Our Solar Installation

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WindEnsemble
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Joined: 11/15/10
Posts: 94
Our Solar Installation

Hello,

I posted this information on the facebook page, but thought I should post here since these pages are searchable. Hopefully, someone will find it of benefit. Nothing earth shattering here. Just our solution. Refer to the pictures for clarification.

2 100 watt panels wired serially. Victron 75/15 MPPT charge controller. 4 6V batteries. Our electric needs are pretty basic at this point, so 200 watts of solar is plenty. At least early testing is encouraging. The panels are mounted on the Bimini frame. All Bimini frame supports are rigid. All stainless is 1”OD. The panels are attached to the frame with simple nylon clamps. I had to run the screws backward from the clamp design due to limited clearance in the panel frame. I also added nylon washers and a lock washers This arrangement will likely prove a little inconvenient when the panels have to come down for a storm. 30' of 10AWG wire runs down the starboard side of the Bimini frame and down the forward stern rail support and enters the boat through the coaming. We had an unused breaker at the nav station that we repurposed. The specs on the breaker were perfect for our needs and glad to have a convenient way to turn off the panels when necessary. The controller is mounted in the little cubby just forward of the nav station, right above the batteries. From there it is less than 3’ to the batteries. The connection to the batteries includes a 30 amp fuse.

Jeff

 

 

 

 

S/V Wind Ensemble
1987 C-36 Wing Keel
Universal M25XP 23hp
Hull #705
Coastal Alabama

McFly
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Joined: 10/22/18
Posts: 200

Looks great Jeff!  I would love to go back and forth with you on some of the details, as I did a similar install this spring as well.  I sent you an email with details.  Thanks for posting.

Mike

Jackfish Girl, 1999, C36 MKII, Tall Rig, Wing Keel, In-mast furling, Monument Beach, Bourne, MA

WindEnsemble's picture
WindEnsemble
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Joined: 11/15/10
Posts: 94

I replied to your email. Hopefully, you received it.

Jeff

S/V Wind Ensemble
1987 C-36 Wing Keel
Universal M25XP 23hp
Hull #705
Coastal Alabama

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