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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Solar Panel Purchase & Installation

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Hynnimac
Deckhand

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USA
10 Posts

Initially Posted - 02/21/2007 : 12:29:00

Upon searching, I’m surprised not to find any posts/threads concerning solar panel selection and installation. Once or twice a season my batteries can’t keep up with usage and I figure solar is the way to go. My electric usage is probably similar to the average C-25 sailor. I have full Navman instrumentation, and a VHF. Both are on all the time when under sail. I conserve the cabin light usage. I replaced my anchor light with an automatic LED light, and I just don’t use my FM radio for fear of running down the batteries. Trickle charging two batteries when the boat sits for long periods is also a concern. But how many Ah/Watts do most people buy? I would like a permanent installation that I don’t have to mess with each time I go sailing/racing, but where do most people mount a panel? What has been the experience with the Catalina Direct panel? What other companies have provided good panels at reasonable cost for us weekend sailors? Our boats just don’t seem to offer any space for permanent mounting of a hard panel. The only on the rail location left on my boat is starboard stern, but I’m afraid it may get in the way of my pull-starting/motor lifting. Flexible panels may solve the problem, but they are one more thing to mess with when putting the boat away or getting ready to sail. Your discussion would be appreciated.
Cliff Hynniman
#5334
http://www.caverunsailing.org

Cliff Hynniman

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aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 02/21/2007 : 13:10:29

Cliff,

I had many of the same concerns but bought a Seamans 10w rigid panel from West Marine. I mounted it above the mainsheet traveler by installing a 1" diameter length of ss tubing in the gap. I also use a very ingenious bracket to mount the panel on the tubing but I am at work and do not remember the name/manufacturer.The tubing is mounted using 1" nylon plugs on each end shaped to fit snugly against the vertical tube, then screwed in place with stainless screws.
The nylon plugs were machined for me but can be made from treated lumber and a plug cutter available at most hardware stores catering to carpenters. The 1" stainless steel tube comes in 6'lengths for about a $1 a foot. Seven-eights is cheaper and aluminum can be substituted for steel.

I am pretty ignorant when it comes to posting photos here but I can send them via email if you would like.Just click into my profile (aeckhart)to send me an email and your address.

Edited by - aeckhart on 02/21/2007 13:39:19

Justin
Admiral

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502 Posts

Response Posted - 02/21/2007 : 13:42:59

I did a lot of research last year and there are a few good threads to be found on here. OLarry has contributed a lot of useful info regarding his 20 watt solar panel install and comparing the different types of panels. He has a very nice set up and created his own adjustable custom mount. Here is his website I found in his signature: http://catalina25.homestead.com/olarryr.html

I actually just placed an order two days ago from Defender for my solar set up. I bought a Kyocera 40 watt hard solar panel and a 10 amp charge controller. The 40 watt panel is only a few inches larger than the 20 watt and I got a great deal on it, so I figured I could use the extra power. I took measurements on my stern rail and it will fit just fine behind my backstay. I bought two plastic rail mounts that I plan to just mount it centered on the rail. It won't protrude into usable cockpit space since the backstay will be in front of it. The later model C-25s (like Larry's) have a different stern rail that in my opinion will actually limit your options for mounting a solar panel. The earlier models have the top rail all around and the later models have a dip to make boarding from the swim ladder easier.

I plan to post a whole write up with photos once I get my solar panel system installed. This is one of many projects I am looking forward to completing in the next 2-3 months.

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Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1893 Posts

Response Posted - 02/21/2007 : 14:03:38

I have had two of the 10W flexible solar panels permanently mounted on deck directly above the head compartment for about 10 years. They work great! And they're really tough. About the only damage I've noticed is the thread of the sewn hem failing due to UV exposure, and a very slowly spreading rust spot inside one of the panels where I dropped a 100#+ rigid dinghy on it.

-- Leon Sisson

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3521 Posts

Response Posted - 02/21/2007 : 18:44:09

Justin - Thanks for the plug...and good luck with your 40 watter !

My installation is working out very well since installation. I was not happy with the mount arrangements I saw from various marine, etc websites. I decided to order my own flat aluminum plate material and with some West Marine hinges, constructed my own mounts. The benefit of my mounting is that the panel is above and past the stern rail. It allows me to still rest my back up against the stern rail. I can also set the panel horizontally or sloped to the port or starboard as well as inclined up or down. It is high enough off the rail that the outboard can be removed and installed without taking off the panel and mount, yet the panel is not that high that interferes with vision and the mount is also fairly easy to remove , if necessary, since it is attached mainly with the use of wing nuts.

This past summer/fall, I finally hooked up the wiring permanently rather than continue to use my 12 volt adapter plug for charging the battery banks. I also permanently hooked up a battery charger for those times that I stay in a marina and have 120 Volt power to the boat. My latest project which is basically complete was to install an 8 circuit breaker switch panel in front of the sink. I moved my running lights, anchor (LED) light, steaming/deck combo light and cabin lights onto the new panel....and they all work !! I have to take photos and add this to my website.

Just purchased two fans and so that will be next project.

Potomac River was frozen for past couple of weeks or more. Today....it looks like it is finally clear and if tomorrow is a good day, I will be out sailing tomorrow after work. Taking a break from the projects !

Edited by - on

Hynnimac
Deckhand

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USA
10 Posts

Response Posted - 02/22/2007 : 21:11:07

Thanks for the discussion. I appreciate your comments, and will study your installations. I like OLarry's installation, however, I have to put my belly where his panel is in order to raise the motor for sailing. Guess I could move it more to the center of the stern (my rail goes all the way across) I have an adjustable backstay which may not be affected. My barbaque and flag would need to be relocated.

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redviking
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1771 Posts

Response Posted - 02/23/2007 : 13:35:37

I found an easier solution.. i have two 20 watt panels that I put on top of my dodger and plug into on deck. When we depart, we just unplug them and stow them below. No mounting brackets or hardware of any kind required. I used to leave them in the cockpit as I was afraid of theft, but they work much better up top and they haven't been stolen yet...

sten

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tinob
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1883 Posts

Response Posted - 02/23/2007 : 18:11:51

Cliff, a fellow up here rigged some rigid solar panels as a bimini cover on an inflexable frame His boat is somewhat larger than ours but the idea might be applcable on ours.

Val on the hard DAGNABIT,#3936, Patchogue, N.Y.

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.