I successfully swapped my two old Kyocera 140 watt panels for two new 200 watt bifacial panels. Wired in series.
Island Time and Flip Turn expressed concerns about my casual approach to the electrical engineering aspects and provided some good advice.
My main criteria in panel selection was that the size fit the same rack as the old panels.
Here's what I bought:
Panels: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C1Z3F8YW?re ... tails&th=1
Wire: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0753ZLLQB?re ... tails&th=1
Controller: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073ZJ3L13?re ... tails&th=1
I wasn't going to get a new controller, but all the cool kids have the new Victrons with the Victron Connect app that bluetooth's to your phone.
Even with the low sun this time of year, and a cloudy day with partially shaded panels, the performance is far better than the old panels.
Nothing has caught on fire yet.
New Bifacial Solar Panels
New Bifacial Solar Panels
Mike Hendry
M/V Easy Riders, Gulfport FL
2003 PDQ MV 34
The Legendary Hull #29
75 HP, 3 Blade
M/V Easy Riders, Gulfport FL
2003 PDQ MV 34
The Legendary Hull #29
75 HP, 3 Blade
Re: New Bifacial Solar Panels
Mike,
Thanks for the list of parts and pictures. Most helpful as we're planning to add solar this spring. Did you consider adding a third panel? I've been measuring and contemplating removing the back bimini since the panels have shade. Also attempting to get the most watts while being able to drop the nav tower.
Thanks for the list of parts and pictures. Most helpful as we're planning to add solar this spring. Did you consider adding a third panel? I've been measuring and contemplating removing the back bimini since the panels have shade. Also attempting to get the most watts while being able to drop the nav tower.
Andrew
'Abeamus' - MV 34
Hull - 041 - 75HP
'Abeamus' - MV 34
Hull - 041 - 75HP
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- deckhand
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Thu Feb 16, 2023 2:18 pm
Re: New Bifacial Solar Panels
Andrew I do not have an aft Bimini on my boat but I just placed 3 330 watt panels in the location of the aft Bimini. The one issue with my solution is you lose the ability to lower the radar mast. While the amount of solar might be excessive I’m very happy with the installation. I’ve lost almost no visibility when backing down into docks.
-Lars
M/V #52
100 HP 4 Blade prop
M/V #52
100 HP 4 Blade prop