Solar for H34

[Charlie98117]

I want to put solar on my H34 to extend my time at anchor. I don't like the dodger since its often shaded and I feel the best option is to build a tower or bimini that can support a decent sized panel. I'm at a loss though on to how to engineer the forces to be sure it will stay there. Also, what effect would a 40# panel at 7 feet above the cockpit floor have on performance? Curious what others have done for solar installation on this boat.

 

[Johnb]

I think your plan puts the solar where it should be, unobscured and where it can just be left permanently in service.

The next question would be how much solar are you trying to install? We keep up with all our lighting, 3 cubic foot fridge and miscellaneous device charging with a 180 watt panel and have been living aboard for 3 years. Shore power has been used for cooking, heating shower water, and cabin heating, not at all for 12 volt power.

The more realistic you are about what you really need the cleaner you can make that installation.

 

[Charlie98117]

It may be overkill but I do live in the NW. I’m basically designing around a LG bifacial panel I found a deal on and already bought. It’s rated at 370 watts, 41x69” and weighs 40#. I’ve got a 350 ah house bank and a budget of approx 85 ah/day. The Victron calculator says I could expect about 60 ah/day. Seems like I’m in the ballpark for size and it fits between my split backstay.

 

[SoSound]

I'm not sure it's too far over the top in terms of electrical capacity. I added two flexible solar panels to the bimini on our Oceanis 34. We have about 2/3 of your house battery capacity and solar output, with similar daily power requirements. With our experience over the last two seasons, you may find that your time at anchor is pretty much unlimited during the summer months. With our flexible panels, we had a significant drop in charging capacity as the angle of the sun got lower over the fall and winter. Your flat panel may work much better than ours do as the sun gets lower and the days get shorter.

Are you planning on building the frame yourself, or having it fabricated by someone else? Look around for some of the local bimini installations with an eye toward both their overall strength and efficiency of design, especially if you spot somebody else with a hard solar installation.

 

[splax]

It may be overkill but I do live in the NW. I’m basically designing around a LG bifacial panel I found a deal on and already bought. It’s rated at 370 watts, 41x69” and weighs 40#. I’ve got a 350 ah house bank and a budget of approx 85 ah/day. The Victron calculator says I could expect about 60 ah/day. Seems like I’m in the ballpark for size and it fits between my split backstay.

I have a panel mounted on the bimini frame. It alone provides sufficient sun and rain protection for minimum requirements. I only have 100 Watts.

 

[MikeHoncho]

Consider dinghy davits that will accommodate panels. I really like my set up. I built the mounts so I can tilt the panels forward and aft to get the most amps. Works well and I don’t have to drag my dink

 

[Charlie98117]

I'm not sure it's too far over the top in terms of electrical capacity.
Are you planning on building the frame yourself, or having it fabricated by someone else? Look around for some of the local bimini installations with an eye toward both their overall strength and efficiency of design, especially if you spot somebody else with a hard solar installation.

Thanks for your feedback. I’ve got a fabricator lined up and have been looking at a lot of other installations. Seems like most just mount on top of a stock bimini.

 

[Charlie98117]

Consider dinghy davits that will accommodate panels.

Great solution and I did consider this direction. Decided I’d like to get some weather protection too.

 

[Charlie98117]

I have a panel mounted on the bimini frame. It alone provides sufficient sun and rain protection for minimum requirements.

I originally started thinking this panel was big enough for weather protection by itself! Just trying to figure out the best way to hang it in the air.

 

[Artey1]

Go to someone who does this for a living. Atlantic Towers sells kits. Garhauer could probably assist in a more custom setup. White Water Marine could assist in something more custom as well.