Solar Installation
Solar panel mounted on roof above cockpit. While the boat is in storage for hurricane season, I figured it would be a good time to install a solar system. I drove down to Ft. Lauderdale (from Vero Beach) to eMarine Systems. There I purchased a Canadian Solar 255-watt panel, and a Blue Sky Solar Boost 3000i MPPT charge controller along with the 10-gauge cable and all the fittings. With this configuration I am expecting to have enough power to stay at anchor indefinitely and to run the refrigerator. I'll report how it does later in late November when I relaunch for the winter boating season. SS heavy duty 1" x 1" cable clamps hold the panel to the rail. I was able to locate some heavy duty stainless steel cable clamps to attach the panel to the roof handrails. It took three guys to hoist the panel up to the roof. It only weighs 45-lbs, but it is large and awkward to handle. I drilled four holes in the panel frame where the cable clamps attach to the handrail and b...