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I want to put one or two panels across my davits, on a single cross bar so the panel(s) can pivot on one
plane. I’ve only got 72″ x 12-14″ space available. My thinking is that two smaller panels would be better than
one bigger one because there will often be shadow(s) back there, even with the mizzen boom hiked way up by the
topping lift. I am aware that any shadow lowers a panel’s output disproportionately. With two smaller (36″ x
+/-13″) panels rather than one long one, at least one of the two may be clear of shadows much of the time and,
so, able to operate closer to peak efficiency.I plan to mount two more small panels, up to 26″ x 26″, on my spray dodger hardtop, port & starboard of the
center section.Of course I want the best panels for the best price. Has anyone researched solar panels lately and come up
with today’s best values/brands/sources? Any input, feedback, suggestions etc will be welcome. I’m limited to
panels that will fit the dimensions I have available.Thanks,
Tor
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Silver Heels, P-424 #17
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I had a single pane back there, but took it off because it made dealing with the dinghy nearly impossible.
When I get around to remounting it I plan on a U shaped crossbar bar to elevate the panel so I can easily reach under it to get to the dinghy.
With the panel elevated, I figure it can overhang the boat considerably too, so maybe you can get away with larger panels.
Also, I think in order for your shadow idea to work you also have to wire the panels in parallel.
On 1/9/09 9:28 AM, Silver Heels wrote :
I want to put one or two panels across my davits, on a single cross bar so the panel(s) can pivot on one
plane. I’ve only got 72″ x 12-14″ space available. My thinking is that two smaller panels would be better than
one bigger one because there will often be shadow(s) back there, even with the mizzen boom hiked way up by the
topping lift. I am aware that any shadow lowers a panel’s output disproportionately. With two smaller (36″ x
+/-13″) panels rather than one long one, at least one of the two may be clear of shadows much of the time and,
so, able to operate closer to peak efficiency.I plan to mount two more small panels, up to 26″ x 26″, on my spray dodger hardtop, port & starboard of the
center section.Of course I want the best panels for the best price. Has anyone researched solar panels lately and come up
with today’s best values/brands/sources? Any input, feedback, suggestions etc will be welcome. I’m limited to
panels that will fit the dimensions I have available.Thanks,
Tor
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Silver Heels, P-424 #17
http://www.SilverHeels.us
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Thanks, Aaron. I hadn’t thought of raising the cross bar, although I don’t see an advantage here the way my davits set. My dink hangs far enough beneath the davits level that I don’t think a panel will interfere. As for letting the panel overhang the boat, even raised up it would become a guaranteed head-banger for anyone using the stern boarding ladder. No doubt your arrangement back there is different than mine.
Tor
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Silver Heels, P-424 #17
http://www.SilverHeels.us
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Hi Tor,
I'm purchasing 3 120 watt panels this winter, one to replace the one on the dodger, and two that will hang off the stern with a frame I'm designing that will allow them to be folded down against the transom or deployed like tail feathers. I have a Monitor windvane so davits are not an issue. Also, my boarding ladders are midships.
The panels are 52″ x 21″ x 2″ or so and I am flexible with the positioning (I also have an idea for cabin top deployment.
Bob
On Fri, Jan 9, 2009 at 1:25 PM, Silver Heels < ([email][/email])> wrote:
Quote:Thanks, Aaron. I hadn't thought of raising the cross bar, although I don't see an advantage here the way my davits set. My dink hangs far enough beneath the davits level that I don't think a panel will interfere. As for letting the panel overhang the boat, even raised up it would become a guaranteed head-banger for anyone using the stern boarding ladder. No doubt your arrangement back there is different than mine.Tor
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Silver Heels, P-424 #17
http://www.SilverHeels.us
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Bob, who made your panels and what characteristics drove your decision for this particular brand?
Lee
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Hi Lee,
They are: Solar Cynergy 120 Watt 12 Volt Solar Panels – the reason is their size and cost. They are smaller than the 100 watt panel I currently have. They are also less affected than shade (most new panels are like that). I am purchasing 3 with my friend who is also purchasing 3 for his trawler. So we're working on a fair discount.
Bob
On Fri, Jan 9, 2009 at 2:05 PM, Lee Yonkers < ([email][/email])> wrote:
Quote:Bob, who made your panels and what characteristics drove your decision for this particular brand?Lee
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Hey Bob,
I could use a wider panel if I were willing to let it extend aft beyond the davits, but I think that’d be an inevitable crunch just waiting to happen. Your idea of folding down over the transom is interesting. Will check back with you in a few years and see how it worked out.
Tor
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Silver Heels, P-424 #17
http://www.SilverHeels.us
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Bob,
What’s the web site for your Solar Cynergy panels?
Tor
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Silver Heels, P-424 #17
http://www.SilverHeels.us
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Hi Tor,
Well, really, I'll be using an electro-hydraulic system to extend and retract the panels at the press of a button. I will have a backup steam generator for providing power to the turbines that run both the generators and hydraulic pumps. In addition, I will be making space under the cabin sole for a 10,000 gallon fuel tank to provide enough onboard fuel for the boilers.
Just kidding – it will be a simple lift-and-lock frame, I hope. In those nights when I can't sleep, I dream this stuff up.
Bob
On Fri, Jan 9, 2009 at 2:50 PM, Silver Heels < ([email][/email])> wrote:
Quote:Hey Bob,I could use a wider panel if I were willing to let it extend aft beyond the davits, but I think that'd be an inevitable crunch just waiting to happen. Your idea of folding down over the transom is interesting. Will check back with you in a few years and see how it worked out.
Tor
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Silver Heels, P-424 #17
http://www.SilverHeels.us
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Hi Tor,
I'll have to get it from my friend, Cory.
Bob
On Fri, Jan 9, 2009 at 2:53 PM, Silver Heels < ([email][/email])> wrote:
Quote:Bob,What's the web site for your Solar Cynergy panels?
Tor
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Silver Heels, P-424 #17
http://www.SilverHeels.us
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Or, you could use this: http://cgi.ebay.com/Solar-Cynergy-120-Watt-12-Volt-Solar-Panel-Brand-New_W0QQitemZ350150323008QQcmdZViewItem
On Fri, Jan 9, 2009 at 2:53 PM, Silver Heels < ([email][/email])> wrote:
Quote:Bob,What's the web site for your Solar Cynergy panels?
Tor
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Silver Heels, P-424 #17
http://www.SilverHeels.us
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Hi Rich,
That's open circuit voltage. With a solar controller (which you absolutely, positively must have without a doubt), you'll never get that high. Under any load at all, it's 17.5 volts. With a controller, it will never be higher than the battery's voltage.
Bob
On Fri, Jan 9, 2009 at 3:14 PM, < ([email][/email])> wrote:
Quote:Voltage is a little high, 21.5V.—
Rich Carter
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On Clairebuoyant, we have four 80 watt Sharp panels mounted over the aft part of the bimini, aft of the boom. We’re getting about 12 amps here right now, in Vero Beach FL.
Bought them from Costco.com as two 160 watt sets, with two Sunforce controllers, and two little 100 watt inverters for about $2000. Got some 1″ ss tubing and a Harbor Freight pipe bender and made the support.
The panels are about 21″ by 48″. They just about cover the refrigeration electric needs if we don’t go in there too often.
Quent -
Quent,
What kind of electric refrigeration are those 4 panels supporting? Have you increased the insulation in the box, or is it Pearson standard?
Tor
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Silver Heels, P-424 #17
http://www.SilverHeels.us
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Hi Tor-
We have a 1/2 hp mongrel. The motor/compressor/condenser is probably Gunert, Holding plates are Dole, bits and pieces from Rparts.com. Water pump is a Aqua Tiger from Shurflow @ 6 gal/minute. This seems like overkill, but it shortens the compressor run time.
The original space is a frig, the space between stove and sink is a freezer. Much insulation, at least 8″ everywhere from Home Depot. Just before we left I added vacuum panels from Rparts to both lids. It made a big difference, as did keeping both boxes full, and closed.
We also had an engine drive system, but I pulled it out and put in an extra alternator.
Quent
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