Flexible Solar Panels for Beneteau Oceanis 40

[Luis Vieira de Sa]

Hello,

In the attached pdf file I describe how I added 3 flexible solar panels to the bimini top of my Beneteau Oceanis 40. In addition to the mounting aspects of the project, I also discuss some electrical considerations on the wiring of the panels.

Regards, Luis

[Peter Obetz]

Thank you for this most informative post. Two questions, how did you attach the panels to the new acrylic fabric, and how is this working in real world cruising?  I continue to be frustrated by the large draw down from the fridge/freezer compressors.

[Luis Vieira de Sa]

Hello Peter,

I am glad that you found my post informative. At this time of the year, I have the panels and the bimini top at home. I have just took 2 photos. As you can see, I have 4 "corner triangles" made in acrylic. That was the way I used the panels last summer. During this winter I added 2 "velcro rectangles" on the bimini and on the back side of the panels, in order to hold the panels close to the bimini when wind is strong.

I also have the "freeze problem" (my first batteries last 3 years and the present ones will start their third year). Given the power of the panels I think that I should increase the battery bank (2 x 140 AH) with a suplementary unit. I was just to start a project to add a battery box to hold a 3rd battery aft of the engine. As the space was critical I gave up that project. However I added a battery monitor (see my post as Vladis in CSF - http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/low-cost-battery-monitor-13... ) and I hope that I will be able to control the state of the batteries much more precisely.

Regards, Luis