solar setup

[wally123]

Hi looking for advise on solar set up for a 2000 h410.
We use between 85 and a 115 amp per day with everything operating, frig,frez,autop,radar, and instru.

We were thinking about 400w.

We are on Oz so plenty of sunshine.

Any advise or suggestions would be appreciated. Steve

 

[H33CRich]

Look for MaineSail's post on this topic. Based on his recommendations, I selected 2 - 140 watt panels and installed them on my hardtop Bimini, BlueSky 2512i controller and a Victron BMV 602 battery monitor. I also have 4 6v golf cart batteries from Penn-decker. Seems to work for my needs; fridge, autopilot, chart plotter/instruments, cushion stereo system, microwave, etc... Have not hooked up to shore power since installing.

 

[seadaddler]

I have 2 - 190 watt panels off the arch over my bimini
And have wires go down in the arch to controller under
nav station to my 4-6 volt batteries.
Nick

 

[wally123]

Thanks guys. We want to be totally off grid.

Sounds like we are on the right track just got to source the best panels. Our controller can handle the extra panels.

The best type of bracket is our next issue cheers steve

 

[seadaddler]

I used stainless mounts off of the arch with stainless tubing
to the back bimini support.
Will look for my photo's.
Nick

 

[Bob 04 H260]

I used one large panel, 325 W mounted behind the arch above the Bimini. We use about 100 Ahr per day. Usually at 100% SOC by noon, then use the surplus to charge computers etc.
I'm surprised your energy budget is not higher. With radar, plotter, AP etc running. We use 100 Ahrs just with the fridge, freezer, LED lights, anchor light etc. I know he fridge and freezer are the energy hogs and the ambient temperatures can make a huge difference. How did you measure your energy use ? We used a Victron battery monitor.
I have pictures on my profile page.
Bob
View media item 23380View media item 23377View media item 23379View media item 23382View media item 23378

 

[seadaddler]

Here is my install of solar panels