Portable solar panel

Noah · June 03, 2025, 01:05:00 PM

I am installing a portable 138W flexible solar panel on my boat. The purpose would be to only use when at anchor. I would bring it on deck, (plug it in to an outlet), and lash it to my dodger, foredeck or my canvas sun awning. I do not have a Bimini. The intent is to add enough power to take the edge off, to limit me having to run my engine as often or as long to charge my four T105 6V batteries. Currently, I get 2-3 days on the hook before I need to run the engine.

Has anyone gone this route before? I want to install a plug to disconnect the panel so I have a cosmetically clean install, without a bunch of exposed wires. The MPPT controller, fuse and on/off swith would be permanently install under the Starboard settee outboard of the water tank with wire run up to the companionway area. A 15ft. cord on my panel, should would allow me to move panel around. Don't know what kind of plug or where to put it. Considering on the teak bulkhead on the Starboard side just inside the companionway above the top step of ladder near the teak grab rail, or somewhere in the cockpit or cabin top under the dodger. Any recommendations or feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Ron Hill · June 03, 2025, 04:38:40 PM

Noah : I did what you are thinking about and just plugged in the solar panel to a cigarette lighter plug that was wired in to the battery bank!!

With all that said - I screwed around doing that for many years and finally got smart and purchased a 1KW Honda to do things right!!
No more worry about the batteries being low and when the Honda was running all of the fans below were keeping things cool!!

A few thoughts

Noah · June 03, 2025, 05:48:38 PM

Thanks Ron
A Honda generator is my "plan B or C". Not crazy about the noise. I have been moored and anchored near boats running them and it was not too enjoyable. Sound across water really travels. Running my engine at 1800 RPMs is probably less offensive to neighbors. Plus, I don't know where I would store it underway, without it being underfoot. I only have 800 hrs on my 25XP, so I don't mind running it, but I am hoping to run it less at anchor... So, back to solar question: I was hoping to use a plug that was more robust than a cigarette socket. SAE, Anderson, etc.?

Ed Shankle · June 04, 2025, 04:03:05 AM

Noah,
I've been contemplating a similar approach, but mounting the panel on the cabin top in front of mast. In that location maybe put the plug low on the mast and running the wire down the mast and exit in the bilge, assuming you are stepped there? Another option for the plug could be in the anchor locker and mount the panel on the foredeck?
I'll look forward to hearing what you decide to do!
Regards,
Ed

krafty81 · June 04, 2025, 09:19:34 AM

Why not just roll it out on cabin top, then route wire through an open porthole to the 9V outlet?

Noah · June 04, 2025, 09:28:13 AM

Quote from: krafty81 on June 04, 2025, 09:19:34 AMroute wire through an open porthole to the 9V outlet?

What 9V outlet? I would rather not have wires dangling through a porthole. Especially if I have my screens installed, which I do when I spend a couple of weeks moored around Catalina Island.

Ron Hill · June 04, 2025, 12:56:09 PM

Noah : I've thought of adapting an 3 ft piece of flexible metal hose and attaching it to the Honda's exhaust. Then bend it down so the exhaust (where the noise is) is pointed at the water!!

Haven't done it because I've got in the Dink and moved away from the boat (with the Honda running) but the 1KW Honda makes so little noise I haven't done it!!

A few thoughts

waughoo · June 04, 2025, 10:21:37 PM

I think the socket in the anchor locker might be the way to go. The other spot might be in the cockpit "glove box" on the port side giving access into the cockpit locker for wire routing.

I have a friend who used powerful magnets mounted to his flexible solar panel grommets. He then puts it on his dodger and adds magnets under the dodger to hold it in place. He was interested in a semi permanemt install so he could try it out.

Noah · June 05, 2025, 09:57:22 AM

Thank guys. However, I want all wiring on Starboard side and the anchor locker is "too far away" for my purposes.

Analgesic · June 07, 2025, 03:46:58 PM

Noah, based on an article I read written by Chris Birch in This Old Boat a few years back, I went with two Sunware panels from a German company. They have a very slick deck plug and fold into a nice storage carrier when not in use. They are pricey but very robust. With the Victron charge controller I have had three great seasons with the fridge on for a month straight last summer. Per Chris' recommendation, I went with the US distributor near Buffalo. PM me if you are interested in more details or look for the article.

Noah · June 07, 2025, 05:06:13 PM

Thanks, Brian. I chased down the article:
https://goodoldboat.com/harnessing-the-sun/
It is interesting. I like the photo in the article showing them using the solar panel as a dog bed! Meanwhile, the NY distributor doesn't seem to carry those folding models any more, but I went to German manufacturer's website and you are correct, they are expensive! I think I will try a less expensive flexible panel solution first, as I will be only using them a few weeks per year at anchor. I will use a Victron MPPT however.