How to: Simple Solar Panel System (Boat, RV, etc.) (Ep. 18)

[@GM-gb5qp]

The best video about solar panel, clear, accurate, informative, backed with good camera work, and I didn't have to listen to 30 minutes of boring instructions. I'm going to install one on my boat. Thanks.

[@whatever3146]

Love the way you always explain every step of the way. It really helps to understand how it's really done rather than just reading some instructions. 👍

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Thanks!

[@ronniecaptain]

Most people gloss over the simple details, you did not. Thank you. Some of us are not handy, so identifying all the parts and showing the details sets your video part. Thanks!!

[@laurencetubbs4052]

This is the video I was looking for, most of the other vids I watched for info costed way more than we want to start with on our solar for a 35' boat. The info was very helpful!

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks and good luck!

[@carpediemwithLesli]

This is the BEST video I've seen about solar panels. I'm seriously considering doing this with my Mainship 390. Thanks!!!❤

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Very cool. Thanks. It’s quite simple. I’ve used those rail mount things from the brand “Sea Dog” to install several panels now. Works well. I have a smaller 50 watt panel I put on the rails of another boat and no need for the broomstick thing on the smaller panels. I just used the rail mounts. Also don’t forget a fuse between your battery and the charge controller in the middle of the positive wire. I think I forgot to mention that in this video. Cheers!

[@jasonlezlie]

Excellent breakdown. Thank you for sharing.

[@SkipperRene]

Nach 3 Sekunden war mir klar, dass es ein gutes, einprägsames Video über das Thema sein wird. :) :D

[@SkipperRene]

Irgendwo weint ein Elektroinstallateur. Du musst deine Kabel umbedingt besser gegen durchscheuern schützen. Bei allen Lagen der Yacht dürfen sich Kabel nicht irgendwohin bewegen. Ansonsten sehr schönes Video!

[@arteoverby8433]

Just wanted to share with you Josh that we’re really enjoying your videos (vlogs) so much respect for you dude ! ⛵️

[@JoshPostVlogs]

I appreciate that! Cheers!

[@mattziegelbein4469]

Thanks Josh, love the “outtakes” at the end.

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Lol. Thanks for watching!

[@chrisstratton987]

Josh, Excellent explanation. Thanks

[@alanbennett7199]

Really liking the detail you provide Josh. Thank you.

[@brianmaguire6814]

This is exactly the video I needed!! You da man!

[@PanhandleRunner]

Perfect timing when I found this. I ordered the Renogy 100w starter kit from Amazon this weekend and waiting on delivery. Going to try to adapt your setup to my C270. Thanks Josh!

[@moisesmontalvo8957]

OMG…it’s one of the best videos I have seen. Very informative and you know your stuff. So…is it constantly chargin? You are right..fridge, phones and laptops, and control panel…what else you need… had you have the batteries at full capacity? I’m so impressed..thanks for sharing, Josh.

[@martinpaquette2631]

Thanks for the guide. I like the editing extras you put in this video: finger snap for sunglasses, drawings, beeping when your "actor" needs an outlet for his frustration. (you should talk to that guy... LOL). Thanks again and looking forward to your next video.

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Thanks Martin!

[@TheCornucopiaProject-bd5jk]

I love those “Renaldy” charge controllers. Great job.

[@ruaraidhmcdonald-walker9524]

Aw man! Sunshine!! Hey there Josh, Autumn has landed with a thump here in the UK. Beautiful colours but dark already!

[@yoelrodriguez5240]

Thanks for this video. Just what I needed to get me going with my boat

[@DannyBoyInMarseille]

Thanks for sharing Josh. I enjoy your videos.

[@mrpmessina]

Stumbled onto your KZbin channel only recently and could not stop watching your videos. Been binge-watching :-)) Lots of similarities. Aiming to get my sailing license and explore the freedom of the seas. Was also in the navy. Keep it up, especially in being yourself. Learning a lot from you.

[@chuckduzzie8529]

A good simple install. 👍

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Thanks Chuck!

[@johnjohnsonn796]

Thank You for another straight to the point, easy to follow video. Keep the coming!!

[@territodude]

Thank you for your clear and helpful videos!

[@Henrytimmins]

Your boat is similar to mine. I like that you talk plainly. I don't have a bimini or dodger.

[@SailingNervous]

Just found your channel---this is a great video and will help me set up solar for our boat - Thanks! -Vin

[@pjbrod23]

Nicely done, tackling this project in the next few days and picked up a few good pointers from the video. Wish My boat already had a hole to run the wires through... cringe at the idea of drilling into my fiberglass.

[@gonesailing]

Thanks Josh. Having just bought a pair of renogy 50w panels, I have the same plans for my 19’ sailboat. I appreciate the smart idea about the panel mounting. All the best, Ian

[@leonh67]

👍👍👍👍👍 I have a new London National Maritime Museum video. Check out my new travel channel if you got a chance. Thanks 😊

[@jessemartin6461]

Love the new intro! Awesome

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Thanks Jesse! I was about to publish the video without an intro and it seemed like it was missing something, so at the last minute I put together the intro and am happy with how it turned out.

[@rickbowles1763]

Great idea! Thank you for sharing

[@robertkeller9574]

Another excellent job Josh!!

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Thanks Robert! Great to see you again!

[@MickLay]

Thanks for the video!

[@madshauptmann]

Great Video. Thanks

[@deankoch7305]

Very nice and easy.

[@mrpmessina]

Brilliant videos! Keep them coming. Thinking of making that move onto sailing from flying. ;-)

[@BRYKS22]

Did the same thing with the same 100 watt panels on my boat, worked great.

[@simahbropleh9697]

Where did you find the end peices that connect the swobbit pole to the solar panel?

[@BRYKS22]

@@simahbropleh9697 it seems like I got everything on defender and at consignment stores in the keys that were there b4 Irma.

[@simahbropleh9697]

@@BRYKS22 Thanks bud...defender is a store online?

[@simahbropleh9697]

@@BRYKS22 just found it :)

[@BRYKS22]

@@simahbropleh9697 yep, plenty of good stuff there.

[@never2late454]

Thanks for sharing this. I'm trying to get my boat rigged for long term cruising the Caribbean and a possible Atlantic crossing later in. But figuring out the whole solar and wind generating thing is getting more confusing as I research it. I'm planning to run 6 100W panels across the hard top with an extra 2 panels on the railings like you have and maybe a wind generator. hopefully that's going to give me enough power to keep the 6 lithium ion battery bank charged for everything I need. Thanks for the link to the adjustable pole that's going to help tremendously.

[@maxnoerenberg6370]

Nice setup.... But I wonder if I actually need two 100 watt solar systems to just power my lights inside..., and outside ( anchor light and red and green position lights ..., which are required in Europe ) ... I just got my eye on a nice reasonable 50 watt system ( without battery ) but with panel and controller for a good price.... but for a few dollars more I can get the 100 watt system! So which one would you suggest? The motor doesn’t need power! Just lights and safety ... and charging my phone and laptop via cigarette lighter plug! It’s all a 12 volt system....

[@maxnoerenberg6370]

My first thought was that 100 watt was overkill and 50 watt ( or even 20 watt ) is sufficient for what I need!

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Hi Max. Thanks for the question. I guess it all depends on how long you plan to be away from other power sources like plug-in dock power, and also how many batteries at what amps do you have? If you plan only one day or maybe two days, yes a small system will work fine. But if you go 3 or 4 days or a week away from land and away from plug-in power then you’ll want a larger system. But there are several questions I have, is this a small boat with only one battery that you use for day sailing or is it a large boat with say 4 or 5 batteries where you cruise around for weeks at a time?

[@conyermud1]

Great video, thanks.

[@joesmith1142]

Some solar panel installations absolutely need safety fusing and DIY installers should know when and why. Also a dual pole safety shutoff switch is a smart, cheap investment.

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Yes. I installed a fuse between the battery and the positive wire to the charge controller. I don’t believe it’s shown in the video which is why I’ve mentioned it several times in the comments.

[@joesmith1142]

@JoshPostVlogs ​Thanks. I only read a few of the top comments. Some setups will require fuses between the panels and the charge controller as well.

[@michaeltietzyou]

Hi Josh, In order to increase efficiency when the sky is overcast, it would be necessary to check whether a series connection (solar module) achieves better results. if the mppt can handle ~ 40V. OCV 2 x 20V - i'm sure that when it is cloudy, 13V will no longer be generated - that means no charge in this case

[@leonh67]

👍👍👍👍👍 I have a new London National Maritime Museum video. Check out my new travel channel if you got a chance. Thanks 😊

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Thanks for the tip!

[@sailingparisathena8957]

cool vid. my dad shared w me. good pick dad. new subscriber.

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Awesome! Thanks!!

[@Henrytimmins]

What's an AMP? Any relationship to watts or volts?

[@billbehrens4487]

Great setup buddy

[@SailingSarah]

man I looked at my boat situation dumbfounded with my solar panels with drool rolling out of my mouth for about 3 months until I found the perfect size Bimini frame on OfferUp and got it for 40 bucks! 1-in heavy duty thick wall stainless steel with heavy duty fasteners and clamps everything was there and it turned out great! I also use that $10 charge controller you got and it charges my batteries just fine. Here in southern California I typically get 14.4 volts of charge all day long so I never really have to worry about power anymore. I don't have enough batteries to run a regular microwave and refrigerator but that's okay. I would like to be able to run my laser printer every now and then. My power inverters won't handle it. I got my panels used for $20 each (120 watt, 240 total), 12 volt battery $80 AGM HUGE backup battery for hospital emergency backup, charge controller $10, Bimini frame $40, wire out the trash free, misc connectors $20 from marine salvage place... Total $170 works better than most at my marina 🥳 Everyone at my Marina asks me to work on their boats. I had to stop doing that because it was far too much. I love the people, but I only have enough body left to move around with LOL

[@davidrequena4055]

Muchas gracias. Muy buen video!!!

[@JoshPostVlogs]

De nada!

[@captainredfoot845]

What are the name of the connectors Spencer was explaining?

[@michaelgramaglia1183]

Hi Josh, where did you get the swivel hook ? I can't find it

[@greggtilghman6349]

I have a Renogy 100 watt panel and a 40 watt MPPT Renogy Rover charge controller. I only have 1 100 amp/hr battery right now. I plan on adding another panel and another battery next spring.

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Thanks for the comment Gregg. Cheers!

[@youtubeuser1052]

Have you checked to see how much difference in amps you get from adjusting the angle of the panels? Is it enough to be worth adjusting the panels multiple times every single day or do you tend to just leave the panels in one position?

[@leonh67]

👍👍👍👍👍 I have a new London National Maritime Museum video. Check out my new travel channel if you got a chance. Thanks 😊

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Hi. I tend to use the panels in the medium position but I have noticed, especially early morning or later in the afternoon, I can get better amps with the panels angled in the direction of the sun. Thanks your question.

[@vincecowell6891]

helpful as always thanks my man

[@Louis.Bouzon]

Hi Josh, really liked your idea and mounted my solar panel to the aft starboard side of the pulpit rail on my O’Day 302. How have your panels stood up? What were the drawbacks?

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Thanks for the comment. I have since sold that boat but it held up very well. And I’ve done the same exact thing on subsequent boats. The only draw back having it on the side is I’d sometimes have to think fast to lift up the panel if pulling into a dock as it could get in the way of pylons. But that was very rare. So 95% of the time it was a very stable setup. Even in high winds I never worried about the panels.

[@sleepyretardedbiden604]

I love this idea and want to do the same for my boat but my only concern is what if the get hit by big waves or get wet from water splashing will it short the wires ?

[@MSCavallo]

Hi Josh. Thanks for showing us your system installation! Very good solution with this flipping system! Hope you installed fuses too!? If you don't at the moment, I recommend to install those for more safety. Just research for, fuses solar system, and youll get the ideas;-)

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Good point. Yes, I did install fuses. I should have mentioned that on the video. My understanding is the critical spot for a fuse is when the positive wire meets the positive battery terminal, so I installed an in-line fuse there. Also, for anyone reading these comments for tips, remember to use heat-shrink electrical (wire splice) connectors when working with wires on a boat (good for water resistance).

[@jw6246]

Nice job...

[@js71378]

How much practical difference does the adjustment make vs a flat solar panel, assuming that you're not constantly adjusting? What I've heard is that since boats tend to move (around a few axes) the gain from pointing the solar panels is offset by the losses when the boat inevitably moves (or you forget to pivot them) and the panels are not only not pointing directly at the sun, but they're at a disadvantage compared even to flat panels.

[@covisko]

Do you have the charge controller directly connected to the batteries? No problem having the alternator charging them at same time?

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Hi. Yes I have the charge controller going directly to the batteries. I have a fuse on the red positive wire in between battery and charge controller. I haven’t seen any problems with alternator working at the same time.

[@bloomheller22]

Wow, really great idea! I'm going to do something similar myself. Where are those fittings from?

[@outdoorzfam]

Sweet! Thnx for sharing

[@redwood1957]

Sorry for the late question. Do you remember the size of your 4 house batteries. As in 12volt haw many amp hours each? Or model number just trying to see what was the total of all your batteries? Thanks mike How's the other boat coming?

[@brentjohnson6654]

Thanks for the video. New sub here.

[@elsamach5616]

I know I’m about a year n half late to ur vids but catching up… do you have that set up to an inverter because I have an inverter on my boat and was wondering cause I thought I saw one on ur nav station where ur moot controller is …? Help ? Please…

[@jakemehl2000]

Great video, thanks for sharing! I have the same set up with 4 house batteries and one starting battery…. So when going from the charge controller do you just link that to one of the batteries which are all then connected or to all batteries individually? Thanks!

[@brianwv64]

Do you have your starting battery hooked into this system? If so are there any issues when the motor is running ,back charging into the controller?

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Hi. I have an “automatic charging relay” which connects my starting battery to the house batteries. Mine is a brand name “Blue Sea Systems”. If you Google it, you’ll see what it is and how it works. It essentially keeps the starter battery separate but it will allow the starting battery to charge if it drops below a certain level. It’s the typical why to hook it up.

[@redwood1957]

Do you have rough dimensions for those panels? Thank you

[@JoshPostVlogs]

47 inches long by 20 inches wide by 1.5 inches thick.

[@ferdluzzi3385]

Hi, is your starter battery connected in series with the other batteries or separate?

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Hi. Best to keep the starter separate but connect it to your other batteries with a “charging relay”. If you google “Blue Sea Systems charging relay” you’ll find good info on it. Essentially it’s a device to keep the power isolated but it still allows your starter battery to charge along with the house batteries. Good luck.

[@romakayak]

Did you install a fuse into the circuit?

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Yes. I put a fuse on the positive wire, close to the battery terminal.

[@JeroenSWart]

What kind of sunblock do you use on your face to prevent skincancer?

[@albertodepaulaprieto866]

Good job!!, where did you buy the telescopic tube?

[@JoshPostVlogs]

I got that at a marine store. I think I put a link to it in the video description. It was a brush handle. Here’s link. swobbit.com/shop/telescoping-poles/sw45640-perfect-pole/

[@albertodepaulaprieto866]

@@JoshPostVlogs thanks!

[@elsamach5616]

One question if anyone can answer: Does it work with acid batteries that need distilled water or should I get gell filled or lithium… also I have an alternator on my boat will it affect the starting of boat… have a 34’ ft

[@amshaq007CR7]

Lets say i want to switch between solar charging and engine charging what do i use ?

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Your engine will charge the batteries when the engine is running via the alternator. The solar is separate and will charge when not using engine. I guess technically the solar is always charging but the engine will always charge faster and with more power so when the engine is on the solar is essentially obsolete.

[@amshaq007CR7]

@@JoshPostVlogs thank you

[@williamjohnson1126]

Thank you

[@TroyaE117]

What is the rated power of that panel you installed. What are the dimensions?

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Max power 100 watts and 6.25 amps. Optimum operating current 5.29 amps. Weight: 16.5lbs Dimensions: 46.9 X 19.7 X 1.4 In Brand: Renogy

[@timkelsey3643]

Hi Josh, great video. So my situation is I will be installing solar panels on my pontoon to charge my 24v battery pack for 80lb trolling motor and 2 fish locators . I was under the impression that I had to install a inverter to convert DC to AC. But maybe that's not required? The plan was to go 200 watt panel, 300 watt inverter, to a marine 2 bank marine charger and with a 20 amp MPPT. But early in my research so this may all be wrong. Any suggestions from your or your followers would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance

[@timkelsey3643]

Also thinking on running wires from both bow and stern so I can move the panel based on if in slip or backed up by the woods when off slip. And now more confused than before on rather I should go parallel or series.

[@alejandrobarbero5730]

Hi Josh. I just found you. We just bought the exact same boat and I need to re-wire a good chunk of it and clean it up. Could you share some pictures of the battery bank and how the wires are organized there? Thanks!

[@obiwanfisher537]

I dont trust those clamps for some reason. At one point they blow off and your solar panels fly away at the very least convenient moment. But the idea is good, and I like where you put them in general. Thats probably what Im gonna do with mine.

[@svdreamcatcher]

Are all of the batteries including starter battery hooked together?

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Good question. The starter battery should be isolated. It's best to have the starter battery still able to get a charge using something like this made by Blue Sea Systems. www.amazon.com/Blue-Sea-Systems-Automatc-Charging/dp/B000OTIPDQ/ This will keep the starter battery charged off the house batteries when voltage gets to a certain level. With that said, I hook the solar to the house batteries and use the Blue Sea Systems isolator to keep the starter charged but isolated.

[@WhoDatAficionado]

Awesome job, looks great maybe add one more panel and mathematically you should have the perfect amount. Thank you for sharing . Got to put the KZbin key word Love.

[@leonh67]

👍👍👍👍👍 I have a new London National Maritime Museum video. Check out my new travel channel if you got a chance. Thanks 😊

[@marcelorodriguez7524]

Great video was very helpful. For the pole what size did you use since the product varies in sizes. Also did the pole come standard with the three positioning holes or did you have to drill them. Would you happen to know the inside diameter of the pole. Thanks.

[@trevorbyron8181]

Wonder what's the price of the stainless Steel framework the panels rest on

[@5gwifi758]

The real question is the panel To power the boat. Or you have electric motors so you used the solar system to keep the boat moving rather then gosling

[@Thomas-ts2gl]

Always have the batteries hooked up to the controller before the solar is connected.. otherwise you can damage the controller.. like your setup..

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Great tip. I should have mentioned that. 👍

[@en8581]

Nice video- thanks! Do you (or anyone else) think a strip of King Starboard (eg 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch thick) would also work (instead of the wood plank)?

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Hi. Thanks for the comment. Certainly starboard would work well. And would likely last forever. I know it has a bit of flex in it but likely not a problem as long as you go with at least 1/2 inch think (3/4" may be better).

[@nostrings1269]

MPPT is about 30% more efficient than PWM, safer for the batteries and they are better for lower light conditions. Well worth the extra money

[@robertflindall4692]

Hey Josh - great vid. Can you post a link to the clamps you got off amazon to attach the solar panels to the stern pulpit bars? I'm going to be doing a similar set up in the spring myself. Thanks!

[@JoshPostVlogs]

I will put that in the description right now. It looks like the price fluctuates a bit between $25 and $35. Thanks for the comment!

[@mikedhsr007]

What is name of those clamps found on Amazon

[@JoshPostVlogs]

I have it in the description under the video.

[@AdventureSeeker]

It seems that if you use parallel and a panel goes out, you still have a closed system, in series this is not the case.

[@cyrilblankenship2801]

Great vlog! Was trying to find the telescoping poles you used but can’t locate them. Can you please attach a link or tell again me where you purchased them from? Thanks and keep up the good work!

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Hi. There is a link in the video description. Cheers!

[@GoldLuxify]

Ugh I really want that swobble pole but it costs $75 shipping to Canada. WTF. A $20 pole becomes $100. Anyone know of any other 2-4' telescoping poles that might work?

[@encoreimages]

Grab some home solar panels used off craigslist. 200-400watt panels usually run $120-160 depending on your local market. The voltage is higher so you need to use an mppt charge controller. Hate to see people spend hard earned money on these overpriced crappy renology panels (as far as th solar industry is concerned). Sunpower is the best as they degrade at a much slower rate. I use 9 Sunpower 435w panels on my 40ft rv that I picked up 2nd hand for $125 each.

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Thanks for the tip brother!

[@SteveCuts]

I wasn't clear on how you connected the wires to your battery. Is it just a straight connection? How does it conflict with the wires already there?

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Hi Steve, yes, I simply took the wires from the charge controller to the batteries. It doesn't interfere with other wires. Also, because the 4 batteries are in parallel, I connected the charge controller to the positive and negative terminals as you would with a parallel set-up. Hope that helps. 👍🏼

[@bgun326]

Thanks for the video. How did you wire the output from the charge controller to multiple batteries? Are you charging the start and house batteries simultaneously? Also, did you add fuses to the wire between the batteries and the charge controller?

[@jakemehl2000]

This is my same question. Any takers for an answer?

[@simahbropleh9697]

HI Josh...I bought the same aluminum swing arms you use here for my solar project. Do you have a link for the swivel and the mounting piece that you inserted in the end of the swobbit pole? For the life of me I can't seem to find something similar in my local hardware stores.

[@andrewseaman7012]

Nive video. Try to hook them up in series and compare charging amperage in cloudy days.

[@jvbemmel]

So did you fuse off the circuit also? always good to limit fire hazards :-).

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Yes. Another commenter asked this as well. I forgot to mention it in the video, but I used fuses at the battery terminal.

[@jvbemmel]

@@JoshPostVlogs and live another day! keep it up!

[@sailing_mahalo]

Great simple explanation on your solar setup!! We are tackling ours in a few weeks!! Sounds like your controller is connected to the house batteries. How do you also charge your starting battery? By keeping the selector on "all"? BTW - love the diagrams... and bonus ex-crewmate footage!

[@bigbpdx]

Have you considered hydroelectric? There are simple, inexpensive hydroelectric systems for sailboats that generate quite a bit as long as you are moving

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Thanks for the tip. I have heard of this but haven't looked into it too much. Sounds like a good alternative (as long as you are moving, as you mentioned). Cheers!

[@Flynghi]

Excellent video. Lots of great info. Very curious on the connection on the panel side of the extension handle. Would you happen to have an affiliate link to that part? Thanks. Stay safe

[@Foreveryoungoffgrid]

Haha keepin it real

[@billh7995]

Thanks, Josh. As a couch sailor, I enjoy your videos. Just curious if you looked at wind generators as compared to solar panels. I see many boats with small wind turbines, but I understand they are expensive and noisy. True? How 'bout just using a small Honda gas generator?

[@garycasper2330]

Good job! Do you take them down while under sail?

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Thanks! I keep the panels up all the time. Seems to work fine. Only time I’ve had to take them down was at certain docks and/or locks that have high side walls that would have hit the panels, but that’s rare.