Solar power project

Delta Riverat · Oct 27, 2024

I did the deed and ordered up the stuff.

Three 200W thin film panels, a 60A MPPT controller and some hardware, tools and extension cables. Halloween sale, 20% off -

Going on the fly Bimini, won't even see them. Going to use neo magnets on the panels (8 each) and series wire the set. Will add 20 pounds to the canvas and require no holes.

Once I figured out how to get them up there, the path was clear. Going to pull them over the top with strings with washers attached -

I love it when a plan comes together -

kthoennes · Oct 27, 2024

Thanks for posting - I'll be interested to see how your project works out. I've got a 13' x 14' bimini over my head doing nothing, and a 14' x 6' aft deck roof, also just sitting there doing nothing. Sure would be nice if all that square footage were productive.

Delta Riverat · Oct 27, 2024

Thanks! I'm pretty jazzed. The fly bimini you see to the left is way up there eh?

I have good hopes for the "strings tied to washers" plan. Toss the strings over, stick the washers on the magnets, pull and place more magnets as she goes until she is is up and then stick the steel disks on the bottom for the first 6, pull the strings off and stick the last 2.

DavidM · Oct 27, 2024

Since the Vmp is 24v and the Voc is 30 volts, three panels give a maximum voltage of 90 volts wired in series. That is enough to kill you. Standard DC wiring practices are not appropriate at that voltage. So be very careful installing and using those panels.

David

SteveK · Oct 27, 2024

@Delta Riverat
Why did you decide to go series instead of parralell. I ask as series is used to keep total voltage below the Mppt max volts, parralell allows three to operate independant, whereas in sweries all three are compromised if only one is shaded.

Delta Riverat · Oct 28, 2024

I don't think they will get much shading way up there.

Delta Riverat · Oct 28, 2024

DavidM said:
Since the Vmp is 24v and the Voc is 30 volts, three panels give a maximum voltage of 90 volts wired in series. That is enough to kill you. Standard DC wiring practices are not appropriate at that voltage. So be very careful installing and using those panels.

David

Yes, I plan to -

Series just makes the wiring easier and neater. Aside from the wires along one side of the Bimini and down one support strut, you won't even know the boat has solar. Can't see the panels from anywhere on the boat or the dock. Since the berth has a steel roof, no sun will hit them when docked either. Yeah I know there will still be output, but not a lot me thinks

mkel7 · Oct 28, 2024

Here’s my setup on Cape Dory flybridge..325w panel,30a victron charge controller,2 (232ah) 6 volt us batteries in series producing basically a 2800 watt system that you can use half of being lead acid.Mastervolt 1200w inverter/charger and balmar 200 battery monitor complete system…very happy with setup since 2020…just got 2nd set of batteries this past spring. I leave the original 1989 norcold fridge on around the clock,22” flatscreen in cabin we use in evenings…batteries are usually topped off by late morning…use acr charging relays to top off 2 start batteries in system…solar setup was about $1100 back in 2020 including the 2, 6 volt batteries..good luck with your setup,Mike

mkel7 · Oct 28, 2024

View attachment 159424

Delta Riverat · Oct 28, 2024

Ordered up the hardware today.

Got these 1 inch counter sunk neo magnets, #10 SS machine screws, SS nylock nuts, rubber backed SS washers, 2 inch steel disks and some mylar sheet. The mylar is to go between the steel disks and the canvas so if I need to take them down I can slide a putty knife between the disk and the mylar and avoid cutting the canvas.

Delta Riverat · Oct 30, 2024

600 watts of solar inna box;

The controller arrived also and looks good. Even included 6g ring crimps for the cables. Speaking of crimps...

This is a cut off crimp on a 2/0 cable done by me and that hydraulic die-less crimper I was excited about during the stereo-inverter project. I thought I'd saw through a cable that I replaced to see if the advertising was as good as the result. Call me pleased.

Looks like a solid bar of copper eh?

dhays · Oct 31, 2024

Delta Riverat said:
Ordered up the hardware today.

Got these 1 inch counter sunk neo magnets, #10 SS machine screws, SS nylock nuts, rubber backed SS washers, 2 inch steel disks and some mylar sheet. The mylar is to go between the steel disks and the canvas so if I need to take them down I can slide a putty knife between the disk and the mylar and avoid cutting the canvas.

Are the steel discs zinc coated? I would worry about them rusting. Maybe a healthy coating of No-ox or similar?

Delta Riverat · Oct 31, 2024

I'm gonna paint them blue like the Bimini -

dhays · Oct 31, 2024

Delta Riverat said:
I'm gonna paint them blue like the Bimini -

Oh dang! That is brilliant!

Delta Riverat · Nov 1, 2024

The magnets, disks, washers and mylar arrived and things are looking good.

The magnets are really strong as expected, the disks are smooth and the washers will protect the panel above. Screw into magnet, through grommet in panel, washer on top followed by nylock nut.

Barking Sands · Nov 2, 2024

Delta Riverat said:
600 watts of solar inna box;

This is a cut off crimp on a 2/0 cable done by me and that hydraulic die-less crimper I was excited about during the stereo-inverter project. I thought I'd saw through a cable that I replaced to see if the advertising was as good as the result. Call me pleased.

Looks like a solid bar of copper eh?

Any more info on the crimper? I have 5 or 6 crimpers and I dont really like any of them

Delta Riverat · Nov 2, 2024

Here you go, my pleasure. This tool has my 5 star rating, it rocks!

I have also done 4/0 and not sawed and verified, but looking at the results have no doubt that is crimped just as good.

Solar power project

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