Prototyping our adjustable guardrail side solar panel supports

[@gymcoachdon]

I have a similar set up with a 100 watt bifacial on each side of the cockpit. I am not sure your plans, but my advice is to have each panel on its own charge controller, as they will see very different conditions through the day. (shading, sun angle, etc., will be different on each panel) I have the simple, one adjustable bar holding them up, and have to bungie them to a stanchion when they are down. I like where your system is heading!

[@SustainableSailing]

At the moment the current plan (which might be version 244) is to put them in parallel (so one shading doesn't affect the others) as 12V into our buffer 12V battery. Then a Sterling 12V to 48V dc to dc charger so whenever the buffer battery is full we divert into the main bank. Our main panels (4x215w 24v) will be in two pairs straight into the main 48v bank.

[@gymcoachdon]

@@SustainableSailing I know that space can be limited, and wiring runs are a pain, but when one panel is partially shaded, and the other is full sun, you will have one MPPT trying to get maximum power out of the array, where separate controllers would be getting maximum for each panel, one shaded, one full sun. I mention this because I have seen how rarely this set up will get good sun on both panels for any extended period as the boat swings on anchor. I have had days when the sun and wind align, and I got 1.2 kwh out of 2 100 watt panels, but so far, only once! Maybe the difference is small enough to not warrant the extra work, but remember that you can use smaller, cheaper, controllers to run a single panel, and will have redundancy.

[@SustainableSailing]

My understanding was that serial connections give the most power when there is no shading (also efficent as voltage is added rather than current) and that parallel gives the most when there is shading (but high current when no shading). I get the advantage of redundancy with multiple mppt but I hadn't seen it recommended to have multiple mppt rather than use panels in parallel.

[@SustainableSailing]

@@gymcoachdonthe cable runs and space for mppt are not the key deciding factors for us. We are using the bulkhead in the aft heads for the mppt and there is enough space for them all.

[@gymcoachdon]

@@SustainableSailing I saw a recent video with Nigel Calder, and he was asked what he would do differently if he was re-doing his system now. His response was that he would have a separate controller for each panel. I will see if I can find a link.

[@grahamm2015]

Carbon real work is best in tension and not so well in compression. This mechanism will be applying side loading. You could use the toe rail as support, just an option. Check the technical data sheet, as the Internet shouldn't be relied upon. Great work

[@SustainableSailing]

The rubber cap on our bulwark makes it trickier to use as an attachment point compared to an aluminium toe rail. Jane has checked load calculations for the main carbon fibre tubes.

[@bilbywalkabout2969]

Looks fine to me, small universal SS connector might work better than just a hinge

[@SustainableSailing]

Do you mean something like this? www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1375230856/6mm-to-6mm-stainless-steel-universal

[@trumanvanegmond4013]

Very cool, but the old saying KISS comes into mind, what is easier to fix, your setup or telescoping poles for support

[@SustainableSailing]

Telescoping poles would be an interesting option. They would still need attaching at each end and be able to lock their length. Once the mizzen mast is up we could hold the panels in place with a line to the spreader while they are adjusted.

[@trumanvanegmond4013]

@@SustainableSailing HDPE plastic for lower slider/ mount with bolt locking to lower rail. to lock length as simple as locking pins with corresponding holes for different positions

[@trumanvanegmond4013]

@@SustainableSailing Or just a thought both your setup with telescoping poles, slider made out of HDPE plaster (for smooth sliding), the Universal SS connectors, simple pin and hole for locking telescoping rods

[@SustainableSailing]

I think the challenge that made me move from telescoping poles was getting them to handle the panel folded away (vertical) for docking. But maybe I just need a range of motion to handle the various tilts and disconnect for the folded away. I'll do some more thinking 😁

[@langalex]

maybe you could remove the carbon tubes and have longer blocks slide on a taught dyneema line?

[@SustainableSailing]

I was hoping to reduce potential chafe, but simpler might be better.

[@spivlisovyka]

I have also decided to fit Bifacial without lifting mechanism.

[@SustainableSailing]

They hadn't come out when we bought our panels. I think they make good sense.