Running solar wiring?

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jmcelwee
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Posts: 102
Running solar wiring?

Hi all,

Getting ready to install a Solbian solar panel on top of my biminy, and I was wondering what approaches people have used for running the wiring into the boat? Is there somewhere especially convenient to run the wire through? Do people just drill a hole at the base of one of the biminy supports and use some kind of waterproof gasket (or something like a cable clam)?

Thanks for any helpful advice!
-Josh

Josh McElwee
Sailing from East Greenwich, RI
2000 C36 MKII, M35B, "Chinook", Hull#1900

Maine Sail
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Joined: 2/26/10
Posts: 324

[QUOTE=jmcelwee;16582]Hi all,

Getting ready to install a Solbian solar panel on top of my biminy, and I was wondering what approaches people have used for running the wiring into the boat? Is there somewhere especially convenient to run the wire through? Do people just drill a hole at the base of one of the biminy supports and use some kind of waterproof gasket (or something like a cable clam)?

Thanks for any helpful advice!
-Josh[/QUOTE]

Josh,

I usually come down the back stay or one of the bimini legs. I then use a Scanstrut deck gland. eMarine has a duplex "round" marine wire wire for solar installs where you need to pass through a deck gland. If you don't have an MC-4 crimp tool then you'll want to have eMarine terminate the cables at the panel end with MC-4's connectors for you.. I get my Scanstrut deck glands at Hamilton.

If you've not seen it yet here is a Solbian install on a bimini.

[B][URL="http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/solbian_solar_panel"]Installing A Solbian Solar Panel[/URL][/B]

If you've not yet purchased the panel I may be able to do a tad better on pricing for you.

-Maine Sail
https://www.marinehowto.com/

 

Gunkholer 1889
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Joined: 12/12/08
Posts: 25

I used (I think) the smallest size with duplex wire . Thought it worked good and looks good.

Maine Sail
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Posts: 324

[QUOTE=Gunkholer 1889;16585]I used (I think) the smallest size with duplex wire . Thought it worked good and looks good.[/QUOTE]

You really need to watch for voltage drop with solar panels... Normally 12GA or larger is necessary for a bimini top, depending upon length and panel size..

-Maine Sail
https://www.marinehowto.com/

 

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HowLin
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Joined: 1/12/12
Posts: 355

Installing my panels next week. 12/2 UV-rated wire from bimini, down the backstay and into existing opening in stern. Make sure to leave a drip-loop.

---- Howard & Linda Matwick ----

--- S/V "Silhouette" - Nanaimo, BC ----

--- 1999  C36 MkII  #1776 M35BC ---

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rtrinkle
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Posts: 203

I'm getting ready to take the plunge with Solbian also. Would running the wiring down the bimini pole, then through the cockpit locker and following the other charger cables to the battery be a good idea?

Robert Trinkle
Troubador, 1995 C36 MKII #1433, SR/WK
Universal M35A
Kinsale Harbor Marina
Kinsale, VA

Maine Sail
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Posts: 324

[QUOTE=HowLin;16592]Installing my panels next week. 12/2 UV-rated wire from bimini, down the backstay and into existing opening in stern. Make sure to leave a drip-loop.[/QUOTE]

How long is this run and how big is the panel?? MPPT or not? I often run 10/2 into the boat then 8GA or 6GA or 4GA or what ever is needed to minimize voltage drop...

-Maine Sail
https://www.marinehowto.com/

 

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HowLin
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Posts: 355

Hi Rod;
My run is 25 feet to the controller and 3 feet of 12 ga. to the batteries.
I'm getting well over 14 volts (under load) and have had almost 6 amps during the sunny day I measured. (2 x 50 W panels in parallel)
Morningstar pwm controller, since it's only 100W didn't think it warranted the big bucks for the better MPPT type.

---- Howard & Linda Matwick ----

--- S/V "Silhouette" - Nanaimo, BC ----

--- 1999  C36 MkII  #1776 M35BC ---

Maine Sail
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Joined: 2/26/10
Posts: 324

[QUOTE=HowLin;17743]Hi Rod;
My run is 25 feet to the controller and 3 feet of 12 ga. to the batteries.
I'm getting well over 14 volts (under load) and have had almost 6 amps during the sunny day I measured. (2 x 50 W panels in parallel)
Morningstar pwm controller, since it's only 100W didn't think it warranted the big bucks for the better MPPT type.[/QUOTE]

At 56' round trip of 12/2 you've got approx a .55V drop or about 4.6% at 6A.. This would be more critical with an MPPT than it is with a PWM but it still cuts into performance some.

As long as you are happy with the performance you are getting that is all that really matters...

-Maine Sail
https://www.marinehowto.com/

 

mkvalsvik
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Joined: 9/21/18
Posts: 2

Hi everyone, I recently bought a 2001 C36 mkii and since I'm on a mooring I'm looking to install a solar panel to help keep the batteries topped up.

I've read Maine Sail's articles and noted the Scanstrut deck gland recommendation.  But I would really like to be able to remove the solar panel and the wiring when not in use (heavy seas, winter storage, etc).  I tried to look for an MC4 "outlet" deck plate instead, and came across the Go Power model GP-CEP Cable Entry Plate.  It has 6 screw mounts and I was planning to seal with 3M 5200.

Has anyone come across this entry plate, or had experience with other deck-mounted appendages made of similar materials?  I would imagine UV resistance/damage would be the biggest worry.  The installation guide says the material is "tough, UV-resistant polycarbonate place able to absorb impact energy without cracking, even at low temperatures".  And the 3M 5200 data page says it adheres well to Polycarbonate (409 psi strength, lower than gelcoat at 600 psi but higher than fiberglass at 269 psi).

However, while reviews seem mostly good (Amazon, etc) they are all from RV owners.  Hence my hesitation.  Any thoughts would be helpful and appreciated.

Thanks!
Mads Kvalsvik
Sailing from Mattapoisett, MA
2001 Catalina 36 MKII, "Sina", Hull# 1967 

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KevinLenard
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Posts: 209

I used the Blue Sea single cable deck seal unit for my TV antenna cable at the mast step.  Works well.  No issues after 4 years. 

For the cables from the flexible solar panels on the bimini and dodger, as they go through the deck at the foot of two uprights I just drilled though and put 3M 4200 around them.  Not very persnickety of me, but sometimes you have bigger projects to work on! 

Kevin Lenard
"Firefly"
'91 C-36 Mk. "1.5" Tall Rig, Fin Keel, Hull #1120, Universal M-35 original (not "A" or "B")
CBYC, Scarborough, Lake Ontario, Canada

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Chachere
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Posts: 825

I don't have a picture of our installation handy, but we used a simple "clamshell" fitting (see picture below), installed facing down on a vertical surface over the hole for the wires. The wires have a small "drip loop" then proceed up the backstay to the bimini, where we have quick disconnects to the panels. The hole for the cables and the clamshell is bedded down with butyl tape, which I think works better. Whatever you do, don't use 5200 for a job lot this -- its over the top and will never be removable without probably inflicting damage (at least use 4200 if you don't use butyl).

Matthew Chachère
s/v ¡Que Chévere!
(Formerly 1985 C36 MKI #466 tall rig fin keel M25)
2006 Catalina Morgan 440 #30.
Homeported in eastern Long Island, NY

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mkvalsvik
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Joined: 9/21/18
Posts: 2

Thanks Kevin, that's helpful.  I may just go ahead and try this deck plate.  Worst case I will have some screw holes to patch.  I also have other bigger things to worry about :)

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