Thoughts on solar installs on 23's.

[Shawn]

I bought my MorningStar Sunsaver controllers from:

https://www.emarineinc.com/categories/Solar-Charge-Controllers?sort=Manufacturer

10amp controller will easily be enough for a 100w panel. The 100w panels put out about 5.2 amps and 5.75a into a short circuit. The Sunsavers are rated for 25% overload so you could likely use a 6amp controller but the 10amp gives you plenty of extra capacity.

Shawn

[HeaveToo]

According to Mainesail, he suggests going with Genasun for smaller Charge Controllers.  I have a Genasun GV 10 for my panels.  It is supposed to be the most efficient MPPT Charge Controller.

http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/solar_panel

[Mas]

Hmmm...just sitting here in the warmth supplied by the sun in our passive solar home and, surprise surprise, started thinking about solar on a small boat again. Clear hatches can provide a little direct solar gain, but the sailing season is warm anyway. So having fun imagining the placement of different kinds of panels on our little boat. The ideas from you guys are hugely helpful. Pondering two smaller rigid panels off of the sides of the stern rails that can pivot flat against rail or up horizontal. It would also provide some wind and spray break for the cockpit.

[HeaveToo]

Just remember weight.  You have a diesel so you don't have as much weight aft but I really watch putting weight in the back of my boat.  I am already a little stern heavy so weight matters.

If I could spend some money on my system I would put a new dodger up and have a mount on the frame for one large 125 watt Kyocera solar panel.  That would be a good set up.

If you are really serious about this I saw a mount somewhere on line where someone mounted the solar panel to a lifeline (different boat) and they used PVC over the life line cable.  They would use a dowel rod to put the panel into horizontal.  You may want to look around at that.

Remember that if you are messing at the stern rail you may be messing with valuable real-estate.  I board my dingy off of my ladder in the back, I keep my grill on the stern rail, and I access my outboard from there.

I wanted to put my dingy outboard on the stern rail.  I don't want the extra weight back there so I leave that outboard home and row.

[Mas]

All good thoughts. A typical 50w square panel is about 24x22 and two would certainly add 10-20 pounds. (though am also considering fabricating a frame, backing panel for a flexible type) I am going to add chain to my ground tackle so they ought to cancel each other out, well thats my fantasy! The goal would be to have them fold flat against lifelines and stern rail on the sides of the cockpit so that they can be secured inboard of rub rail. My hope is to have them act like a solid weather cloth in appearance and to a lessor degree function when stowed. (only 24ish long but every little bit of weather protection helps) Would prefer to only have one but struggling with a good location for one bigger one with minimal shading from boom, sail, mast, etc. that is also not covering the already minimal deck space and not have to depend upon a bimini or dodger up. I do like the location of yours if I am going to have the bimini up.

I know they have commercially available folding brackets for just such applications but most all are for larger boats with more substantial and longer stern rails.

I don't have to deal with a motor back there so hopefully it wold not be too cluttered. No dingy either. Just gunna get feet wet till I get tired of getting feet wet!

Still work in progress, and am going to boat today to remove batteries, plotter, top off diesel to help with no condensation in tank, rig up a small tarp over companionway and put her to sleep for the winter.

[HeaveToo]

Most cruising places will require a dingy if you anchor out.  Remember, the tides can catch you too and if you anchor in an area in high tide you may be high and dry by the time you get back to the boat.

I tow a rigid fiberglass dingy.  My dingy has been towed behind both of my boats and it has over 10 years and hundreds of miles on it.  It really doesn't slow you down that much but it is so useful.

If you cut the PVC or stainless steel to the length between the sanchions you could attach the panel to it.  Then you could use a dow rod to hold it up when at anchor.  It would fold down when you are underway.  Just a thought and I have seen this before but I can't find the link or picture.

[Mas]

Hey Heave, sure we will eventually get a dink but for now gunna keep it simple. May tow a sit upon we have that we have used for snorkeling, clamming, etc. to get used to the idea of something back there. Cleaning up the electric connections so as to make a solar add easier. Am leaning toward something on or about the lifelines, stern rails and doing two smaller panels. Going to live with things they are for now but am constantly playing with the idea. The more i hear from others and see installs, the more i refine my thoughts. It's a big investment and i wish it to be an add to how we use the boat and not a subtract.

Looks like it is going to be an interesting CBMWG!

[Mas]

so....it sure is easy to redesign stuff when it just on-line and in your head! Was looking at the panel set up on Chris's Empathy and the pole mount idea does keep it out of the way. If it is not this one it is similar.

http://www.custommarineproducts.com/solar-panel-mounting-systems.html

[HeaveToo]

true but that is an expensive system!!!!!   By the time you bought the panel and the other stuff you would have been better off, saved weight aloft, and been more efficient to put a Soloban Panel on your bimini. 

My 5w. panel is on a wooden mount that attaches to the stern rail.  It does okay but I couldn't imagine a 100w panel back there.  It would stretch most of the length of the stern.

[Tim Gardner]

]My Son-in-law works for Solarstic  here's their 100 watt unit:

http://www.solarstik.com/sites/default/files/a_solar_stiktm_marine_flyer_11045.pdf

[HeaveToo]

I have a friend with a Solarstick.  Great Unit, very good build, very pricey. 

For a small boat I can't see adding that much more weight to the transom.  The best bang for the buck is a flexible panel mounted on the bimini.

[Mas]

Check out Chris's post under journeys and destinations, Update on Abacos Trip. Scroll down to find pic of the solar set up underway. (actually enjoy the entire post!)

A 150 watt panel is approx. 29lbs. and is 39x39. Not sure what the mount and pole weigh. Know they are pretty sturdy construction, 1.5 SS stuff. Even offer a crane attachment for lifting items up and down from the stern. Maybe if too many beers to use the swim ladder?!

Heave, the same company offers frames for bimini applications. Sure they are pricey too. I am struggling with the bimini mount for only the reason that not sure if we wish the bimini up during the usual season for the bay except at anchor. Know if summer is in the plans that will change! Gunna want shade, fans, misters, ice blocks......

The flexible type on a bimini is truly the most out of the way place I can think of.
Ain't it fun to ponder?

[HeaveToo]

One summer on the Chesapeake and you will understand why I preach a bimini.  Mine is up when I am out.  I put it down when I am done with the trip but it never goes down after I leave the dock.  The Chesapeake Bay is so damn hot that any bit of shade helps. 

[Mas]

yeah we remember from the CP16 days!

[Mas]

looked up the Solar Stik stuff. Man oh man, super quality stuff it appears but super pricey. Also would be afraid of it just looking too much/big on our little boats.

Just imagine.......big panel with a wind turbine, radar mounted, lifting crane, boat with water to top of transom!