Installing a Solar Arch: Self-Sufficiency on a Sailing Yacht
We share the design, preparation and installation of our solar arch and solar on our sailing yacht,
After nearly two weeks of meticulous preparation, the moment has arrived to witness the transformation and harness the power of the sun.
Filled with excitement and curiosity, we eagerly anticipate the arrival of the solar arch, wondering how it will look and how much power the panels will generate. With the invaluable assistance of Mark Symes and Constantin, the fitting process becomes a straightforward endeavour. Constantin's impressive climbing skills, resembling that of a nimble monkey, prove invaluable in securely fixing the solar panels to the arch.
Understanding the importance of proper electrical connections, James and Adam from Keto Ltd. join us to ensure the wiring is professionally and safely connected. With their expertise, we can rest assured that all is fine and that the power flows smoothly through the cables.
The result is beyond our expectations. Polaris now boasts a sleek and sophisticated appearance, resembling a serious cruising boat. However, the true significance lies in the newfound self-sufficiency it brings. This milestone takes us a significant step closer to independence, empowering us to choose our destinations and stay at places that truly inspire us along our journey.
Join us on this adventure as we celebrate this achievement and embrace the freedom of self-sufficiency.
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Пікірлер: 13
Wow, I‘m really impressed at all the DIY work you‘re doing and still after all this years, Swiss precision. Dad would be so proud!
@sailingpolaris
2 жыл бұрын
There were days when I thought I could not do this any longer - and I could feel his kick…
You have built a landing pad for the drone! :)
@sailingpolaris
2 жыл бұрын
That’s actually a great idea😂
That is quite the massive arch, wow!! I feel like I could build my own studio apartment on top of it, lol. At least Constantin feels comfortable scaling it. You're all set for long distance cruising though, now - come to the Caribbean and see us!
@sailingpolaris
2 жыл бұрын
Hmm, not sure yet about the Caribbean… (by boat I mean). However, we are self sufficient on electricity now… except when baking in the electric oven. Max production 7kWh in one day, in North Brittany…
What a brilliant and informative video. Very helpful as we are ready to do the same. Based in Scotland but heading South at the end of the year. Might check out Solent Fabrication. Looks very solid.
@sailingpolaris
Жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful! Let me know if you want more details.
Thanks for the video. I'm planning to do something very similar in a Bavaria 51. Please, could you share which solar panel brand/model you used? and after almost two years, any recommendations on the equipment you used then? What would you do differently if you had to do it again? Thanks again for sharing the video (your knowledge and wisdom😁😁).
@sailingpolaris
3 ай бұрын
Hi Juan We used the solar panels from Sunpower SPR-MAX3-400-COM, rated at 400W each. They are wired in series and connected to a Victron MPPT 250/100. We have a 12V LiFePO4 battery bank of 600Ah = 7.2kW. After 2 years we are very happy. Of course, here in Scotland and further north the solar yield is close to zero from September to March, but during the cruising season we generate about 3.5-4kW on an average day which covers our daily needs. On a nice summer days it is much more, we have seen over 7kW of solar yield a day which is enough to run even the water heater from solar… What would we do differently? Retrospectively, I think the only thing we would do differently is the arch. I think I would spend more time (and money) on a proper integrated davit system for the dinghy. Whilst we can lift and hang the dinghy underneath the panels the frame is not made for a 55kg dinghy in rough seas. So, it continues to be stowed on the foredeck. Hope this helps. Good luck with your project! Best regards, Daniel
No backing plates?
@sailingpolaris
3 ай бұрын
Sure we did… 😉
I would have mounted that arch on starboard mounting plates. The metal is sitting on gelcoat. Also starboard or metal backing plates. Don’t know about all that reinforcement with a deck that thick. That was a waste of time.