:19

dwarren

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Joined: 3/28/13

Posts: 26

Flexible solar panels

As we have been out cruising this summer and away from any dock for the last 10 weeks it has become more apparent we need a continuous power supply. I have noticed the Flexible Solar Panels from Ferris Power Products advertised in recent issue of 'Mainsheet'. Has anyone had experience with these products or any other flexible solar products?

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Dave & Nancy Warren
"Blue Heron"
Norwalk Cove Marina, CT
2005 C-36 Mk II #2256
'Anniversary Edition'
Wing M35B

Thu, 09/08/2016 - 19:00

dpower

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Joined: 6/20/08

Posts: 237

We have had those same concerns after our annual spring cruises. This year we noticed a Beneteau with semi-flexible panels mounted directly to its bimini. After some research and consulting with eMarine out of Ft. Lauderdale, we purchased two 95 watt semi-flexible panels, together with wiring, fuses, and controllers. We will be using velcro to attach them to our bimini. Our canvass person sewed the strips to the biminin and glued the other strips to the panels. The panels should put out about 70+ amp hours. Our daily needs are about 60. We know of a Catalina that purchased a similar package from Defender, used velcro, and then brought the boat down the entire east coast of the U.S. on the outside and had no issues. This is definitely the way to go, with no "oil Derrick" look as a result of needing a stainless steel structure.

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David S. Power
Two If By Sea #1687
Burnt Store Marina
Punta Gorda, FL

Thu, 09/08/2016 - 19:53

knotdoneyet

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Joined: 7/27/12

Posts: 253

oops, impatient. :)

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2000 C36 MKII 1825

Thu, 09/08/2016 - 19:53

knotdoneyet

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Joined: 7/27/12

Posts: 253

Curious, why just 95 watt panels? Was there room for more?

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2000 C36 MKII 1825

Fri, 09/09/2016 - 05:30

(Reply to #4) #5

dpower

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Joined: 6/20/08

Posts: 237

Our selection was based on the physical size of available panels, placement on our bimini, and the amp hour requirements for our boat. We cut out templates for the various panels and determined what worked best. For us, the best solution was the two 95 watt panels placed in front of the split back stays. Certainly, there are other panels on the market with different dimensions and output capabilities. However, our Gioco panels came recommended and were marketed by the outlet that is highly respected by the marine industry in Florida.

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David S. Power
Two If By Sea #1687
Burnt Store Marina
Punta Gorda, FL

Wed, 02/01/2017 - 23:25

Rockman

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Joined: 7/12/10

Posts: 237

I am looking at adding some panels to my 375. With new more powerful panels being released each day, I am looking at 2 x 200W panels. This gives 400W, which should put out a maximum of 30Ahr. Allowing for shading, clouds and system losses, this should be enough to power the fridges, stereo, autopilot and all the handheld devices that the children always seem to need charged (why don't they charge them at home first?).

Add in a MPPT controller and some cables, and it will be a great weekend project.

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Cat375 - Rock The Boat - Hull 54
Lake Macquarie - NSW - Australia

Thu, 02/02/2017 - 04:51

Talisman

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Joined: 12/26/07

Posts: 244

Anyone know a similar vendor in CT

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Enrique
Talisman
1998 36 MK2 Hull #1673
Tall Rig Wing Keel
M35BC engine
Old Saybrook, CT Summer
South Glastonbury, CT Winter

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Flexible solar panels