Which solar panels for a removable setup

[Letterkenny]

I’m planning on a solar installation for my boat and given how I plan to use it, I would like to not permanently mount anything and just plug the panels into the MPPT controller that will be installed. I’m initially planning for 200w of panels but I’m torn as to which type to get. These all come in at varying price points but am looking at the Renogy rigid, flexible, and folding/portable panels. If I plan to put these into the storage garage the boat has, is there a preference to any of these? Seems folding could be a good option but also don’t know if there would be much of a difference with that versus just standard rigid (or flexible) panels. Would love to hear from anyone that decides to tie down panels when on a passage or at anchor and what their setup is.

[SailingMed]

I have a flexible Renogy 160W which i am using the way you describe. All the wiring through an MPPT Victron 20amp controller is in place with a plug somewhere at the cockpit. I place the solar on top of the bimini only when necessary (I can tie it securely so can be used even during sailing) and job done! Being flexible and lightweight is easy to keep it in one of the cabins when not in use.

[RickG]

We use rigid panels connected to an over bimini mount made with straight 1" SS tubing and Sea-Dog elbows, T's, and panel mount fittings. The power cables go through a Scanstrut gland. We can take our two rigid panels down in 30 minutes. It takes longer to put up. We have gotten pretty good at the process as we were measured, mocked up, and are finally completing a new canvas project.

Cheers, RickG

[Letterkenny]

Bump - still torn going one way or another. Will one hold up better than the other for removable storage?

[chrisr]

have you looked at the different solar blankets available ? seem like they will be easier to stow on a small boat than a panel

they do have a problem with shading however with a moveable setup this can usually be managed

cheers,

[Svsumurun]

I used sun power flexible panels on my dodger and Bimini with these fasteners

https://www.sailrite.com/Loxx-Pull-I...Assemblies-Set

I don't take them off , except in winter , but they come off super fast - just pull up on the button thing .. they have also been on there in winds over 50 knots , and never moved so plenty secure.

Used victron controllers - one for the dodger, one for the Bimini- could have just used one , but it was cleaner this way

[Letterkenny]

Originally Posted by chrisr

have you looked at the different solar blankets available ? seem like they will be easier to stow on a small boat than a panel

they do have a problem with shading however with a moveable setup this can usually be managed

cheers,

Never heard of this. Have any links?

Originally Posted by Svsumurun

I used sun power flexible panels on my dodger and Bimini with these fasteners

https://www.sailrite.com/Loxx-Pull-I...Assemblies-Set

I don't take them off , except in winter , but they come off super fast - just pull up on the button thing .. they have also been on there in winds over 50 knots , and never moved so plenty secure.

Used victron controllers - one for the dodger, one for the Bimini- could have just used one , but it was cleaner this way

I also plan on using Victron but likely just one controller.

[Svsumurun]

200 watts no issue for 1 controller .. btw, I used 50 watt panels in order to get by some of the shading .. one can be blanketed ( or 2 ) and the other side is still pumping out power . Side benefit with your setup is their size - easy to store.
The reason I went with the sunpower panels was several conversations I had at boat shows with installers ( so not the guys that make them ) and they all recommended them . Also American made, if that matters to you.
Could all be nonsense, guess we'll see as they age!

[chrisr]

Originally Posted by Letterkenny

Never heard of this. Have any links?
.

sorry...i'm sitting in australia so all the links i look up are here and won't help you.

eg https://www.redarc.com.au/solar-products/solar-blankets

just do a goggle or ebay search...they are very common

cheers,

[LoudMusic]

Originally Posted by chrisr

sorry...i'm sitting in australia so all the links i look up are here and won't help you.

eg https://www.redarc.com.au/solar-products/solar-blankets

just do a goggle or ebay search...they are very common

cheers,

Wow that's a lot of money for not much power.

[chrisr]

Originally Posted by LoudMusic

Wow that's a lot of money for not much power.

yep...even in aussie dollars

there are heaps of others here. very popular for the camping folk. here's another one

https://www.4wdsupacentre.com.au/pro...mbo-deals.html

sure such will be available in your area

cheers,