Illustrated Guide to Solar Installations on Boats

[mikedefieslife]

They are good. I like the controllers, just a few nigiling things. Like the screws being zinc plated so any moisture in the air will eventually rust them.

The terminals can only accept 6mm2 wire max, and are difficult to access unless mounted high up.

And yes I said earlier, they can only really be run to 80% capacity before they start to melt.

Still, good gear, and the updated app that allows them to network and one to be the master, works well.

[mitiempo]

Originally Posted by Roshni

Hi
Replacing 5x 85 w panels (faulty old)with two 320W panels.
Have a Victron MPPT controller 100 30.
Do I need larger controller.
Could I use same controller if used 2 * 250 w panels.
Want to use as much of present wiring as possible. Many suppliers wanting me to do multiple controllers but would then need significant cabling.
Thanks for help.

As posted you will need two of the 100/30 controllers. An alternative if you wish to keep the wiring the same is one 100/50 controller.

You can over-panel a Victron controller but you would only get 30 amps max out of a 100/30 no matter how large the solar array. My preference is to not work the controller too hard as they do get hot.

As far as wiring a properly crimped connector makes wiring Victron controllers easy.

[aybabtme]

I've used ferrules on my cabling to help fit inside the victron screw terminals, for larger gauge wire. It worked pretty well.

[mitiempo]

Originally Posted by aybabtme

I've used ferrules on my cabling to help fit inside the victron screw terminals, for larger gauge wire. It worked pretty well.

I have ferrules for wires from 14 gauge to 6 gauge. 10 gauge and larger for solar. Much better than bare wire.

[tolip]

are these Victron Energy SmartSolar controllers worth buying to replace a Chinese model that is working just fine?

wondering if it will make a difference or not on a 350w setup.

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by tolip

are these Victron Energy SmartSolar controllers worth buying to replace a Chinese model that is working just fine?

wondering if it will make a difference or not on a 350w setup.

You will need to give more details of the 350w of solar, but that MPPT is a little small and you may need to use a bigger size depending on how that 350w is produced, hence the need for more details.

Pete

[mitiempo]

Originally Posted by tolip

are these Victron Energy SmartSolar controllers worth buying to replace a Chinese model that is working just fine?

wondering if it will make a difference or not on a 350w setup.

You need the Victron 100/30 Smartsolar for 350 watts of panels.

[twohapence]

Originally Posted by tolip

are these Victron Energy SmartSolar controllers worth buying to replace a Chinese model that is working just fine?

wondering if it will make a difference or not on a 350w setup.

What you will get is data..... How the panels are performing, how much time the system is sitting in "Float" and so on. That might help you make a decision on whether you need more solar or more battery.



It's a nice toy! :-)

[mitiempo]

Originally Posted by twohapence

What you will get is data..... How the panels are performing, how much time the system is sitting in "Float" and so on. That might help you make a decision on whether you need more solar or more battery.



It's a nice toy! :-)

Plus the ability to adjust every parameter.

[Quebramar]

Originally Posted by mitiempo

Plus the ability to adjust every parameter.

Exactly, I find the possibility to set them to be what manufacturer recommends as well as limiting time for absorption very convenient to ensure longevity. A small investment for a long term return, hopefully. Meanwhile a sense of awareness of what is going on.

[rgleason]

The quality of the posts on this thread have seriously deteriorated in my opinion. Just as a reminder please see Post #1 by Steadman Uhlich


Perhaps these other conversational posts could be shunted off to a new thread?
The title is "Illustrated Guide to Solar Installations on Boats"
Also Steadman asked for posters to provide certain specific information about their systems.

[bcboomer]

Okay, here is my installation. I don't have all the numbers yet as it just went "live" this week.
O'Day 40
588 watts + whatever I get from reflected light.
Panel size is 1510 x 540 mm.
2 faced Gioco FGSE 147. Purchased last year when they were offered here at a discount.
Total cost about $10,000. Mostly for the framework.
Efficiency? Don't know yet.
Haven't seen winds over 30 knots yet but they don't budge at that speed.
I put a curve of about 10% in the mount so they won't flutter. It sems to work.
If I had to do it over I would use different controllers. I bought 4 Blue Sky "Solar Boost" SB1524iX charge controllers and the IPN Pro Remote without enough research. They don't actually boost low voltage panels so I won't get as much output in poor conditions.
However, the system should give us all the power we need while cruising the coast of BC.

[Mr B]

As shading plays a big role in solar panels,
Would curved panels lose some power input due to the curve in the panels,
Along the lines of shading, Even if they arent shaded, ????????

[bcboomer]

Originally Posted by Mr B

As shading plays a big role in solar panels,
Would curved panels lose some power input due to the curve in the panels,
Along the lines of shading, Even if they arent shaded, ????????

In this part of the world panels are seldom perpendicular to the sun.
Depending on the wind direction and the time of day they may be tilted towards the sun.....or away.
The only shading will be from the backstay, mast and sails. I don't see how that can be avoided.

[fxykty]

Optimum is of course 90* to the sun, but that’s not so easy on a boat. So flat, curved, or adjustable are the usual options. Horizontal is usually easiest and most streamlined.

I saw a video of someone who installed a pair of long skinny panels on each side of his mast, vertically along his shrouds. They produced slightly more than equivalent wattage panels installed horizontally on either side of his cockpit. Even on the side facing away from the sun there was production!