Solar power!

This past week was exciting. We mounted our two large rigid solar panels on the solar arch! Each panel weighs about 50 pounds, and is approximately 7 feet long by 4 feet wide. The solar arch extends off the stern of the boat out over the water, so you cannot stand directly below it. You get to lean out over the water with arms outstretched to reach it.

Last month, we received the panels in a large wooden shipping crate that was delivered to the marina parking lot. While I was at work, Mark unpacked the panels and demolished the crate so we could dispose of it. Together we carried the panels down the dock to our slip one at a time. Other projects kept popping up, and work kept me busy, so we got to admire our solar panels sitting on the dock for multiple weeks before moving forward with the install.

Before installing them, we took measurements of the solar arch to figure out where to drill into the panels for the attachment points and support beams on each panel. We had everything ready to go for the install, and then rainy windy weather picked up. We planned to use a halyard to hoist each panel into place. We needed calm weather so our panels would not be blown around like heavy (expensive) pieces of plywood. We finally got our weather window last week. It also helped that I left my job, so I’m available for projects any time now! We hoisted up one panel at a time, did some boat yoga to stretch around and reach attachment points, and secured both panels. We did not drop a single tool or solar panel into the water below. I call that a successful project!

There is still some work to be done to reinforce the panels by adding one more attachment point on each panel, as well as finishing the wiring so we can actually put these panels to use. Each panel has an output rating of 470 watts. We also have four 100 watt flexible panels that we still need to install to replace the old panels on the bimini and dodger you can see in these pictures. Stay tuned for an update on how much power we’re able to harness from the sun!