New solar installation on a boat?

[minesapint]

Hi,

Before I go ahead I thought I would seek proper advice.

I have a sailing yacht with 2 battery banks. 2 x 110 amp batteries in one bank (domestic) and 1 x 110 amp for engine starting. All batteries are identical and are fairly new, 110 amp / 680 amp cranking. Sealed lead acid. As I am mainly sailing the engine generally does not get used for extended periods.

The batteries are charged from the engine alternator as well as from a fixed Cavalier Electronic charger (when shore power is available). The charge from the alternator and the Cavalier charger are fed into a multi battery isolator Model 702. This performs its magic and keeps both banks of batteries properly charged.

From April to October (7 months) I do not have shore power and am wondering whether a solar panel might help.

The problem is I have limited space. I have identified one area of about 700mm x 700mm suitable for a flexible panel.

I am aware of the need for a charge controller and understand there are different charge controllers, some good some bad?

I am concerned about connecting a third method of charging to the existing installation.

Should be able to post photos of my current installation later.

Look forward to advice.

Thanks

Mike

[Mike90250]

Where is the vessel when it's not connected to shore power? Tied at a non-electric dock? Anchored at a mooring ?

i'm thinking of a dock mounted panel, feeding a 12V charge controller

Do you use an electric bilge pump ?

[Ampster]

Hi,

Before I go ahead I thought I would seek proper advice.

I have a sailing yacht with 2 battery banks. 2 x 110 amp batteries in one bank (domestic) and 1 x 110 amp for engine starting. All batteries are identical and are fairly new, 110 amp / 680 amp cranking. Sealed lead acid. As I am mainly sailing the engine generally does not get used for extended periods.

The batteries are charged from the engine alternator as well as from a fixed Cavalier Electronic charger (when shore power is available). The charge from the alternator and the Cavalier charger are fed into a multi battery isolator Model 702. This performs its magic and keeps both banks of batteries properly charged.

From April to October (7 months) I do not have shore power and am wondering whether a solar panel might help.

The problem is I have limited space. I have identified one area of about 700mm x 700mm suitable for a flexible panel.

I am aware of the need for a charge controller and understand there are different charge controllers, some good some bad?

I am concerned about connecting a third method of charging to the existing installation.

Should be able to post photos of my current installation later.

Look forward to advice.

Thanks

Mike

I lot depends on whether you are sailing a monohull or catamaran, and the anchorages you plan on spending time in when you are cruising. Some of the places I have gunkholed in have been protected from swells but had good wind and sun. Others were on the Eastern shore of the Channel islands that had no wind and no late afternoon sun because of the mountains. Solar panels have become more flexible and more power dense since I quit sailing.

[minesapint]

Where is the vessel when it's not connected to shore power? Tied at a non-electric dock? Anchored at a mooring ?

i'm thinking of a dock mounted panel, feeding a 12V charge controller

Do you use an electric bilge pump ?

Thanks for replies.

Boat is on an alongside mooring in Whitby with no shore power. If you google "The Gaffer" Whitby you will see her on her Summer mooring on Flickr, will be back there in 1 month. Currently in Whitby marina. The pontoon is owned by Whitby Yacht club who would not allow an installation on the pontoon, trip hazards etc. Very good suggestion though.

My electric bilge pump has a permanent connection to the batteries but to the best of my knowledge has never switched on for 2 years except when I have tested it.

Mindful of the fact I am unable to charge batteries on the mooring I am careful about using power and do periodically run my engine at sea.

I took photos of the current installation yesterday and will get round to posting them on here later today.

Mike

[Mike90250]

Can you put your panels on a dingy and chain lock it to your boat ? There is often not a great place on a sailboat, to mount solar panels in the clear, or where they won't foul a line.

[littleharbor]

Most sailboat solar panels I've seen were hung outside the rails, typically at the stern end. As long as you can keep the bow aimed in a northerly direction you should be able to stay shadow free. Avalon bay looks to the Northeast, This may be the reason for all the stern mounts.

[minesapint]

Can you put your panels on a dingy and chain lock it to your boat ? There is often not a great place on a sailboat, to mount solar panels in the clear, or where they won't foul a line.

I like the dinghy idea and thank you for your suggestions but it would not work as although I am on a pontoon the location is exposed and on the edge of the main channel. The dinghy and yacht would just constantly try to beat each other up.

I have just had a think about how much power (max) I am likely to use while sailing. GPS, VHF, Tiller pilot and Eberspacher heater. It adds up to 64 watts.

Just tried to attach photos but cannot work out how to?

Mike

[minesapint]

Would it be correct for me conclude that unless I can find more space than 700mm x 750mm for a solar panel I need to look for another way to charge my batteries???

Mike