Solar Panels

[James Taylor]

Will be hauling in April and seriously considering installing two 140watt Kyocera panels and blue sky controller to help with energy management on 2008 B43.

Main concern, in the event AGM's are not 100% charged by solar charging, service life might be shortened.We will sail to marina's at times but plan to stay on anchor a bit also.

Thoughts?

James

[Mike Brown]

Anxious to see how it works out for you as I'd like to add something similiar myself. Have you considered Solbian brand? They're the new light weight and be can be velcro'd or stiched into your bimini. They're expensive but considering you wouldn't have the expense of the stainless framework the total cost is likely the same.

Mike

[James Taylor]

Hey Mike

Just took a peek at the Solbian line. I see what you are saying. My total cost for the 280 watts of solar installed will be right at $1500.

The cost for two Solban CP 125 JB ( 125watts at 16 volts) is $1711 for two panels;

http://www.bruceschwab.com/solar-power-solutions/price-list/

Then there is the price of an MPPT controller cause you will probably connect these panels in series since they are 16 volts and your battery is 12 volts ( I am pretty sure  the MPPT can handle that) at $407 and up. A regular charge controller won't work with these 16 volt outputs to your 12 volt batteries.

http://www.wholesalesolar.com/controllers.html

Then there is about $100 worth of connectors and wire so it's about $2211 minimum for this system. These panels say they output 125 watts at 16 volts (Kyocera's are 140 watts at 12 volts).

How do you determine what their (Solbian) output is in a 12 volt system with MPPT controller? Not real sure of the efficiency of this type cell but I know the Kyocera's are very reliable have have high output values.

James

[foster]

Here is a sistership with the same arch with what I think are Kyocera 135.

I am thinking of doing the same thing since we have the same arch. It has the advantage of having less shadows and can be oriented back front ways.

Kyocera or the new SOLARA M german made with a MPPT controller.

Do you have the details of your project. What gauge of charging wires are you going to use ?

Denis

[James Taylor]

Foster

Purchased two 140 watt Kyocera 140 watt panels from Solar Warehouse in California at $300 apiece (about best price I could find) ;

http://www.wholesalesolar.com/products.folder/module-folder/kyocera...

also purchased a Morningstar "Prostar 30m" controller ( it can handle up to 3 140 watt panels);

http://www.wholesalesolar.com/products.folder/controller-folder/pro...

Shipping was high at $160 but they offer a free shipping deal if you buy one of the packages;

http://www.wholesalesolar.com/RV.html

I didn't get the shipping deal cause it was not in effect when I ordered.

Will have mounting structure over bimini installed by local shop and I will wire the panels to battery. Will use UV protected awg 6 or awg 8 wire as specified and install, one 15 amp breaker between the panels and controller, then a second 15 amp breaker between the controller and batteries. This controller accepts flooded, gel and agm batteries. I didn't order a MPPT controller due to cost since I figure I can put another 140watt panel up for close to the same cost of a MPPT controller (if there is room for three). The other reason is these two panels can output 15.82 ah max and controller or MPPT will only deliver 14.7 ah max in open charging. The MPPT will do a overall better job of charging than the Pro Star controller (10-30% more efficient) but not better than another 140watt solar panel on the boat. Lots of folk recommend BlueSky controller and this company does sell that brand also at a very competitive rate, no problem.

http://www.wholesalesolar.com/products.folder/controller-folder/sb2...

Will take photo's during the install and post if you like.

I do not have any affliliation with Wholesale Solar but, I wish I did cause maybe they would give me a free panel!! I spent a bunch of time trying to get the best price for quality equipment and wish to share what I found with you all.

James

[James Taylor]

Foster

Wish I had that arch, very nice!

James

[James Taylor]

Correction (clarification)

I will be installing one 15 amp fuse on each panel line between solar panel and controller and 1-20 amp fuse between controller and battery (total of 3 fuses).

[foster]

Hello James,

 

Thank you for all these useful details. I know another B43 with solar panels on the bimini : Candrac.

 

I was reluctant towards this option since we were in a sudden squall with winds over 65kts that just blew part of the bimini away. The arch option has a few other advantages : place for spare antennas, fishing rods etc.. and tender lifting davits and support to lift the 6HP outboard.

Denis