Solar Installation – Day 1
Although I had great hopes for getting much of the installation accomplished yesterday, we were instead only able to finish a lot of the prep work. The very-chilly morning began by first, unboxing and inspecting the gear and then later, developing a plan that I thought would work.
Try carrying this in a little dinghy!
Our 45 Amp solar charge controller.
This one set us back a bit more than the dollar we spent on the last one we purchased.
Putting the newly-formulated plan into action though would require an extensive shopping excursion and that wasn’t going to happen until our friend Bill could join us. Sadly, running all over town to Lowes, Ace Hardware, Napa and West Marine took the better part of the day. Not satisfied to leave it all until today though, in the dwindling light of the late afternoon, Rebecca and I got a start on what will ultimately become the frame that will hold the panel on our stern rail.
Starting to work on the mounting frame for the panel.
On a different topic, for anyone looking to purchase a catamaran, we saw the nice Manta in the background of this pic go by us the other day and apparently it is for sale!
Yeah for progress on the solar panel! We’re tossing around going the catamaran route but not at the price of the Manta. Nice boat! Know you’ll do a great job on installing your panel! Nice spot to be anchored . .. 17 degrees overnight in N.C.
How about a PDQ?
http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1996/Pdq-Mk-Ii-Lrc-2286413/Cleveland/OH/United-States
From the PDQ forum:
This couple had messaged us back in our early planning stages. Very sad that he just passed away.
That is sad…..How old was Charley? I can’t wait for the finished product on your Day 2 post!!!!
I don’t know John (about Charlie). Progress report on solar is coming…
I continue to follow all your upgrades and installations with great interest, Mike!
Another 8 months and we’d be all over that PDQ – that’s a great price! We’re going to be looking at our first used Gemini 105Mc this weekend, just to get a sense of what we want and what to look for in a used model. We’ve got about half of our down payment funds set aside and still need a chunk yet…
All I can say is that I sailed a Gemini 105Mc BEFORE I bought my PDQ. Better living space, but…
* Wave slap, all the time
* Poor helm visibility
There were other issue, but these 2 killed it.
BUT, there are a LOT more Geminis available than PDQ 32s, and for less money.
Hi Mitch
Thanks. Good luck on the boat hunt!
Something must be happening in the solar cell market – Not long ago, $7-8/watt was the norm, but now it is possible to get solar panels for about $2/watt. And if you fancy yourself handy with tools, maybe you’d like a full *kilowatt* for less than $600 (I actually saw this item for $360 last week – it may pay to wait and watch)
bob
Yep, Bob, that’s what mass production, policy incentives, and some healthy competition between suppliers will do to the solar cell market. Solar is now cheaper than nuclear and becoming cost competitive with fossil fuels, provided you have enough space.
I’d advise against getting bare cells, though, unless you REALLY know what you’re doing AND have access to the equipment needed to laminate them into panels. It’s a tricky process and you will inevitably break quite a few at first.
No, I’m definitely not THAT handy.
There are 2 PDQ’s on the coast of NC for sale. We’re tossing around options at this point. After visiting you, our desire has risen. PDQ’s are totally different from the DE32 we have. Love our boat but not much room to have friends aboard.
I have faith in the two of you on this solar panel installation.
Stay warm!!
Let’s hope your faith isn’t misplaced.
Taking the time to plan the installation out may be frustrating, but it will be much faster in the end! Good on ya for doing it the right way.
Thanks Helen.
good luck with the fitting of pannel etc, that charger looks a beast !! very big from all the ones i have seen.
It is definitely a beast. That is a massive heat sink.
Bonne chance!
Thanks Livia, we need it!
Hey guys, I need a hand with this: I installed a 60watt solar panel on the top of my patio/pergola. This is wired to a charge controller then a battery in my basement. Do I need to run a ground from the solar panel? If so, whats the easiest way to do so? Is a wire attached to the aluminum frame then connected to a foot long rod into the ground enough?
I found some info about this here http://www.mienergiarenovable.com but perhaps you could help me out with this. Thanks a lot
Hey Tino
Sorry but I am absolutely the wrong person to be asking for electrical advice. Perhaps someone more knowledgeable will answer.
Mike