Solar upgrades on RT29/31 CB

Looking to upgrade the solar panels on my Rt29CB. Wonder if anyone has added two 200watt panels and how they mounted them ?

Thanks

Requires some work with the 1" bars, but turn the panels 90 degrees. I know of at least one boat running a pair of 160 watt panels for 320 watts total. (they're running my original 160 watt panel that I upgraded to 2x210 watt).

I put a single 400 watt Bougerv panel on my R23 and am very satisfied with the performance and only using the port side of the luggage rack.

I think Martin has a good idea spinning them 90 degrees. It would be straightforward to mount crossbars on the existing rails to support the new solar panels.

Of course, that's not how I did it!

When I upgraded to a larger panel, I needed longer rails but also wanted to move the panel higher and further aft to avoid shading from the aft bench seat on the CB. I created a second level attached to the existing rails and the bench frame. This allowed me to move the solar panel out of the shadow. I installed a 220w panel because anything larger would have blocked the rocket launchers, but if you're not worried about rod storage, it could handle more panels.

Additionally, we sewed tabs into our bimini to hold 2 x 200x flexible panels, so if we're on the hook for extended periods, we have plenty of solar available.

ShaneM said:

I think Martin has a good idea spinning them 90 degrees. It would be straightforward to mount crossbars on the existing rails to support the new solar panels.

Of course, that's not how I did it!

When I upgraded to a larger panel, I needed longer rails but also wanted to move the panel higher and further aft to avoid shading from the aft bench seat on the CB. I created a second level attached to the existing rails and the bench frame. This allowed me to move the solar panel out of the shadow. I installed a 220w panel because anything larger would have blocked the rocket launchers, but if you're not worried about rod storage, it could handle more panels.

Additionally, we sewed tabs into our bimini to hold 2 x 200x flexible panels, so if we're on the hook for extended periods, we have plenty of solar available.

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Do you have images?

Jfrano said:

Do you have images?

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This is a 400 watt panel on an R29-CB.

We installed two 300W BougeRv bifacial in series. Since we lifted the rack 20.5" to accommodate our inflatable, we have clear sun producing over 65V and a boatload of Watts...

Nice setup az9133bm. A great example of maximizing the capabilities (solar and dinghy storage in particular) of our relatively small but capable boats. Do you stow/remove the dinghy forward or aft?

R23 Kingfisher said:

Nice setup az9133bm. A great example of maximizing the capabilities (solar and dinghy storage in particular) of our relatively small but capable boats. Do you stow/remove the dinghy forward or aft?

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Aft. You'll notice that we added 4' stainless tubing to the bimini structure to support the extra weight. We slide the Zodiac aft, the transom of the Zodiac lands on the swim platform (boat is vertical pointing up), we cartwheel it to port side of Ruby and straight into the water. To recover, we reverse the process.

Jfrano said:

Looking to upgrade the solar panels on my Rt29CB. Wonder if anyone has added two 200-watt panels and how they mounted them?

Thanks

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I'm in the process of installing two 200W Renogy Shadowflux panels on my R29S. I used Gemini hinged split side rail mounts and IronRidge Solar Racking and Mounts for the installation. The IronRidge parts included the XR100 Rail, UFO Universal Mid Clamp for XR Rails, EFO Universal End Clamps for XR Rails, and the Slotted L Foot. I'll be adding two more Gemini mounts and a Slotted L Foot. The result so far has been a very stout installation. All materials are aluminum, except the Gemini rail mounts, which are SS.
Dirk Sisson
Anchorage, Alaska

I put a 440W bifacial JA solar on my R27 mated to a Victron 30A solar controller.

Pumps out awesome power. Was easy to install given that it uses high voltage that keeps the amps low, thus can use the stock wiring.

dsisson said:

I'm in the process of installing two 200W Renogy Shadowflux panels on my R29S. I used Gemini hinged split side rail mounts and IronRidge Solar Racking and Mounts for the installation. The IronRidge parts included the XR100 Rail, UFO Universal Mid Clamp for XR Rails, EFO Universal End Clamps for XR Rails, and the Slotted L Foot. I'll be adding two more Gemini mounts and a Slotted L Foot. The result so far has been a very stout installation. All materials are aluminum, except the Gemini rail mounts, which are SS.
Dirk Sisson
Anchorage, Alaska

View attachment 27338

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What type of setup is that mounted to? Do you have additional photos of your boat.

calcman05 said:

What type of setup is that mounted to? Do you have additional photos of your boat.

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As you can see from the photo, the Gemini mounts attach to the 1" SS horizontal rail. The IronRidge Slotted L-Foot is attached to the Gemini mount. The Slotted L-Foot is connected to the XR100 Rail. Then the end clamps and mid clamps attach to the XR100 rail. I purchased all the IronRidge parts at a local solar panel dealer in Anchorage. You can check out the IronRidge components at https://www.ironridge.com/ Although the solar panels extend over the SS handrail, the IronRidge components help raise the panels about six inches over the guardrail. I don't have any additional photos at this time. I will be at the boat next week and will take more photos. I've also installed a Victron 100/30 controller to replace the factory installed controller, and wired the panels in series. The boat is in storage at the moment, so I have not tested the system outdoors.