#43 Installing solar onto our narrowboat (without drilling holes!)

[@nilocxoc3488]

Rob, firstly, brilliant vlog, most enjoyable, and the most informative installation especially as you set out your criteria and your installation met those criteria. Perfect. Secondly, because you have given your time and effort and... we should at least take the time to read zll the comments to see if the answers to my questions are there, well they were 😃 ! So I will say thank you again. And let you know my story. Colin and Heather (english born and rasied found ourselves living in usa for about 15 years due to complicated modern families (& grandkids) we have two dogs and are all currently living in Ohio USA. Then we decided living on a canal boat for two - three years seemed like a good idea. So I am here I have just bought a IRIS No.02, a 62ft narrowboat, boatmans cabin, engine room, Gardner 3LW, but without solar, nor any commications (Not for long though smile 😊) anyway thank you again, now I will have to time to look at your vids as I am sure I will like them, because of your eye for detail, your research and planning, is something which I recognise!!. Best Regards Colin. (Bawaiting Heather and the dogs to join me on the cut in the spring. Wooohoooo

[@robtheplod]

Thanks so much for watching and for commenting - I don't get much feedback so its very much appreciated!! Rob

[@Luke-zo6nc]

Nice job there... never thought of using magnets for fitting solar panels. Actually makes sense and saves all the dreaded drilling of holes in the roof. Wish I could borrow you to do my electical work on my boat, as I am completely rubbish! haha : )

[@robtheplod]

Cheers Luke... electrics aren't difficult, just need to sit and think for a bit (cup of tea helps!)....

[@Mark-ig4wu]

Hi Rob, Just a note to say how useful I've found this. I'm a little like you were before fitting your panels, i.e. I'm in the research stage with a view to fitting them in the spring, but a lot of the stuff like, no drilling, use of magnets and also using Victron kit is similar to my current thinking. I've found the excel spreadsheet brilliant for specifying the panels and controller size, thanks for the tip. On that subject I noticed you've added a few different Craig Solar panels to the spreadsheet but also a Perlite panel (Bimble Solar?), I've been looking at them too - any reason you finally decided on Craig Solar? I think the magnetic mounts are great, but at £65 per set of four from Bimble Solar I winced at the price! So I'm thinking of fabricating my own using some Neodymium Magnets and rubber anti-vibration mounts, hopefully I can achieve the same sort of specification as the Bimble ones - usefully they've provided measurements etc on their website, lol!

[@robtheplod]

Hi Mark! Thanks for watching the video and commenting.... i went for Craig Solar as they have free delivery and the panels were the correct size for the space i have.. i tried to go for as bigger panel as i could. agree re the magnets, they are expensive but cheaper than messing up the roof in my opinion - if you can fabricate these thats a great result!!! rob

[@getubelogin]

I'm glad someone else was reluctant to drill lots of holes in the roof. Magnets weren't available when my Solar was installed so the panels are fixed with Sikaflex. Great Video! Regards Geoff

[@robtheplod]

Cheers Geoff! Rob

[@chrismears-inslowtime]

Good job. Always difficult to retro fit anything on a boat and to film it too. Well done Rob. Boats looking good.

[@robtheplod]

Thanks Chris. Its all wired up now and really pleased with the output, even on these short dull days!.. rob

[@renewITsolutions]

High Rob, can you tell me where to find that spreadsheet you used. Thanks

[@robtheplod]

Hi, they dont make it easy... its the very last section on this page www.victronenergy.com/support-and-downloads/software#mppt-calculator-excel-sheet

[@helicopter12345678]

Where did you buy the magnetic rubber feet for your panels as we want to use the same for our solar installation on our Narrow boat...thanks Arthur

[@robtheplod]

Hi Arthur, these are them: www.bimblesolar.com/magnetic-mounts they come in two sizes, ours are the shortest....

[@markcroson]

Think this is a great solution as I’m reluctant to drill holes in the roof have u had any issues with the wind and magnetic mounts?

[@robtheplod]

No, not at all.... all nice and secure! (Phew!)

[@MaritimeFox]

Can I ask where you bought the magnets from? That's a brilliant solution.

[@robtheplod]

Bimble Solar - www.bimblesolar.com/magnetic-mounts

[@MaritimeFox]

Brilliant, thanks very much 🤗

[@helicopter12345678]

Dash just found the reply in the comments below great thanks

[@nobbyhall6042]

Very informative many thanks

[@robtheplod]

Glad it was helpful! thanks for watching Nobby!

[@letsbefrank6269]

Terrific video for narrowboaters especially, very informative. What do you call the solar bolts you bought? 14:17 😊

[@robtheplod]

Hello Frank - They are from Bimble Solar and are called Boat Roof Magnetic Mounts. Hope this helps, thanks for watching!