The addition of a photo-voltaic (PV) system to C'est la Vie has long resided on our wish list. Thanks to Ben V., an friend and co-worker who's previous profession was solar installations, for providing the expertise to jump start this project. We ordered two Sunmodule 80W panels and a BlueSky Solar Boost 2000E charge controller from altE. The size of the panels was a compromise between energy production and mounting space. I'm certain many cruisers are faced with the same delimia... want / need bigger panels, but lack suitable mounting options.
The equipment arrived in early March.
About a month ago I installed the BlueSky Charge Controller in the electrical panel.
The equipment arrived in early March.
About a month ago I installed the BlueSky Charge Controller in the electrical panel.
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| BlueSky Charge controller is on the upper right of image |
Then progress on the PV system installation took a back seat to painting and the cabin sole refinishing. With the painting & refinishing projects nearly astern, we are now directing our efforts back to PV system. Next step... mounting the two panels.
Our original FRP Bimini, installed in June 2010 (see Fitting Day For the New Bimini) held up well, but was beginning to show it's age... one ripped back corner the result of an accidental jibe and a couple cracks along fittings at the gallows. All told we are very pleased with the performance of the FRP and elected to replace the bimini with a new sheet, $38 for a 4' x 8' piece at Lowes. Experience taught us the best way to cut the material is with a fine tooth circular saw for long straight cuts, a hole saw for circles, and a dremel tool with cut off blade for short precise cuts or broad arcs.
We used the old bimini as a template for the new. Once the centerline of the new bimini was secured to the frame via conduit clamps (see image below), we placed the solar panel on top and debated the best options for mounting.
Our original FRP Bimini, installed in June 2010 (see Fitting Day For the New Bimini) held up well, but was beginning to show it's age... one ripped back corner the result of an accidental jibe and a couple cracks along fittings at the gallows. All told we are very pleased with the performance of the FRP and elected to replace the bimini with a new sheet, $38 for a 4' x 8' piece at Lowes. Experience taught us the best way to cut the material is with a fine tooth circular saw for long straight cuts, a hole saw for circles, and a dremel tool with cut off blade for short precise cuts or broad arcs.
We used the old bimini as a template for the new. Once the centerline of the new bimini was secured to the frame via conduit clamps (see image below), we placed the solar panel on top and debated the best options for mounting.
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| The new bimini quickly took on a swiss cheees look as we cut out access points for the solar panel installation |
We decided to screw the forward panel frame directly to the wooden gallows. The rear section of the panel is attached directly to the bimini frame via two conduit clamps. The FRP bimini is also attached directly to the solar panel frame via machine screws & nuts along the leading edge. Facilitating access to all the fasteners required five cut outs on each side of the bimini.
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| Port side bimini & panel installation from below. |
From above the panels' only shade will come from the mainsail. Unfortunately the panels are not adjustable to track the sun, but outfitting a cruising boat is all about compromises.
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| The view from above. The only shade will come from the mainsail. |
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| The starboard panel from afar. The installation adds little windage or profile clutter beyond already existed from gallows and bimini. |
The panels will add to the difficulty to securing the mainsail boot. Due largely to the boom gallows and the cut of our new mainsail, I do not feel the panels will be in any danger from the main sail hardware or sheet.
We created a photo album to document the PV project... Solar Power - Spring 2013
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