Hoping for some advice please.
We are wanting to increase our solar capacity without risking the additional weight on the dinghy davits after reading the article on the davit failures. We are also hoping to maintain the lines of the boat without the bulkyness of a massive solar arch. Our intent as per the sketch attached is to install 4 brackets to hold the two 1560 by 1050mm panels. Each panel weighs 20kgs so each bracket will be supporting 10kg each. With through bolts and robust plates on each side of the fixings what are peoples thoughts on whether this will work.
I'm a little concerned about winds pushing up and down on the panels but after looking at the thickness of the coach roof it looks quite solid.
I guess I'm in the hands of experienced sailors to guide me in this space.
Thank you in advance.
Milan
Lagoon 440
Blue Pearl 2008

Or, you could do something similar to this. Has not fallen off so far in 5 years.
Lance Knox
Catouse L440

开云体育

One big problem is you have approximately 9 inchs between the traveler and the edge of the roof, clearly not enough area to hold you proposed bracket.

take a look at these photos (4) 350watt panels mounted on the Davits. There is literally zero affect on the Davis as the fulcrum is only inches away. We still have a large RIB with. 30 hp motor.

We still have ability to use the stern walk way unencumbered, in fact it works as a great rain shield when grilling. On crossings I add support strapping to compensate for the weight of the RIB.

Yes. Thanks for your advice and photos. Will take on board in our design. ?Cheers. ?Fair winds fellow 440.
Milan

Joe, it’s tough to see, our set up allows for a 30 angle up or down.

I have 760 AH lifepo4 batteries do I have not changed the angle since installation of lithium batteries. The accept everything the panels throw at them (80+ amps) so I seldom have a need. Once a week when we run the gen set I make water and use the washer for sheets...

ive found my panels were way oversized once I switched to lithium... live and learn?

Exactly my plan. I think people are somehow missing the best way to increase power on board = add lots of lithium.

Then batteries will take all solar there is. Currently, I see batteries full by 11am and all that extra 7 hours of sun gets completely wasted on sunny day.

Hi, I like the simplicity of this. Design. What’s the mechanism to alter the angle. Please send pictures. Should I just install them flat? I am looking at 4 or 5 390w panels. Do you suggest going for fewer panels and more lithium?

Dean

after 2 years on lithium, we are very happy live on boards.?

Have 400 ah lithium and 360 w of solar and for our boat that is mainly 12 V is more than enough. Our solars are on davits and can rotate, which helps often to start charge just after sunrise.?

Run generator very rarely to charge. It is great when one can go without turning on engines on multiday passage where sun is shaded. It sorts itself out after arriving in anchorage. I charge full with generator only after 10 consecutive days not fully charged which happened 2x. Let solar do absorption.

If we need to upgrade to more solar, i will use better panels, panasonic when i last checked that will give for same footprint and weight improvement from 180W to 240W? so from 360W to 480 W. So far there is no need.?

There is performance and aesthetics penalty having too large solar array that one should consider.?