I have a similar set up with 2 semi-flexible 100w panels installed on my bimini. We were able to stitch Velcro around the perimeter of the panels with the nap side facing up. Then we stitched "fold over" tabs with the hook Velcro facing down on the bimini so one could lay the panels directly atop the bimini and secure the panels with the coordinating Velcro tabs. The tabs run the entire length of the panels, both fore and aft and athwartships providing a secure installation that resists wind from getting underneath the panels. This installation allows me to remove both panels and canvas in the event of storms or bad weather. I only have the panels hooked up to the house bank of batteries (2 wet cell group 31) and rely on the alternator to keep the starting battery (group 27) charged, although I can combine battery banks to start the diesel if the starter battery gets low. Our boat lives on a mooring.
Contemplating buying a combination battery charger/inverter this winter to replace the Promariner Protech 1240 charger that died last summer. Promariner no longer has replacement parts for the existing charger although I suspect a knowledgeable electronics guy could likely find a bad diode or capacitor and make an easy repair. maybe. My wife enjoys using her Keurig onboard and the toaster/oven is about a 1200w draw. I would love to not need to haul around the portable 2000w Honda Generator which I'm sure makes no friends in the morning in a quiet harbor.. Any suggestions for charger/inverters would be appreciated. Chuck Gilchrest S/V Half Magic 1983 35 Landfall Padanaram, MA From: CnC-List <cnc-list-boun...@cnc-list.com> On Behalf Of Andrew Walther via CnC-List Sent: Tuesday, September 24, 2019 12:46 PM To: Len Mitchell <xfireca...@gmail.com>; CNC List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com> Cc: Andrew Walther <and...@apwengineering.com> Subject: Re: Stus-List Solar panels Thanks Len - I've seen up to about 180 watts but only really clear day when sun was directly overhead. It's surprising though with cloud cover I have also seen 70-80 watts. We don't have hug loads the fridge being the main one. We were away for a month this year and had several 2-3 day anchorages where we never had to run the engine - very pleased with the whole thing. If anybody is interested this is what we installed... 2 x 100 Watt Panels <https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B079CH7VYD/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_vtKIDbKWTXTDP> MPPT Controller <https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B06ZZRSDB8/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_mvKIDbCA9456P> Reasonably easy install also. Andy
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