Solar panel mount

Discussion in 'OnBoard Electronics & Controls' started by SeriolaDumerili, Dec 23, 2013.

  1. SeriolaDumerili
    Joined: Sep 2010
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    Location: Croatia

    SeriolaDumerili Junior Member

    @Bert, yes for carbon with rule of the thumb
    @jonr, will remove a panel just for short course racing
    @CDK Hi CDK, 1 MW/year is substantial power to think about putting in roof of my house some of these panels. AFAIK I live just 5 NM from you :) So, I can expect 1/5 of your instalation power in my boat, should be enough for autopilot, fridge and music :)
     
  2. CDK
    Joined: Aug 2007
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    Location: Adriatic sea

    CDK retired engineer

    Must be a little bit more than 5 NM I think.
    To the north and NW is uninhabited land, in all other directions there is only sea :confused:
     
  3. SeriolaDumerili
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    SeriolaDumerili Junior Member

    I was saying that we are neighbours because of insolation hours. SW of your place across the sea, maybee 6 NM. Of course, I don't want to bother you.
     
    1 person likes this.
  4. BertKu
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    BertKu Senior Member

    Seriola, you may have tio check the one "17" on your drawing, Should it not be "170" also? Sorry mistake 170 should read 150

    Seriola, jonr is right, if you remove it all the time in anyway, find a good spot and create a simple way to remove and install the panel. All what you have to do is to bring a connection point out for your charger close by.
    Seriola, you better keep CDK as your friend :), he can really help you with electronics/electrical problems with advice. He is very good in that. Having him a phone call away, is always handy, special in view you both live in Croatia and not too many good electronics people are close by.
    Bert
     
    Last edited: Dec 29, 2013
  5. CDK
    Joined: Aug 2007
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    CDK retired engineer

    That puts you in Sv.J. or Cunski! No bother at all, I am pleasantly surprised; never knew intelligent life was so near.
     
  6. michael pierzga
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    michael pierzga Senior Member

    Solar panels on stern towers are visually obtrusive and are always in the way when maneuvering

    I would mount the panels athwartships , aft...as a seating area area when not in use.
    Naturally you would need the proper shape panels and naturally some efficiency would be lost because of thier orientation.
    . .
     
  7. SeriolaDumerili
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    SeriolaDumerili Junior Member

    maybe this is a best solution, to make a removable bridge on the stern. 2 panels? there is enough length (wide), will check this afternoon. thank you!
     
  8. BertKu
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    Location: South Africa Little Brak River

    BertKu Senior Member

    Hi Seriola, Or you fold the one panel over the other when not in use. By strengthening the backs of the panels, you would have a rigid construction and both panels would be protected when not in use. Use anodized aluminum hinges.
    Bert
     
  9. michael pierzga
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    michael pierzga Senior Member

    I had a dream last night. A combination boarding plank , solar panel that stored aft as a bridge when sailing.

    The plank was a composite box section...solar panels on bottom, walking surface on top.

    The plank stored solar panel up when fit across the aft cockpit. Snap on cushions covered the panel when seating was more important than solar.

    For this invention I received a gold medal, started production in china and became a multimillionaire.
     
  10. SeriolaDumerili
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    SeriolaDumerili Junior Member

    good one :) And, if wide enough, an extra bed!
     
  11. BertKu
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    BertKu Senior Member

    Hi Michael, as long you told the Chinese to use 3 mm hardened glass. Otherwise you will be multi-poor instead of multi millionaire. But yes, it can be done and was done 35 -40 years ago. Start producing it.
    Bert
     
  12. BertKu
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    BertKu Senior Member

    Why with hardened glass? Too many people will accidental sit on it when turned. Like CDK also had the experience from the early days of solar panels (thread 12), if hardened glass is used, you don't even have to turn it. Just take the pillow or cushion away. That is a really good dream Michael. Bert
     
  13. michael pierzga
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    michael pierzga Senior Member

    With small craft you are always seeking dual purpose for every piece of gear.

    In croatia a boarding plank is required because small craft berth stern to.

    The surface area of a 2.5 or 3 meter boarding plank might be enough for solar.
     
  14. SeriolaDumerili
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    SeriolaDumerili Junior Member

    I agree, in my case boarding plank with two panels will be heavy. Maybe with one little more than 10 kg. Boarding plank sometimes fall in water, scratch on shore end because of waves.
     

  15. BertKu
    Joined: May 2009
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    BertKu Senior Member

    The panels are available refer:

    http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/498740309/100w_12V_Solar_panel_tempered_glass.html

    You don't even have to turn the plank. Just walk over the solar panels. But you need to find a supplier for small quantities.
    Bert
     
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