Solar Power – Propulsion

Two 310W solar panels will be used to power the motor and charge the two 12v batteries that make up the 24v required. The solar power – if sufficient – can run the motor directly. Solar panel voltage can be monitored from the dashboard at the front of the boat, while the charge controller mounted on the wall of the cupboard at the rear shows various charging information.

The two panels are attached to three recycled plastic batons each that are, in turn, mounted to the roof of the boat. The roof of the boat is pretty flat and covers most of the length which makes it great for this use. The panels are narrow enough to avoid getting in the way of the handrails on the sides.

The bolts were heated using a heat-gun and sunk into the plastic to ensure they poked through enough on the bottom side.

 

 

 

The solar charge controller (right) feeds the batteries or motor directly. The switch below swaps between running and charge modes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The green voltmeter on the left shows the solar panel voltage.

Solar Power – 12v System

The small solar panel at the front of the boat charges the separate 12v system which powers things like the TV, water pump, lights, horn and inverter. This used to be charged by the outboard motor.