Victoria Shadow Association Members' Forum

Robert_Sadler

Member

Registered: 2022-04-22

Posts: 3

Adding Solar to a F26 / V800

I'm looking at adding Solar to Blue Ilex. Not wanting to reinvent the wheel does the collective wisdom of the forum have any advice and / or photos?

I've thought about mounting a semi-flexible panel to the companionway hatch cover but I am concerned that the shadow from the boom / stackpack will cause issues. Alternatively I have considered a rigid panel mounted on the pushpit but i have just read a forum post about this ending up being at head height (particularly the corners!)

Many thanks Rob

Murray_Fraser

Member

From: Weymouth

Registered: 2016-11-22

Posts: 87

Re: Adding Solar to a F26 / V800

I have a 35W solar panel on pushpit.  It is raised on a curved tube about 25cm but would like it higher....other items more critical at present. However a length of pipe insulation from B&Q solved my head bumping issue.  Well worth installing but make sure you use an mppt controller, mine is small victron and even has Bluetooth enabling me to check charge from shore!

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VICTORIA 800 Dulcibella

Jeremy_Ingram

Member

Registered: 2022-02-24

Posts: 19

Re: Adding Solar to a F26 / V800

Hi Murray,
    I added two 40 watt rigid panels to the pushpit rail, one  either side , using Noa sliding mounts. They're expensive but nicely made .If you had time and a bit of a facility you could probably fashion something yourself. We went with two panels from Photonic Universe who  have a price for the two. They  measure 705x345x25mm and conveniently, whilst stowed in the vertical position, they  just fit between the top and lower rail of our pushpit. In the horizontal mode they stick outboard from the rail and being on both sides give a good coverage from any sun. So far they´ve been very succesful and don´t get in the way at all. I´ve got a (not very good photo ) which I´ll happily pass on by mail if you´d like .

Jeremy_Ingram

Member

Registered: 2022-02-24

Posts: 19

Re: Adding Solar to a F26 / V800

As an addition to the previous post, I do apologise as I should have been addressing Robert and not Murray. My mistake and no offence meant!

Bill_Robinson

Member

From: Langkawi, Malaysia

Registered: 2021-06-14

Posts: 110

Re: Adding Solar to a F26 / V800

Hi Robert, the same question was raised on the Victoria and Frances Facebook Group. Amount others, I posted details and photos of my installation on my Frances 26 there.