Solar Panel Installed on Ranger 21EC

[harley]

I have posted a photo in the gallery of my installation of a 100 Watt panel on our Ranger 21 EC. The flexible panel from Renogy fits nicely on top of engine box as a temporary install while at anchor. The panel is needed to keep the bilge pump ready and off shore power. The work was done while on a trailer at our farm, so please excuse the muddy deck.

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Harley

 

[ShortCut]

That looks like a perfect location for a solar panel. If you are getting sufficient charging current for your purposes, great! If you would like more charging current, take a careful look at the mounting straps. If each strap partially blocks the sun light, the available charging current will be reduced. You might want to experiment with and without the straps to see if they affect a significant portion of the available charging current. My solar panels suffer a fifty percent current loss when I place a two-square-inch piece of cardboard (shadow) anyplace on a panel. Clear plastic straps may be a better choice.

Marshall

 

[harley]

Good suggestions. I may only use 2 straps and add shock cords at the tie down rings on the panel. I just don't want it to blow away. I have not tested in full sun yet...it is parked in full shade.