Epiphany Sailingvideo
Added 2 ea 200 W Swingout Solar Panels on our C&C 39 Sailboat
16 December 2024 · 15 min · 415 views
What this video covers
To increase solar capacity on a C&C 39, the crew installs two additional 200-watt rigid solar panels on custom swing-out frames.1:18 The design uses stainless steel tubing and hinges attached to the existing bimini frame, allowing the panels to fold downward when the boat is docked to avoid contact with pylons.1:47 The builder drills out hinge holes to accommodate quarter-inch bolts and cuts the hinge tails to fit the bimini clamps.3:36 To protect the glass panels during installation, a plastic cutting board is placed behind the aluminum frame while drilling.6:35 The panels are secured with stainless steel hardware, flat washers, and nylon lock nuts to prevent vibration loosening.7:25 The new panels connect in series to existing arrays, requiring an upgrade from 20-amp to 40-amp solar controllers to handle the increased output.13:07 The total solar array now reaches 1,250 watts, charging a 1,200 amp-hour lithium iron phosphate battery bank.2:05 Using spring-loaded center punches and clamped guides ensures precise, square holes when working with round stainless steel tubing.8:43
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