Helpful ideas for solar based power systems on your boat.

Below are some interesting links that we have collected from some of our cruising clients. At Klacko, we do our best to give the best advice on eco based power as possible, however our strength is in fabricating strong ocean ready methods to hold your solar panels and wind turbines. Our belief for a good system is to start with as much battery storage as possible and use efficient electrical devices and practices. Most cruisers have reported using  200-250 amp hours per day to live aboard comfortably. Keeping the panels shadow free and out of harms way seem is the next priority…and that’s where Klacko comes in.

Batteries

You should always focus the most attention to building your battery bank. It is by far the best $/W investment you can make on your boat. Unfortunately, locating space for them is the main issue. Typically we see our clients using approx 200-250 Ah per day on average.  Also, the larger your bank the better your wind and solar will be. There’s zero point in having 1000W of solar and only 200Ah of battery storage.

Here is a great video explaining the basics of battery charging Lead Acid batteries.

Superwind 350 Wind Turbine

Still the highest rated micro turbine on the market for bluewater cruisers

We are the canadian distributor of Superwind Windgenerators.  Consistently rated the most reliable and quietest units on the market. These units are set and forget with industry only self feathering blades

Practical Sailor Wind Generator Round up

Superwind 350 Kit – $2650 USD

Canadian Solar

LG Neon Series Solar Panel

The HELIENE 60^M is a 60-cell monocrystalline photovoltaic module featuring a double-webbed 15-micron anodized aluminum alloy frame. Covered by a low-iron content, high-transmission PV solar front glass, each of the 60 monocrystalline cells measures 156 mm X 156 mm. Produced in our North American factories, the HELIENE 72^M is manufactured to international quality system standards (ISO 9001) and backed by our 10-year manufacturer’s workmanship warranty and 25-year linear power guarantee.

Victron Charge Controllers

#1 Choice for Boaters in boat performance, reliability and tech support

Remotely control and monitor the extensive features of your SmartSolar MPPT charger with built-in bluetooth by pairing it with your smartphone or other device via VictronConnect. If your installation is connected to the internet Victron Remote Management Portal (VRM) provides access to the full power of your MPPT, anytime, anywhere; both services are free to use. For remote installations – even when there is no internet connection or phone signal nearby – you may be able to monitor your MPPT by bluetooth-pairing with a LoRaWAN(long-range wide area network) device, available optionally.

We think the ‘smart’ functions that allow you to connect to your smart device or via internet is a great way to monitor your solar systems. Clients have reported 5 stars on their victron purchases.

Victron Charge Controllers Link

GENASUN

Genasun makes über advanced MPPT Solar Charge controllers that provide the power you need when you need it most. Using advanced circuit design and construction methods honed at MIT, then refined by deployment in the harshest earthly conditions, Genasun provides the most reliable and efficient power management systems available. https://genasun.com/

Thanks to: Coder Solar Lithium Water Maker Project

• A wealth of commentary,information and setups can be found here: Illustrated Guide to Solar Installations on Boats on Cruisers Forum Discussion 

MPPT vs. PWM Solar Controllers

A fun and simple video showing ins and outs of solar on a boat, thanks to the Wynn’s

Solar Parallel Setup for Shading

A tremendous wealth of info can be found from our friends at Distant Shores TV

Distant Shores Solar Planning

Great installers for electrical systems in Ontario

Ray’s Marine

Aslin Boat building

Toronto Yacht Service

Shorewest Port Credit

Longitude Marine St.Clair Shores, MI

Stingray Marine Electronics Fort Pierce, FL

A new way to mount solar over your bimini

We are constantly asked if a Canvas Bimini can support glass solar panels safe and effectively. The answer is a resounding NO. Yes, we all have dockmates who have loaded their bimini tops up with one or two solar panels and sailed the lakes for 20yrs with no issues. However, I have lost count of the number of stories I’ve heard that when these lake cruisers head south and into real ocean conditions….how fast a perceived ‘tested’ system is suddenly off the boat and sinking to the bottom.

See a Client’s Project Blog on his Solar Install. Click Here

1″ tube tied in with set screwed bimini deck fittings just can not handle the dynamic loads of ocean swells and wave action, especially laterally.

So the age old solutions to solar mounting has been on rear davit cross bars, deck or dodger and on top of an arch. The davit arch is by far the best solution however is not always an economical route. As such, we have developed a smaller and minimal arch for just solar panel mounting alone. This design is then tied into the sternrail pushpit for addition stability.

Our favourite plastic tube clamps

Remember the original rail clamp which was manufactured by Helm Products HR200?Zarcor now has it available in 3 sizes.

Sealing wiring slots in stainless tube; these Trim Lok  trim seals work well over tubing. Can be found HERE

…to be continued (feel free to send your recommendations and advice)