Re: 2 Panels going to 3 Solar Panels

I have 2 solar panels now (120 watt each) over the bimini. I plan to add a third 120 watt panel over the davits. I plan to mount this in a fixed position bolted to and level with the existing panels and then braced via legs up from the stern rail.

This idea will allow me to fold in the davits if needed. But will I ever need to?

The other idea is that this will be more secure for this third panel since the davits tend to flex offshore in waves due to the dinghy weight. We do keep the motor OFF the dinghy when offshore, but we do carry the AB (110 lbs) in the davits. Even with the Kato braces, the davits still flex.

Maybe I should just accept this and mount the 3rd solar panel like others have down on the davits only. Then this one would tilt. What you you think?

Tilt or fixed?

Where I buy Solar Panels:
partsonsale.com/solarpanels.htm

Thanks

Hayden

I finally added the third solar panel and because I found 1/2 width X full length solar panels, I was able to mount these 1/2 with panels next to the full width ones. These are by SOLARLAND.com and are 65 watt panels. So we now have 350 watts of solar.

Here are a few photos of the mounting...









REFERENCES:

www.solarlandusa.com/poly.html

Panels for 1/2 width are:
model #: SLP065-12M

PDF Link:
www.solarlandusa.com/image/pdf/1-Poly/SLP065-12M.pdf

Randy:
YES, I used conduit plastic U shaped clamps and then plastic rescue tape to stand the panels off the SS tube frame. It worked great. I did not add any extra frame supports BUT I need to add a SS tube down strut to help support this. I plan to add that soon.
Here are the photos...

Randy
In the Bahamas and Caribbean our boat runs fully off solar #1 and wind #2. We use about 120-150 amp hrs per day. What's really key in the trade winds is the wind turbine. All night long it will be doing 4-8 amp hrs per hr so many mornings we wake up with a full bank.we use the MK450 by
store.marinebeam.com/
and it's about $1400. Check out code ipyoa gets 10% off and no, I do not get a kick back. I just asked and the owner set it up for our IP fleet!!!

So, yes solar is #1 but wind is #2.

Hayden