I just aquired two 50W solar panels!

[doehunter]

Sometimes I just can't believe my luck. A customer had planned on installing 2, of these solar panels, on some equipment, and changed their minds. They just left them, and my company was going to throw them out! ( part of our lean program not keeping waste around, go figure)
So I'm wondering if they are worthy of being installed on my Mac?
They are made by BP. The model is, BP 350U
They look pretty big so I'm thinking I might only install one. But where on the boat?
I have an aft rail, but the mast cradle pole is right behind it. I thought about mounting on the cabin top slide, but there's no room when the mast is laying down, like when I'm preparing to step it.
Also if I put this on, I will need some sort of regulator.
Suggestions?
Jim

 

[Robspan]

I have a 15W that I just put on the cockpit seat but a 50W may be too big.
I got a 7A charge controller from Harbor Freight. You could try them or Northern Tool.

 

[MrBill_FLL]

-No they are worthless, but I'll be happy to take them off your hands, no charge!


take a look at sumners boat.... (google purple sage trading post)
*(or search for walt's boat)


-you'll need a charge controler. 2 might be overkill... but if you can fit them...

also look at 'solar stick' nice 3 dim rotation... for ideas...

 

[doehunter]

-No they are worthless, but I'll be happy to take them off your hands, no charge!


take a look at sumners boat.... (google purple sage trading post)
*(or search for walt's boat)


-you'll need a charge controler. 2 might be overkill... but if you can fit them...

also look at 'solar stick' nice 3 dim rotation... for ideas...

lol! I have seen references to people saying they can step on their solar panels.
These are definitely not like that. Pretty thin. I didn't know if they might be too flimsy or not.
They are kinda big, so if I go for it, I'm sure it'll be just one of them. I'm not trying to turn it into the space shuttle! I've seen Sumner's pictures, and I think he has more power needs than most. I just have the normal lights, gps, vhf, and a small stereo amplifier. (kids!)
If I install it, I would like to make it permanent, where it takes care of the battery and I don't have to do anything. But the only place I can think of is off the stern rail, but my mast crutch is in the way. Maybe I can make that different. Hmm.
I'll look at Harbor frt. as Rob suggested for a controller. It's gotta be cheaper than the ones WM sells.
Jim

 

[Mike B1026]

I would be leery of Harbor Freight when it comes to a charge controller. Check out Morningstar's website. Very well made. The few dollars saved at Harbor Freight won't seem like much if you destroy a battery. By the way, if you have 2 batteries you should look at their charge controller that's designed for charging both automatically.

 

[Justin_NSA]

They would be more practical on a house project, especially in Houston. I have a solar powered attic fan to boost my passive venting. Lots of similar ideas you can use them on. I'm jealous!

 

[doehunter]

They would be more practical on a house project, especially in Houston. I have a solar powered attic fan to boost my passive venting. Lots of similar ideas you can use them on. I'm jealous!

I'm glad the admiral didn't hear that!
I wouldn't have bought them for the boat but since they were there, I thought I'd check it out. So far I have only done a couple of overnighters, and I don't need any on board charging for that but sometime soon I intend on doing a muli day trip. (still working on getting the admiral interested, but I'm ready!) When I do, I'll need my charging to keep up with my usage, so I thought this would be the ticket. I haven't tested to see what my loads are, but I'm sure it's in line with the average coastal cruiser. I think the panel is more than enough to keep up with the lights, but I don't know about the stereo, or if I bring a laptop.

 

[Peterp]

Sounds great, its not everyday you get some free panels. Yea you will have to find yourself a solar charge controller or regulator. Ive seen some panels that have them already built in, the solar panels cost is the main component here, you can get cheap regulators and components to install everything pretty easily.

 

[doehunter]

Sounds great, its not everyday you get some free panels. Yea you will have to find yourself a solar charge controller or regulator. Ive seen some panels that have them already built in, the solar panels cost is the main component here, you can get cheap regulators and components to install everything pretty easily.

I looked them up, and found most places are saying they're no longer available. The prices I did get suggest I should buy stock in BP Solar! It's just ridiculous how much they charge for them. Well at least, just looking at them I don't see why. Anyhow, I think I have a plan for mounting one of them behind the stern rail.
The other one might just go into storage for a spare.
I think the hardest part of the install will be pulling more wires. I'm not sure what size to use, but they might be like 25 ft runs.
Jim

 

[chp]

I'm having the same delema. Where to mount a 60w panel I made. I would like to be able to tilt the panel to get the best charge, but that starts more complications. I'm also thinking of something on the sternrail. I don't know if I want to get as elaborate as Sumners setup. For now I may just move it around the boat into the sun.

 

[Cruiser1]

Doehunter,
Seeing you have 2 panels and only want one, why not sell one of the panels and use the money to build a good targa frame on the stern (incorporated into the pushpit rails and supports) and thus have a permanent bimini? Kills 2 birds wth the one stone and makes for pretty confortable living when on board.

It always seems to be a battle to me regarding keeping life simple v's over complicating life - really just depends on personal circumstances and what any individual wants from their boat I guess.

A lot of people with only one panel, less than say 1 1/2 - 2 feet square, tend to just mount them on a SS pole clamped to the pushpit supports. Usually a bolted together aluminium frame with a central swivel clamp and that way they can keep adjusting it to face the sun all the time.

 

[PuckandTitania]

I'm also looking at installing a solar panel just to keep the battery topped off, probably in the 20 - 30 watt range. I have considered 3 different areas to deck mount the panel for ease of installation. On top of the companionway slider, right behind the mast and just forward of the mast. One reason for these locations is that I only want to have to punch one hole in the hull for a thru hull connector as I will also be adding an all round masthead light the next time I drop the mast. I would be able to connect both the solar panel and the light with a single 4 pin connector.

The problems I see with the 3 locations are 1) Companionway slider would brush against the sail cover when pop top is raised and shading even when the pop top is down. 2) just aft of the mast in front of the pop top would have shading when the pop top is up. 3) Just forward of the mast would be somewhat in the way when raising and lowering sails and raising and lowering the mast. Since I am in mast up dry sail, that part is not a big issue.

Since all three areas have limited space, dimensions are important. Also, my loads are basic and I only day sail or short over night excursions about every other weekend. So the boat sits in dry sail lot in full sun for two weeks and any of the 3 locations should produce enough to top off and maintain the single group 27 battery.

 

[doehunter]

Doehunter,
Seeing you have 2 panels and only want one, why not sell one of the panels and use the money to build a good targa frame on the stern (incorporated into the pushpit rails and supports) and thus have a permanent bimini? Kills 2 birds wth the one stone and makes for pretty confortable living when on board.

It always seems to be a battle to me regarding keeping life simple v's over complicating life - really just depends on personal circumstances and what any individual wants from their boat I guess.

A lot of people with only one panel, less than say 1 1/2 - 2 feet square, tend to just mount them on a SS pole clamped to the pushpit supports. Usually a bolted together aluminium frame with a central swivel clamp and that way they can keep adjusting it to face the sun all the time.

I thought about selling but I wouldn't be able to sell it for what I'd have to pay If I had to buy a new one. And, I'll probably never be able to buy one like that unless the pricing goes Waaayyy down. So It's going in the attic for storage as a spare.

 

[doehunter]

I'm also looking at installing a solar panel just to keep the battery topped off, probably in the 20 - 30 watt range. I have considered 3 different areas to deck mount the panel for ease of installation. On top of the companionway slider, right behind the mast and just forward of the mast. One reason for these locations is that I only want to have to punch one hole in the hull for a thru hull connector as I will also be adding an all round masthead light the next time I drop the mast. I would be able to connect both the solar panel and the light with a single 4 pin connector.

The problems I see with the 3 locations are 1) Companionway slider would brush against the sail cover when pop top is raised and shading even when the pop top is down. 2) just aft of the mast in front of the pop top would have shading when the pop top is up. 3) Just forward of the mast would be somewhat in the way when raising and lowering sails and raising and lowering the mast. Since I am in mast up dry sail, that part is not a big issue.

Since all three areas have limited space, dimensions are important. Also, my loads are basic and I only day sail or short over night excursions about every other weekend. So the boat sits in dry sail lot in full sun for two weeks and any of the 3 locations should produce enough to top off and maintain the single group 27 battery.

My boat gets trailered so I'm always stepping the mast. I'd like to put it on the cabin top but there's no space. When I'm stepping the mast, I can't even have it slid open cause it hits the mast. I think my only option is to put it behind the stern rail. Haven't figured out how to run the wires though.
Jim