Solar panels on hard top PDQ 32

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tjm
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Solar panels on hard top PDQ 32

Post by tjm »

I'm wanting to put two rigid 85 Watt solar panels on the hard top of my PDQ 32 which is in Florida while I'm in Maine. Does anyone know the dimensions including openings on the hard top so I can see what size panel will fit. I'd like to get the work started before I travel south in a few months.
Thanks for whatever advice is available.
TJM
Iriemon
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Re: Solar panels on hard top PDQ 32

Post by Iriemon »

I'm planning on doing the same.

The issue is whether you have a problem partially covering up the openings in the hard top. Do you have the originally mounted panels mounted athwartship at the aft part of the hard top"? If you don't, you'll be able to mount them there. If you do, then you'll probably need to partially cover the openings.

I have the originally mounted panels but want to beef up my charging capacity. I measured to fit a couple 150 watt panels which are 39" x 39". They can fit on the hard top on either side of the center line. They can be mounted with about 1 1/2 feet space between them on the centerline (for a walkway on the hard top), and they will cover up the openings except for about 6" on the outer part of the openings, enough to peek through to check the sails. Though I'm now thinking I might mount a couple 100 watts off the stern and put 2x 100 watts on the top. The 100 watts are 40"x 27", which will leave more room for the center line walkway and less coverage of the opening.

So if you don't mind partially covering the opening, 85 watt panels should fit fine.

If you want to mount them without obstructing any part of the openings (and you are adding to the original panels on the aft end of the hard top), that is going to limit your options. Depending on the width of your panels, You *may* be able to put them very close to each other running parallel with the hulls, in which case you're not going to have any room for a walkway. It's also likely that the boom will at least partial shade the panels for a lot of the time.

Let me know your preferences, whether you have original panels mounted on the aft end of the hard top, and the size of your panels, and when I go out to the boat in the next couple days I'll measure it for you.

Bryan PDQ32 Dilligaf
tjm
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Re: Solar panels on hard top PDQ 32

Post by tjm »

Many thanks...when I get to the boat at the end of October, I'll be back in touch.
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thinwater
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Re: Solar panels on hard top PDQ 32

Post by thinwater »

This blog post covers installing 150 watts in pretty good detail. No problems after 5 years. Nothing blocked, still good walkways.

Is 150W enough? It depends on power usage; OK in sunny weather, not if there are rainy days. I probably put more of an emphasis on clean design and good sailing, and I probably use less power than most. I'm thinking of adding another 50W-80W, probably just on the port side. I never walk there and seldom open that skylight (not in years). Be aware that you do have to access the skylights to pull a motor.

http://sail-delmarva.blogspot.com/2011/ ... anels.html

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bg5w
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Re: Solar panels on hard top PDQ 32

Post by bg5w »

I seem to use most of the area not already taken by the initial solar panels for crawling around when putting the main away in the sail pack.
I would like to add additional panels also, but this stops me.

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Re: Solar panels on hard top PDQ 32

Post by amytom »

My entire extended top is covered in solar panels. When putting the sail away I pull the boom out to the side and stand on the side deck. Standing on the Bimini makes me nervous; time for a diet?
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Re: Solar panels on hard top PDQ 32

Post by thinwater »

AnyTom:

Diet: Yes? Actually, I think you reach all you need from the front and back. I don't always go on the roof. It's not like you really need to do up all the snaps, just the front and back.

Space to walk. I have a gap down the middle. I figure that is shaded most of the time anyway.

Add a panel. I'm thinking I may cover the port skylight. I've only removed the canvas a few times in 8 years. Perhaps a semi-flexible panel that is easily removed.
Writing full time since 2014.
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Re: Solar panels on hard top PDQ 32

Post by doubledutch »

I added a 150 watt panel over the davits. It is an easy addition and gives a big boost to charging.
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thinwater
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Re: Solar panels on hard top PDQ 32

Post by thinwater »

I have hesitated to put panels over the davits, since that blocks dinghy loading and because it is such a handy area to transport kayaks and bikes. Kayaks just slide on and off, and I have a bike rack made for the space.

I could add another 50-80 on the hard top (total would be 240W), and I've been considering semi-flexible panels for the deck just forward of the windscreen. Still deciding.

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Book Store. http://sail-delmarva.blogspot.com/2017/ ... store.html
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