Bifacial solar panels

[genehelfman]

I'd like to install bifacial panels on a 2023 R27, replacing the factory installed panels. Anyone have relevant experience or recommendations? Thanks.

 

[JMarshallR25]

I installed a 300W bifacial panel from BougeRV in place of the stock panel. It was almost plug and play on my 2024 R25 LE. I selected the panel because its max open circuit voltage was within the limitations of the factory Kisae DMT1250 Abso 50 Amp DC/DC charger. I did not want to install a Victron MPPT 100A charger. Maybe I will someday if I add even more solar. I used the mounts from the old panel. I think they are Seadog.

The panel has been great. I leave house power on at all times and never need to turn on the battery charger unless we have a long stretch of cloudy weather (uncommon in Southern California). The panel keeps up with the fridge and all 24/7 house loads. I leave the Garmin and associated electronics "sleeping" so they draw minimal power.

Even with relatively smart battery chargers I question whether it is a good idea to keep the shore charger on with lithium batteries 100% of the time. My unproven theory is that relying on the solar panel 99% of the time will add longevity to the house batteries.

 

[Submariner]

Solar sizing starts with knowing what you actually consume.

I built a spreadsheet for this exact question — covers the R27, R29, and R31 with real Pacific Northwest solar production data by season. January fog through summer peak. It'll tell you exactly what you need based on your actual usage patterns.

I have 420 watts of solar on Channel Surfing. Last season, I unplugged from shore power on May 20 and didn't plug in again until Sept 1. Whether we were on the boat or not, we ran off solar. I have several tabs in this calculator that show what output one can expect with different solar configurations. Let me know if you have any questions.

Free download here: https://csurf.co/power

 

[Submariner]

Another recommendation, no matter what panel(s) you go with, make sure they're waterproof in case you go full-submarine.
I have a pair of Custom Marine Products 210 watt panels, wired in series. They're waterproof, Johnstone Strait approved.

Here's one of my favorite solar panel photos of my boat. 😀

 

[genehelfman]

I installed a 300W bifacial panel from BougeRV in place of the stock panel. It was almost plug and play on my 2024 R25 LE. I selected the panel because its max open circuit voltage was within the limitations of the factory Kisae DMT1250 Abso 50 Amp DC/DC charger. I did not want to install a Victron MPPT 100A charger. Maybe I will someday if I add even more solar. I used the mounts from the old panel. I think they are Seadog.

The panel has been great. I leave house power on at all times and never need to turn on the battery charger unless we have a long stretch of cloudy weather (uncommon in Southern California). The panel keeps up with the fridge and all 24/7 house loads. I leave the Garmin and associated electronics "sleeping" so they draw minimal power.

Even with relatively smart battery chargers I question whether it is a good idea to keep the shore charger on with lithium batteries 100% of the time. My unproven theory is that relying on the solar panel 99% of the time will add longevity to the house batteries.

View attachment 27046

Thanks! I'm pretty sure we have the Victron MPPT but have to check its amperage rating (weather a little challenging at the moment). Then I can go to BougeRV to see which unit is compatible. I like the "almost plug and play" nature, but almost often carries a wide range of possibilities.

 

[genehelfman]

Solar sizing starts with knowing what you actually consume.

I built a spreadsheet for this exact question — covers the R27, R29, and R31 with real Pacific Northwest solar production data by season. January fog through summer peak. It'll tell you exactly what you need based on your actual usage patterns.

I have 420 watts of solar on Channel Surfing. Last season, I unplugged from shore power on May 20 and didn't plug in again until Sept 1. Whether we were on the boat or not, we ran off solar. I have several tabs in this calculator that show what output one can expect with different solar configurations. Let me know if you have any questions.

Free download here: https://csurf.co/power

ChannelSurfing comes through again! It's obviously time for me to get educated. Thanks!!!

 

[JMarshallR25]

Thanks! I'm pretty sure we have the Victron MPPT but have to check its amperage rating (weather a little challenging at the moment). Then I can go to BougeRV to see which unit is compatible. I like the "almost plug and play" nature, but almost often carries a wide range of possibilities.

Ha! The “almost” was that the factory panel is hardwired, so I had to cut that and add MC4 connectors to plug in the new panel. A bonus is now it is literally plug and play if I want to swap this panel or add more.