General Info: Lagoon Solar Panel Options

[O2BatC]

Any recommendations for solar panel installation on a Lagoon 52F (or other Lagoon models)? We will be living aboard, so seek fairly sizeable output. Leaning towards monocrystalline panels mounted on aluminum frames off the stern, above the dinghy. But looking for pros/cons of various panel types, brands, sizing , placement, installation method, wiring, smart-charge controllers, etc.
Cheers

[Tin Tin]

Most aftermarket fits go off the rear of the cockpit roof, gives better sun and rain protection to cockpit, better sun exposure for longer, bimini roof is also a good place out of the way if you have a large fixed bimini or hard top. For wiring this can be a harsh environment and some solar setups have caused fires, so best to use quality tinned wire of right guage to handle the amps and solar controllers that operate in a salt air environment. As far as panels good quality panels not necessarily "marine" panels, that still work when partially shaded will likely be more cost effective in the long run.

[Dsanduril]

Real estate being limited the critical value is cell efficiency. Look for something in the 22% plus range. Sunpower (although their panels sizes are limited in the current versions), LG Neon R (or Neon 2), Panasonic HIT. Also look at temperature de-rating, look for a Pmax loss of -0.35%/C or less. Lots of modules out there that don’t meet those two basic specs, choose carefully to maximize output.

[O2BatC]

Thanks Tin Tin and Dsanduril.
It'd be great if you or others have any photos of panel placement on a catamaran (Lagoon 52 or otherwise) with a flybridge. I can visualize how panels could be mounted on a sort of rack extending off the stern, just above dinghy davits. But I can't picture how it might be mounted off the rear of the cockpit roof. Although it would seem that both locations would require quite a bit of metal work for supports. The bimini roof seems easier, but the location will have lots of mast and sail shadow and I can't picture how to mount anything other than very small panels. Again, photos welcome.

[Tin Tin]

Originally Posted by O2BatC

Thanks Tin Tin and Dsanduril.
It'd be great if you or others have any photos of panel placement on a catamaran (Lagoon 52 or otherwise) with a flybridge. I can visualize how panels could be mounted on a sort of rack extending off the stern, just above dinghy davits. But I can't picture how it might be mounted off the rear of the cockpit roof. Although it would seem that both locations would require quite a bit of metal work for supports. The bimini roof seems easier, but the location will have lots of mast and sail shadow and I can't picture how to mount anything other than very small panels. Again, photos welcome.

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