Solar Work Begins! Step 1: Re-configuring our existing panels

Fellow boaters - I'm thrilled to share my latest project with you: MaintenanceROS! Crafted from my experiences aboard Starry Horizons, it's designed to simplify vessel and maintenance management, making life on the water even more enjoyable.
Explore MaintenanceROS... and enjoy an exclusive 20% discount for the first 6 months using promo code 'outchasingstars'. Seamlessly manage your boat's upkeep - let's embark on this journey together!
*****
The refit project I'm most excited about FINALLY gets started! The yard begins work on our new, massive solar arch. But before it can be installed, I need to reconfigure some of our existing panels to make room!
This project will be a huge game changer for our boat. We'll be going from a bit over 1kw of solar to over 3kw! And with the removal of our genset, we'll become a truly off grid boat.
================
Affiliate Links
================
Out Chasing Stars is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. We will make a small commission if you click them and make a qualifying purchase. If you have a different purchase in mind, you can also use these storewide links below.
🛒 Amazon: amzn.to/3yhlT1T
🛒 OCS Suggested Products on Amazon: www.amazon.com...

[@rexanddonnaboyd]

Another great "how to" video. The details of how you do things are invaluable to DIYers. Thanks.

[@dougmarder]

Any need to plug the old holes in the traveler to prevent/reduce water ingress?

[@OutChasingStars]

Nope. The traveler isn't completely sealed, so an extra hole that is now under the new solar panels won't be a big deal at all.

[@tlowe2502]

Great job guys, we love y'all's videos. Just wanted to ask are y'all checking into Starlink? Stay safe we love y'all 👍🏼💕🐾

[@OutChasingStars]

Among our many new systems tests this year is Starlink. We got our antenna a few months ago here in Rhode Island and are looking forward to trying it in the Bahamas!

[@federicorio]

If you go fast you make mistakes and then you end up taking even more time with the rework. Measure twice - cut once!

[@OutChasingStars]

Such wise words! 😄

[@allynonderdonk7577]

I liked the video! David is sooooo careful, but going fast is how mistakes happen!!!

[@rimasmeleshyus9486]

Aloha from beautiful Hawaii islands ⛵️ The best episodes all the videos incredible beautiful. I just recently discovered your channel. Sailing around the world ⛵️ 🌎 100% the best education absolutely no doubt.. People who sailing ⛵️ around the world any age ,definitely educated and understand. Great videos ,thanks for sharing, so much to learn about sailing and boats

[@elysiumsailing]

David, what brand are those flexible panels? Flexible panels in general have poor longevity, but I have a few places I really couldn't put anything else and if I am going to put some on, I want them to lase! Also, have you noticed any performance degradation since they were new?

[@OutChasingStars]

These are Solara panels and I would consider them to be "semi-flexible". They're actually quite rigid but can flex a bit for a slight curve. I think that's part of why they've structurally held up so well. And there has definitely been some performance degradation which makes sense since they're 8 years old now.

[@licencetoswill]

if those are solder splices you're using, just double check you're using enough heat to make the solder ring melt. they take a little bit to make a good splice. apart from that, they're invaluable.

[@OutChasingStars]

They're just good ol' marine butt connectors with heat shrink. Using the heat gun just gives a much more consistent heat and is less likely to burn things!

[@SYAmour]

David, why did you remove the WIFI extender? Great job on the solar.

[@OutChasingStars]

We found that we never really used it. One of the first things we do when we get to a new country is get a local SIM card. The plans available are typically cheaper and have a faster connection than say getting a drink at a beach bar just to get access to their wifi. Plus, we just got Starlink...

[@CawffeeTyme]

Oh hey look, it's the vampire and Buffy in real life. Will your kids carry on the trait?

[@TonicOceanis50]

Another excellent DIY segment with attention to detail....

[@OutChasingStars]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@pbr-yt8zc]

Tef gel better than Lanocote