Solar Panel (s)

  • September 13, 2020 1:48 PM
    Message # 9232956

    I would like to install a solar panel or panels on my w32 Sparrow #433

    Im thinking in the 100 watt panel, to keep Batteries charged when I'm not around, maybe 

    more later.

    Looking for a good solar panel,  and controller that's reliable , reasonable cost etc

    Mounting recommendations, would like to do it on life line

    Any pictures or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

    Stay Safe, Never Forget

    ted


  • September 13, 2020 3:01 PM
    Reply # 9233023 on 9232956

    I just replaced my older 40 Watt panel and controller with a new 80 Watt panel and controller.  The newer panels are much more efficient than the ones from 10 years ago, the new 80 Watt panel is just a couple inches larger than our old 40 Watt panel.  Prices have come down significantly, the new 80 Watt panel was $100. less than what I paid for the 40 Watt panel in 2009! 

    Like you I use it to keep the battery banks topped up.  With the long Summer days we are able to run our refer, heater and lighting off of the solar panel for several days at anchor with out the need for additional charging from the alternator or shore charger.  In the winter and when we are not onboard the panel keeps the batteries topped off.  

    I got both the previous panel and this new 80 Watt panel and controller off EBay from a company called "newpowa".  They have several sizes of panels listed and were very helpful when I contacted them.  

    We are a W28 our panel is mounted on the stern pulpit, there are some photos that show the panel in our photo album.  I've seen some 32's with the panels mounted on the lifelines at the sides of the cockpit area.

    Last modified: September 13, 2020 3:05 PM | Kevin Donahue
  • September 14, 2020 8:26 AM
    Reply # 9234465 on 9232956

    Ted,  I have a number of pictures of solar panels mounted on the W32.  Contact me by email and I can send some of them.

  • September 14, 2020 9:05 AM
    Reply # 9234570 on 9232956

    Hi Ted , I assembled the set up you want on our W28 a few years back . First I got , from the bay a 100W monocyrstalline  panel  https://www.ebay.com/itm/Renogy-50W-100W-160W-175W-12V-Flexible-Monocrystalline-Solar-Panel-RV-Marine/303594284699?epid=13021615798&hash=item46afa1269b:g:7c0AAOSwE1Ze5tZ3

    The regulator that I bought is a good one , it was around $100. 

    https://www.amazon.com/GENASUN-GV-10-PB-12V-CONTROLLER-BATTERIES-GV-10-Pb-12V/dp/B074P158NG

    This controller will only charge one battery at a time , there are others that will charge multiple batts. 

    Now the fun part , I wanted , like you to just hang it on the life line . The monocyrstalline panels are light and flexible , you don't want to flex them to much and they need to have open space underneath , so they don't over heat . I made a simple frame out of oak for the panel to lay on and , attached two clips to hook on to the life line and a strut that locks onto the Yankee T track  . With my set up you can't sail , at least use the Yankee . That could be fixed .

    The whole set up was around $300. 

    Good luck , Mark .

    Last modified: September 14, 2020 9:09 AM | Anonymous member
  • December 13, 2020 3:37 AM
    Reply # 9425994 on 9232956
    Deleted user
    As for me great solution its install solar panels like in this blog https://websolarguide.com/cheap-solar-panels/
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