I have obtained a quote for solar panels from Marine Outfitters (formerly Pride) in Kingston for flexible solar panels that I am told will be suitable to attach to my dodger and bimini surfaces with hook and loop fabric. Without any overhang I can get some 150W per side, for a theoretical total of 300W – if I accept as much as 2” outboard overhang on the bimini, and also the obscuring of the clear plastic panels I have sewn into the bimini, I can increase the total capacity to 460W.
I have seriously considered other alternatives and have pretty much decided against rail-mounted units (an issue when docking against high wharves) and davit-mounted units (I seem to be able to snag anything on or aft of the rail with absolutely no effort when gybing, even intentional gybing!) .
I was wondering if anyone has mounted flexible panels in this way and what their experience is with efficiency, durability, wind resistance, heat considerations and the possible damage to the enclosure.
I have obtained a quote for solar panels from Marine Outfitters (formerly Pride) in Kingston for flexible solar panels that I am told will be suitable to attach to my dodger and bimini surfaces with hook and loop fabric. Without any overhang I can get some 150W per side, for a theoretical total of 300W – if I accept as much as 2” outboard overhang on the bimini, and also the obscuring of the clear plastic panels I have sewn into the bimini, I can increase the total capacity to 460W.
I have seriously considered other alternatives and have pretty much decided against rail-mounted units (an issue when docking against high wharves) and davit-mounted units (I seem to be able to snag anything on or aft of the rail with absolutely no effort when gybing, even intentional gybing!) .
I was wondering if anyone has mounted flexible panels in this way and what their experience is with efficiency, durability, wind resistance, heat considerations and the possible damage to the enclosure.
I scrapped the original vinyl dodger on my 30U when it came to replace it and went with rigid solar panels mounted directly to the dodger frame. http://biankablog.blogspot.com/2012/01/solar-bimini-part-seven-panels.html
It’s somewhat of an industrial look but, it survived the 95 MPH winds of Superstorm Sandy with no problems. As far as the flexible panels are concerned expect to get about half of the 300 potential watts promised due to boom and sail shadow. Though if you allow for their easy removal you could increase that nicely by moving the shaded panels into the full sun say when at anchor by placing them on the deck. You could also tie the boom off to one side to allow more sun to hit the shaded panel. I never do this but, still find my 150 watts of solar provides enough energy most days to keep the batteries topped up. Panel efficiency also drops off a little as they heat up. It is always good to allow some space between the back of the panels for heat to dissipate. Having them directly on the fabric will trap more of the heat with a slight drop in efficiency.
Also don’t forget to use a solar charge controller to manage the charging for you battery bank. I’ve used a Morningstar PS-15’s for both my 12 volt and 48 volt battery banks for over ten years and they have worked without any problems. Recommend you get the one with the built in digital meter. Gives you a quick indication of what’s going on with the panels and battery charging with just a glance.
Despite ECOSOL’s assurance that their panels can be mounted using Velcro, my canvas supplier in Kingston advises against mounting on the enclosure this way. His reasons include the possibility of extra canvas wear and damage in high winds, water pooling and concerns about the additional weight.
Thanks, Mike – I hope we never a storm like Sandy in the Great Lakes!
I am having second thoughts about simply attaching flex panels to the canvas – solar ain’t cheap, but neither is the canvas, and I don’t want to replace canvas any more often than normal wear and tear dictates.
The quote I got included all the bits and pieces so I have a feel for what I need to consider, including the controller.
Hi Bill,
I have had a flexible solar panel on top of my soft dodger for 6 years. A few suggestions:
I would advise against installing a plug socket for the panel electrical cord on the cabin top (or any horizontal surface). Water will find a way in. Suggest bulkhead mount.
Adhesive style hook and loop fasteners will not stay attached to the solar panels, the glue cooks off in the sun and makes a bit of a mess.
Sunbrella fabric will turn black and rot if the panel prevents evaporation of moisture. I have tried various spacers and pads without success.
I now lash my panel to D rings sewn onto the top of the dodger when underway. I move the panel to the deck when not aboard so the dodger fabric can breathe.
Cheers,
Bruce Flinn
PATIENCE 30U 399
Chester NS
On Friday, March 7, 2014 6:22:31 PM UTC-4, Bill Baxter, Persistence, NS30 #507, Kingston ON wrote:
Thanks, Bruce – your feedback reinforces the concerns of my canvas maker – and since I tend to be out of the dock for extended periods of time, I suspect the panels would not be removed sufficiently often in my case to let the fabric breathe.
Appreciate your comments, and will take your wiring advice.