solar panel choice

Terry,
I think you get more bang for the buck by using the cheaper panel coupled to an MPPT charge controller. Just make sure that the panel and the controller specs agree with the panel. Assuming you want the largest panel that can fit in the space you have, using the right charge controller would allow you to buy a 24v panel instead of a 17v. The prices on panels keeps dropping every day, hold off as long as you can before making the purchase.

Regards,

Jose

Terry
Look at Kyocera panels. they are guarantied for 12 years. I had one fail (blown diode) after 9 years and they replaced it for free. Also, the flexible panels do not have the output of a fixed panel. And they will fail if they are allowed to flex too much. The MPPT controllers will give you about 10% more output from your panels. We carry 225 watts in two panels on the bimini top. Quiet, maintenance free, and fairly bulletproof

Jim, I like the idea of putting the panels on a bimini, which I have finally ordered, except I am concerned about what to do if it blows real hard and I want to stow or at least fold and lash down the bimini. You sail in the ocean too; at what point do you need to strike that bimini? I have never had one before.

Terry
Our bimini frame was built with additional tubing supports to the stern rail. The cloth bimini cover can be removed from the frame without having to strike the frame. When we are expecting heavy weather, the cloth is removed and the frame is lashed with additional lines to further secure it. When we go offshore we pick our weather carefully with the hope not to have the bimini be an issue. In the winter when the boat is on the hard, the cloth is removed, the frame and the panels remain up with a few added lines for support. Our AGM batteries do not need to be removed from the boat and stay topped up all winter.

Jim

Terry
Here is a photo of Dana's bimini with the panels on top. It isn't the best view because the enclosure panels are in place. The white angled piece just above the dinghy's bow is the additional SS tubing support to the stern rail. The white covering is to protect the stratoglass window on the dodger. The aft panel is 140 watt and the forward panel is 85 watt.

Jim

I have been happy with Renogy 100 w panels. They are monocrysaline and good quality I considered Kyocera, but found these to be a more reasonable price per watt at the time I was shopping for panels (check out their ebay sales, and make an offer). I have them mounted over the Bimini in such a way that I can take the panels and support structure off in 20 minutes or less if a storm is coming. I think you really have to research the benefit of a MPPT controller on 12 volt systems. Theoretically, they give an Ohm's law boost, but with inefficiencies such as voltage drop, the benefit may not be much or worth the higher price. I have a 20 amp Morning Star PWM controller, and can get close to the rated 5 amps per panel on a clear summer day.

I installed 250 watts of flexible panels and an MPPT Blue Sky controller. 100 watts on top of the bimini, and three 50 watt panels on the dodger. The large panel was from Windy Nation out in Arizona. The 50 watts came from Amazon - I forgot the brand. Comparing them to a friend's Renogy panels, I think they are the exact same panels. My best day so far was 54 amps. That was somewhere in North Carolina a few weeks ago. I'm hoping for more when we get to the tropics with sun more overhead.