With 2 fridges and a freezer we wanted to have at least 1000W of solar. We also wanted solid panels so that they could be fitted away from the deck to allow some airflow for cooling. Eventually we chose the SunPower X22-360 (22% efficiency) x 3 which at 360W each, will give us 1080W and fit reasonably neatly behind the traveller. We have designed a basic stainless steel frame which has a little overhang at the back. We were able to use the overhang to extend the cockpit are, attaching some sunshades which go behind the rear cockpit lounge and provide some extra privacy when Med moored.
Panels were wired in parallel to a single Victron 150/70 Charge Controller (with bluetooth). We also have a Victron BMV 712S battery monitor (also with bluetooth) as well as an LCD display at the navigation station. Both can be monitored via the VictronConnect App. We have a Victron 2000W inverter, which in hindsight we probably should have upgraded to 3000W. We have 750Ah of AGM house batteries (in addition to the 2 x starter batteries). We are likely to upgrade to Lithium in due course, but for now the AGMs are performing well.
The frame is very simple, stainless and nicely done, as shown below. The installation of the panels ended up being a tale of 3 countries (and 2 continents!)
Check the blog for a blow by blow description and more detailed photos of the fitting of the panels at the very end.
Panels were wired in parallel to a single Victron 150/70 Charge Controller (with bluetooth). We also have a Victron BMV 712S battery monitor (also with bluetooth) as well as an LCD display at the navigation station. Both can be monitored via the VictronConnect App. We have a Victron 2000W inverter, which in hindsight we probably should have upgraded to 3000W. We have 750Ah of AGM house batteries (in addition to the 2 x starter batteries). We are likely to upgrade to Lithium in due course, but for now the AGMs are performing well.
The frame is very simple, stainless and nicely done, as shown below. The installation of the panels ended up being a tale of 3 countries (and 2 continents!)
Check the blog for a blow by blow description and more detailed photos of the fitting of the panels at the very end.
| solar_pane_drawings_horizontal.pdf |
Big thanks to Peter Libretto, FP Lucia owner and one of Australia's leading Solar Panel experts, for fantastic advice. Also to Lindal Pitcher (WWSM member and fellow Helia owner) for comparing notes over FB Messenger for the frame and mounting of the panels!
