Balanced precariously I managed this shot. I admit that Im a gadget freak and that means I use a lot of power ... refer, freezer, PC, AP, stereo, etc. I decided to add some solar panels to Sugar Magnolia to supplement the batteries. The first step was to decide how many and where. Basically, I added 3 55 watt Siemens panels behind the arch on our 42. The size and quantity were determined by the distance between the arch and the backstay.

Blurry Top View

I fabricated a the frame from 7/8 SS tubing. The tubing could not be bent to the radius I needed so I cut and connected with fittings one would use for a bimini frame. Instead of the setscrews, I drilled and tapped the fittings and tubing and fastened all together with SS machine screws. Theres a couple of inches between the rear of the frame and the backstay.

side view

I attached the frame to the arch with some quick-release pins. this will allow me to remove it in case we get a hurricane watch or warning down here.

quick release

A view of the wiring between the panels. The rear of the panels should be open to the air for cooling. I was afraid someone might accidentally grab a handfull of wires so I sewed a mesh cover that snaps to the bottom. It allows air in and out but will keep the occassional hand out.

Interconnect wiring

Another look at a quick connect. I ran the cabling from the panel down the inside of the arch into the boat and up to the distribution panel. The wiring for the cockpit speakers and lights run the same path. Behind the distribution panel is the solar charge controller and the connection to the battery. This setup will about power my refer for a day. Doesnt seem like much but reduces the time I need to run my genset each day substantially. At the slip, I can disconnect from shore power entirely if I turn the refer to its highest temp setting and just leave the freezer on. Then I can top the battery up from shore while Im there on weekends. If were planning a weekend trip, I leave it attached so the batteries will be topped when we leave. We plan on retiring and sailing south in 2004. Well probably ad some additional panels or a wind gen at that time.


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