Solar panels above dodger[emoji2369]

[dougxn]

I want to move the solar panel to the back over the dodger.

I am concerned it might be too hot under the panel[emoji848] but more importantly I am curious if anyone has done this and how they connected the panels to the dodger frame. I presume one would need to cut some access through the canvas[emoji22]

I thought perhaps to frame it over the dodger and down to the shoulder of the cockpit[emoji2369]

Thanks for your thoughts


Somewhere on the water [emoji97]

 

[jimv]

Doug,

I've been considering the same idea. Still in the early stage of the design but I did run across the following https://www.geminiproducts.net/solar-panel-mounts/ while researching options.

This approach certainly comes with its trade-offs, e.g. folding back or removing your bimini would be a much more involved project, but there is quite a bit of surface area that would be put to great use for solar generation.

Keep us posted if you move forward with the project.

 

[DMD3]

I’ve been considering as well. Tim is a super knowledgeable guy to follow. Alternatively, check out this video… new thin film CIGS flexible panels. Could be a different approach. They’ve got a 200w unit that should fit nicely on Bimini. Could be rolled up with the Bimini when taken off.

https://youtu.be/R_nyoTMotjE

https://www.bougerv.com/products/200w-f ... olar-panel

 

[Hamster]

I sure wish we could post photos in this forum again.

I built a frame on top of my bimini using the Gemini products and tubing. In my usage, having the solar panel there is the best location because it is the area least shaded. I posted the pictures to the R23 Ranger Tugs Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1804031 ... 171997572/

 

[dougxn]

Hey hamster, I cannot seem to get to your post on Facebook, but it sounds about what I will be doing. Perhaps I can search for you on Facebook and see your posts? For what ever reason Facebook doesn’t show me anything[emoji21]


Somewhere on the water [emoji97]

 

[dougxn]

I see, the 23’ group is locked or private. I am a member of the 25-27’ group. I will try to join the that group .


Somewhere on the water [emoji97]

 

[Hamster]

Hey hamster, I cannot seem to get to your post on Facebook, but it sounds about what I will be doing. Perhaps I can search for you on Facebook and see your posts? For what ever reason Facebook doesn’t show me anything[emoji21] [emoji97]

Send me a message in this forum with your email and I’ll send you pictures.

 

[dougxn]

Just an update on this thread. I bought some dodger parts so I can brace up the dodger in the middle. I am going to run 2-aluminum 2”x1/4” L-bars from fore rack to the middle bar of the dodger and attach it through the canvas. I think this will provide the extra support needed and not make the dodger look too busy.

My solar panel is 82”x41” - 440W. If this ends up being unmanageable, I will put up two 200W panels.

Cheers - dn

 

[dougxn]

Okay, raining so no I at to confirm how effective the new system is, but finished the new solar panel install. Mission 400W solar panel - 82”x41”.

Here are a few pictures- https://photos.app.goo.gl/eNeWyK5rzp9sBnGg8

Next step add 2x200Ah LiFePO4 batteries.


Somewhere on the water [emoji97]

 

[tlkenyon]

May be a dumb question....of so, please forgive me.

There appears to be a lot of room forward of where the panel is located, toward the stack. The stack is quite short and would not shade the panel. Why push the panel so far aft (over the canvas) when there is a lot of room forward?

I am asking because I have considered a larger panel on my R25sc.

CHEERS

TK

 

[dougxn]

May be a dumb question....of so, please forgive me.

There appears to be a lot of room forward of where the panel is located, toward the stack. The stack is quite short and would not shade the panel. Why push the panel so far aft (over the canvas) when there is a lot of room forward?

I am asking because I have considered a larger panel on my R25sc.

CHEERS

TK

The panel is 82” long so, I could move it up and I still may, but I was concerned the end would wobble. So I moved it back so the end could rest on the cross bar of the dodger.

Again, I may change this moving forward, but thought I would make sure I didn’t have to much give on the end of the panel.


Somewhere on the water [emoji97]

 

[tlkenyon]

Thanks for the response. Sounds like good logic to me. Please post what finally end up doing.

Shoveling snow waiting for Spring....

TK

 

[dougxn]

Just an update, so I am going to just move the panel forward and not worry about having over the dodger.

With the aluminum rails, 1/4” it appears to be stiff enough to hold the panel. So I am moving the cross bars as far apart as possible and sliding the panel up to the stack.

The panel will still hang over the dodger about 15-20”, but that will be fine.


Somewhere on the water [emoji97]