1800 Watts of Solar and 800ah Lithium Batteries; we really are upping our cruising game with this one. What would be the first appliance you would run on board with this kind of setup? ☀
The first thing I'd get rid off, assuming you have enough redundancy in the electrical system, is anything on gas, like cooking, in the galley. Probably throw out the entire gas system. Considering you have over solar capacity, I might add some battle born storage of electrons. Just an electric (induction) cook top with an electric oven. I also might throw in a 100C boiler (e.g. of the Qooker brand). As you sip your PG Tips, or a lot more sophisticated Oolong, Darjeeling, etc., you want "on demand" boiling or hot water. Note that the sophisticated teas don't want boiling water to steep in. Personally I would want my 1.5HP coffee grinder and 1 group pro barista espresso machine in there. After all, it's a home, that sailing yacht of yours. Someone else might want a dishwasher, though, instead of these luxuries. As the gas gets eliminated, I would - not sure if you did that already - hook backup heating up to the diesel tank. I don't know if a hybrid heating exists with heat pumps, that would be very efficient, but if possible - you have a lot of engine room space in your boat and as long as you maintain orderly installations, you can use that space to your advantage. As it's low in the boat the COG will not suffer significantly in there.
1800W panels- that's say around 200kgs / 440lbs mounted 2meters+ above deck height on a midsize 40ft yacht. Not only are the panels not secure on the narrow arch, they are fitted far too aft of the transom. This creates a serious stability/righting problem here at the aft end of the boat. With the leverage of the weight up so high, in a big seaway the whole arch could tear and separate the deck from the hull. I really hope you re-think and re-engineer this setup (including your need for power) to make it far stronger. Or use lightweight flexible solar panels instead of heavy rigid ones. I know this is not what you want to hear, but this message is sent with the best of intentions as we all love following your adventures 🙂
I agree with your assessment. The arch has a very short connection with the deck, putting bigger loads on the fittings. The fittings themselves need to be robust, I didn't see how they were fitted. The idea of extra solar power is great, it is a question of doing it appropriately.
I’d be tempted to tie the corners down to the structure. A big gust underneath could bend them badly. The current set up will put massive loads on the brackets due to the overhanging leverage on both ends. A tie rod or wire in each corner would help stiffen it all a lot
I would agree, in heavy wind there would be an incredible load on that arch, if panel assly. doesnt fail , i would worry that entire arch would pull out of hull.
Frankly, I would Never Build a Solar Arch out of Aluminium, and even then Not that High, plus Never Discharge Lifepo4 Batteries below 50 % Capacity as you will shorten the Battery Aervice Life Considerably due to hammering the Recharge Cycles. First Taslmof the Two Lifepo4 Battery Bans I Plan - First Bank 4 x Li Time Plus 230 ah Batteries for their Ground Breaking BMS, for a Total of 920 ah, and 460 amps available, and a Test Bank of 4 x Redodo 100 ah Batteries total 400 ah capacity and 200 amps available with both Banks having 660 amps total and tasked with keeping the Core AGM Bank, engine Starter, Anchor Windlass and Bowthruster Batteries in tip top fully charged Condition, plus running all electronic loads - Boat Network, instruments, Navigation Lights two Freezers and a Refrigerator Running through the hours of Darkness, before charge gets put back from Solar Panels, engine Alternator of 120 amps or from the backup Diesel Generator Standard Lead Acid Batteries never Discharge below 15 % or 12.2 v and they last at least 15 years, AGM, never Discharge below 80 % Capacity, and just size the Bank accordingly, and they should do at least 30nyears, because the Recharge Cycles will then Flatline, and Never Drop. so say AGM Bank of 800 ah, means 160 amps availablecthrough the hours of Darkness, which is plenty, and meanwhile 660 amps from the Lifepo4 Banks via DC to DC Charging is gently topping up every other Battery. Finally, we know how to get Lifepo4 Batteries to have an equivalent Service Life to AGM, and the Redodo Bank should Confirm that we can get that Service Life out of very Cheap Redodo Batteries just by Treating them Properly and Gentlybenough ! 4 x 100 ah Redodo Batteries can be had for less than 1,00 dollars Total. The Trick is to share the Load Recharge or Discharge equally between each battery, so each battery only has to handle a quarter of the load in a 4 battery Bank, so nothing even gets hot inside the Battery - so good Copper Busbars, and equal length sensible thickness Copper cables that never Overheat. Once my System is fully set up and Running on my Next Sailboat, I will have all test results of non Sponsored personally financed everything with results good or bad freely available, probably on a non video Blog, to keep Costs down, and if I manage to save people a lot of headaches and Money, well just buy me a Coffee as a Thank you, and intention is no advertising of Stuoid Shit either - Frankly TH-cam adverts have now become bloody annoyingly Juvenile and unprofessional, which ruins the video continuity of Content Creators. Product advertising of Stuff they are being Sponsored for, is also killing Sailing Channels, and no wonder viewer numbers are falling off a Cliff imho. 🤔
Doesn’t look stable enough to be supported by the mid span - no substantial resistance to pitching up and down from the base frame - can you survive a total loss of power at sea? Try and fit diagonals from panel fronts vertically to front of base fixings. Any pitching will cause fatigue failure even if structurally rated for the load - which I doubt in any event.
Sorry guys I forgot to mention, in my opinion you can only fit one panel up there and that has to be side ways, maybe you can find a place for the other panel. Just trying to save you some grief down the track.
Looks great. I can see with the width of the arch, the solar panels will teeter totter in high winds. Might need to add a brace from about the top 1/4 of the arch to the end of the end of the inboard new solar panel brace.
Sorry, i agree with a fair number of people in the comments that those panels will be gone the first big blow. What might help are gussets front and back. All the best for your hard work.
Absolutely agree 100%. Those solar panels are a huge wing just waiting to take off in the first serious gusts. They really do need supports at the front and rear.
Yes, I think they require to be connected to the boat, like you would connect a Bimini. The ends fore and aft need strong connections to the boat. I reckon 4 connections to the boat would suffice.
I added smaller panels in a similar set up on my boat and on the advice of the boatyard engineer, I added a further supporting strut to cater for the "sail" effect. I have a catamaran so much less chance of the wind getting under the panel than on a heeling monohull!
At the very least, some supports from the 4 ends of the supports down to the base of the A frame, You can argue the pros and cons of guy wires versus support tubes...
It’s designed as a ski tower not a solar “arch” - completely different applications! I am surprised their patrons or other sea faring folk have not pointed this out to them previously 😅
Love the new solar arch, massive 1800 Watt panels look amazing and so well positioned aft of the mizzen. Should give the Aries steering vane plenty of protection from the elements and of course acting as a sun screen is such a nice feature. The BMS install and two busbars are perfectly located with easy access. We are all so happy your thumbs will heal and do wish Zach will be more careful. Ending up back in the UK with Health issues is not where you want to be.
My only word of caution. If you happen to be in a marina with pilings, and your panels extended out over one at high tide, it might get hung on your panels and damage them at low tide. Great job!
That arch is way too narrow to support the length of your panels. Too much windage. I hope I’m wrong but I suspect they are going to be a hazard in heavy weather.
Becca and Zack you guys Rock! I’ve followed and watched several sailing channels and you guys are quickly becoming my favorite! Can’t wait to see you on passage putting all that power to use margaritas in a blender! 🎉😊
You 2 have some of the best sailing info out there. I have been dreaming of a little Gozzard cutter, and tricking it all out with an arch 800w of solar panels, and a several hundred AH battery bank to cross the Pacific and then Indian and Atlantic oceans. Thank you for keeping this dream in my mind and the fantasy of the lifestyle.
Well done both of you, but I have serious doubts about the security of the installation in strong winds and heavy seas, also it has spoilt the lines of a pretty vessel.
Run the extra load into your water heater…….here in BC Canada, my 1200 watts of solar, starts the day charging the batteries then the water maker for 1-2 hours and then the hot water tank, long days give a nice warm shower every evening……..
You 100% need to add some sort of triangular support to the leading and trailing corners of the panels. A gust of wind will fold those panels like a taco.
Very technical and instructive episode but not boring. it is good to see two enterprising youngsters (sorry adults) learning and listening and totally unpretentious. And you seem to have such a solid relationship.
You can both trust me on this. Solar power is addictive. Free power for the rest of your life. 🙃😉 We have reached our goal after many years. Our life is now 100% Solar Powered. Full off grid house. Full OFF GRID Camper.
Do you have to worry about adding weight (and windage) that far above the waterline? I’m not a sailor, but it seems to me that you have reduced the righting-motion of the boat.
Nice job. I did notice that the two tubes that run across the top of your arch are very close together. You mounted the two square panel support brackets that run fore and aft, only on the top arch tubes. Since there is so much overhang of the panels in front and behind the arch, I think the wind will want to lift your panels like a giant wing. If I were you, I would add a support bracket from the forward end of the square panel support tube down to the vertical part of your arch at a 45 degree angle. Do this for both panels. If it wouldn’t interfere with lines or your wind vane then add brackets on the aft side as well.
Another video that kept me watching. You're doing great. To your parents I'd say, you put a couple great kids into the world - civilised, grown up, wise. But don't tell them or they'll loose their modesty.
Sorry to say i agree with a lot of comments on the windage aspect also a 100 kg up there when the boat starts pitching in waves forward and aft ,is a lot of strain on a few bolts .
Love the idea, but you must connect the 4 corners back to the tower verticals as a minimum. If not in any wind of rolling seas, you'll loose them for sure. They are just not supported at the ends as is😮😮
The leverage that they would exert onto the narrow beams of the arch worries me. Sorry team Teulu but i would have a forward and rear support led down to halfway down the arch…
I have really enjoyed your videos. I am however very concerned over your this latest solar power setup - I fully support the comments re the very strong possibility of having these large panels being ripped off in a storm - at the very least add support brackets at the forward and rear ends of the panels as suggested. These comments are based on 60 years sailing experience in coastal and ocean sailing in the Pacific, and being a qualified marine surveyor and yacht inspector. Good luck and best wishes.
Fabulous job with the solar panels on the back. While you are in dock you could add a few connection points to easily add restraining lines if the winds become particularly spicy.
When you put holes through any tube that has securing bolts going through it a tube should be welded in to form the through hole so the main tube doesn't collapse. If you can't weld a tube in a lose tube slid down inside the tube should be slid inside. You now risk the tubes collapsing as the panels take wind battering. Sorry, but ..... Great idea, but more strengthening and stabilisation needed. As other's have said, this could end up a disaster.
Love all your videos, and love your positivity. There are a lot of comments about the angle of pressure on the solar arch, and the height of the loading affecting the manoeuvrability of the yacht and its righting ability in high seas, plus how it might catch in strong winds and sudden squalls. I guess the only way to know for sure is to test it. I really want to be positive for you, but I do worry that in high seas and with sustained winds exceeding 30knts plus gusts I would be surprised if that arch survives, and the very least if the panels don't catch and tear off. Won't it also potentially catch wind when you're at anchor or in a marina, the latter being the biggest risk in my mind when the boat is secured and the panels are catching wind, something would need to give. Also I'm not entirely sold on the positioning of the wind vane in the middle of an arch? time will tell the resilience of it all. Finally, on flat water you've created a semi wind funnel which is fine, but on a windy sea, with a boat heeling (to port or starboard) any wind coming from the beam and forward from the beam will use those enormous panels "as a sail"... and a fixed one at that... so beating into a gale is gonna be lively I suspect. Its your boat, and all that hard work we've seen from you makes me really want to see it all work... I think there will be many keen viewers the moment you hit big wind to see how it all copes. Fingers crossed and Best of British luck to you both.
Must admit. The first comment I read here besides your own. By floathi. Chimed with my thoughts, when I saw the finished product. (your new solar array) However, you guys tend to plan and execute well, so I wasn't going to be an armchair admiral ;) The tour of your electrical system impressed me no end. When I buy my own boat. Probably next year. I'll be doing something similar. What you've installed. In fairly tight spaces. Is a heck of an achievement. I'm a bit like a broken record on my next comment. Part of my career involved developing teams to achieve higher performance. The two of you endlessly impress me, for what its worth. How you support and encourage each other and how you both seem to have grown together as people and as a team is wonderful to see. You are a crew. And a crew capable of meeting all the challenges you encounter. I know sailing isn't all unicorns and bunnies. You manage to show the ups and downs without resorting to amateur dramatics. Happy trails guys! (from the North Coast of Northern Ireland)
Hi Zac & Becka. Awesomeness job & well done. Just A Huge Note From Me Y’all Are Becoming The New Upcoming Young Generation Of Legends Couple. Fair Winds. Keep Moving Forward. ❤❤❤❤.
Sailing Sitka is a wonderful couple I've been following ❤. That's one hell of a solar set up you got there. Becka, I'm glad to see you wearing plenty of sun protection, being mindful of those Ray's is a good thing. Zack your steadfast determination will serve you well when these projects stall as they do. Good job guys!!❤
Love the channel and have been watching for a while now. If you want a bit more info on how solar panels actually work, I can help. I am an electrical engineer from South Africa and have installed over 70 000 panels. It is really interesting how they work and what you can do to make them more efficient. Thanks, Pete.
Hello again. I don't know if you are rethinking the panel installation or not, but I saw on the internet one guy built a frame and attached it to the arch and installed the panels inside the frame (side to side instead of fore and aft). Just a thought for consideration. good luck with this project. ciao geo
Good job, well done! It seems a little too big...I wonder what it will be in very strong winds (since boat is leaning it will be from under the panels). Also I hope you have put a sturdy couterplate under the deck for the bow stand of the panel holder: there is a lot of weight, especially with the dinghy lifted there, and little support from aft. Thanks for keeping us updated and congratulations for your results!💜
Welding aluminum takes special equipment and special skills. Maybe seek a shop that specializes in that? Like an aluminum door manufacturer. If they can't do it for you, they will know who can.
Hi guys I have really enjoyed watching your journey from UK onwards and particularly the great projects you take on to improve the boat. That said I am a bit thoughtful about the design of your solar arch. My feeling is that it is too narrow (fwd and aft). The solar panels are cantilevered and while you have tried to mitigate that by adding aluminium support bars the panels will still tend to twist and flex about their arch base particularly it extreme weather which can lead to early failure. I would have added a brace to the fwd end with a diagonal coming up from the arch to stiffen the leading edge. Hope that makes sense without a diagram.
You both have done an incredible job upgrading your sailing home and I've very much enjoyed your "can do" attitude and the joy you infuse in every episode. Your solar upgrade project is a serious undertaking. I'm hesitant to raise a concern given all the work you've put into this project. However, I hope you consider my thoughts. My primary concern is how your frame is attached to the hull and that the weight is so high above the deck. Imagine, for example, say a 50 pound horizontal force pushing aft on the front of your solar panels. Assuming the panels are about 6 feet above your deck that would be 50x6= 300 ft-lb of torque at the base of the frame. The tubes at the base appear to be only about 1' apart. The whole frame would want to bend aft putting a "lifting" force of 300 lb on the forward bolt. The whole apparatus could rip off. Also, as the boat heels over on a beam reach in significant weather the bottom of the panels could act as a sail and want to lift causing potential frame failure, etc. The forward and aft panel overhangs from the narrow frame are also of concern. I hope you gather other opinions before casting off and I wish you well. After reading this feel free to delete it from the comment thread. I don't know how to contact you other than through this.
I have 1200 wats on my arch. But i also have a solid frame welded to the arch that the pannels fit into. I did loose 1 panel in a 50 knoter once. I dont think youre going to get away with out better support But the good news is the windage does not seem to be a issue at all. I have had lots of 50 knoters.
So pleased about the breaker on the Lithium batteries, good move. Had some difficulty working out what you were trying to achieve, but that’s me, not you. Just let our bonfire go out, tonight will be 6c, bet you miss that.
Good video ! i only have 2 suggestions. 1) The Massive surface area will create alot of " Lift stress on the panels ". to mitigate this i would suggest adding a surface area " under the panels " to take this load / stress off the panels. You could add a Piece of Canvas under the Panels to take the Load. that is the Cheapest & Lightest Method to Reduce the Upward force created in High wind or a Storm. it Could be made Removable too & stored under normal conditions if so desired. 2) Get rid of ALL Fuses on Board !!! - Replace ALL fuses with circuit breakers. Fuses are time consuming to replace & expensive. also Require having replacements of many different sizes & types. take up valuable storage space on a boat. When troubleshooting a fuse blowing issue , You will CURSE yourself having installed fuses & not a circuit breaker. Circuit breakers Last for 20 years plus-- Re-Set in a second Environmentally friendly make troubleshooting easier etc. in this Day & Age --- Fuses are also NOT Environmentally friendly. Circuit breakers are available in EVERY SIZE these days.
Glad you’re Happy with your Solar/Electric setup👍…Personally I’m way outta my League with just about anything Electric, but Happy to hear somebody can do it😜…Stay Safe and Enjoy 😎
I have a stand-alone 7.2kw land-based system with 9x100w panels, I have plenty of sun here in Australia and my system is at 100% by midday. I am very frugal with power usage and even with 7.2kw I have about three days of storage. Very occasionally I have to use the generator to top up the system. There has been lots of comments as to whether your system will withstand the ravages of mother nature, it may pay to add extra support, or not??? The extra overhang will cost you in marina fees in many marinas as they charge by the total length of the vessel, yacht + dingy and davits etc. Good luck and fair winds.
Hello Becca & Zac. Wow, that was a big project! It looks good I think, but after reading the comments about what the wind could do to them and maybe your boat, I think I would consult a professional marine engineer about this installation. I am sure you don't want to be at sea in a big storm and have a problem with your arch or panels. Better safe than sorry, right! All your videos are very very informative and interesting. I always look forward to seeing the next one. Ok take good care. ciao. geo
The most efficient is as low as it can get. The lower the temperature the higher the voltage for the same sun power. That is sometimes written on the label of the panel.
Device is likely a smart shunt that wasn’t mentioned. Or a NMEA2000 / Cerbos GX interface. Of course you can charge Lithium with the Alternator… just need a smart regulator like WakeSpeed that is now owned by BB. Way faster than going through the DC-DC.
Great content guys as usual. Matching thumb injuries. Stop hurting yourselves!!! Thank you for the advise on battery wiring. Planning my own battery setup, amateur like you guys, and was about to make the same mistakes. I hate that you had such a challenge with the solar install. I fear your going to need to replace the welded angle with real box material eventually. Thanks again for taking the time to film and edit your experiences for "the rest of us!". Be safe out there!!!
Thank you for your support! We're glad the battery wiring advice was helpful. Safety is key, and we're all learning together-one thumb injury at a time haha.
Great project Power enough and if not go to induction cooking, As others have mentioned I agree that extra supports or wire to your base on the oute r ends/corners to stop any sea saw effect when the boat of hobby horsing.
Patience and perseverance is certainly the order of the day…… or should that be the week. You guys have the determination and excitement to see what the end results are going to give you. It’s going to make such a difference to you in your future ventures. Onto the next task and hopefully no more fingers and thumbs mangled up👍
i think possibly the top bar section of the solar arch should have been splayed outwards fore and aft. that would have allowed the top solar support bars to have been much lighter and only significantly required to secure the panels in place. those welded support bars look very heavy and i'm not certain they wouldn't suffer in a heavy sea. failing that, support further along the length of the panelse should have been provided from and secured to the arch itself. in any event, i doubt that the vessel itself and the method of securing it, is sufficient. i personally would not proceed to sea with that on my vessel. i hope it works for you tho. loving the channel.
Adding a comment B4 watching the full tube makes my below comment look out of context. lol. All that aside. I fully understand the Geek out with the free power and management thing. To everyone's dismay, I could go on and on and on with my simple set up. You guys should be as proud as punch.
who needs a sail just put those panels on a movable platform angle it into the wind and away you go . There is no way they are going to stay in place during a storm.
I would have also fitted them lower and in a way that they can be dropped to the side of the boat quickly and easily in high winds. I'm no engineer, but think you need to redesign this one, or at least get an expects opinon. stay safe!
1800 Watts of Solar and 800ah Lithium Batteries; we really are upping our cruising game with this one. What would be the first appliance you would run on board with this kind of setup? ☀
an electric motor instead of your diesel one?
Air conditioning?
The first thing I'd get rid off, assuming you have enough redundancy in the electrical system, is anything on gas, like cooking, in the galley. Probably throw out the entire gas system. Considering you have over solar capacity, I might add some battle born storage of electrons. Just an electric (induction) cook top with an electric oven. I also might throw in a 100C boiler (e.g. of the Qooker brand). As you sip your PG Tips, or a lot more sophisticated Oolong, Darjeeling, etc., you want "on demand" boiling or hot water. Note that the sophisticated teas don't want boiling water to steep in. Personally I would want my 1.5HP coffee grinder and 1 group pro barista espresso machine in there. After all, it's a home, that sailing yacht of yours. Someone else might want a dishwasher, though, instead of these luxuries.
As the gas gets eliminated, I would - not sure if you did that already - hook backup heating up to the diesel tank. I don't know if a hybrid heating exists with heat pumps, that would be very efficient, but if possible - you have a lot of engine room space in your boat and as long as you maintain orderly installations, you can use that space to your advantage. As it's low in the boat the COG will not suffer significantly in there.
You going to have fun in the wind with those panels so high. Good luck.
A Nespresso machine…
1800W panels- that's say around 200kgs / 440lbs mounted 2meters+ above deck height on a midsize 40ft yacht. Not only are the panels not secure on the narrow arch, they are fitted far too aft of the transom. This creates a serious stability/righting problem here at the aft end of the boat. With the leverage of the weight up so high, in a big seaway the whole arch could tear and separate the deck from the hull. I really hope you re-think and re-engineer this setup (including your need for power) to make it far stronger. Or use lightweight flexible solar panels instead of heavy rigid ones. I know this is not what you want to hear, but this message is sent with the best of intentions as we all love following your adventures 🙂
I agree with your assessment. The arch has a very short connection with the deck, putting bigger loads on the fittings. The fittings themselves need to be robust, I didn't see how they were fitted. The idea of extra solar power is great, it is a question of doing it appropriately.
Agree with Ralph. Think those Panels are way too big. A Storm will rip those off or take the Arch down.
The panels aren’t too big. There is a solution. They simply require additional bracing to the boat.
There is of course a limit to any system, but this system will be fine.
I was wondering if you would be better served with a hard cockpit roof and mount panels on there?
Are you not worried about all the wind resistance from these big panels being up so high?
I’d be tempted to tie the corners down to the structure. A big gust underneath could bend them badly. The current set up will put massive loads on the brackets due to the overhanging leverage on both ends. A tie rod or wire in each corner would help stiffen it all a lot
I would agree, in heavy wind there would be an incredible load on that arch, if panel assly. doesnt fail , i would worry that entire arch would pull out of hull.
@@euanmckenzie2029i was thinking the same
Frankly, I would Never Build a Solar Arch out of Aluminium, and even then Not that High, plus Never Discharge Lifepo4 Batteries below 50 % Capacity as you will shorten the Battery Aervice Life Considerably due to hammering the Recharge Cycles. First Taslmof the Two Lifepo4 Battery Bans I Plan - First Bank 4 x Li Time Plus 230 ah Batteries for their Ground Breaking BMS, for a Total of 920 ah, and 460 amps available, and a Test Bank of 4 x Redodo 100 ah Batteries total 400 ah capacity and 200 amps available with both Banks having 660 amps total and tasked with keeping the Core AGM Bank, engine Starter, Anchor Windlass and Bowthruster Batteries in tip top fully charged Condition, plus running all electronic loads - Boat Network, instruments, Navigation Lights two Freezers and a Refrigerator Running through the hours of Darkness, before charge gets put back from Solar Panels, engine Alternator of 120 amps or from the backup Diesel Generator Standard Lead Acid Batteries never Discharge below 15 % or 12.2 v and they last at least 15 years, AGM, never Discharge below 80 % Capacity, and just size the Bank accordingly, and they should do at least 30nyears, because the Recharge Cycles will then Flatline, and Never Drop. so say AGM Bank of 800 ah, means 160 amps availablecthrough the hours of Darkness, which is plenty, and meanwhile 660 amps from the Lifepo4 Banks via DC to DC Charging is gently topping up every other Battery. Finally, we know how to get Lifepo4 Batteries to have an equivalent Service Life to AGM, and the Redodo Bank should Confirm that we can get that Service Life out of very Cheap Redodo Batteries just by Treating them Properly and Gentlybenough ! 4 x 100 ah Redodo Batteries can be had for less than 1,00 dollars Total. The Trick is to share the Load Recharge or Discharge equally between each battery, so each battery only has to handle a quarter of the load in a 4 battery Bank, so nothing even gets hot inside the Battery - so good Copper Busbars, and equal length sensible thickness Copper cables that never Overheat. Once my System is fully set up and Running on my Next Sailboat, I will have all test results of non Sponsored personally financed everything with results good or bad freely available, probably on a non video Blog, to keep Costs down, and if I manage to save people a lot of headaches and Money, well just buy me a Coffee as a Thank you, and intention is no advertising of Stuoid Shit either - Frankly TH-cam adverts have now become bloody annoyingly Juvenile and unprofessional, which ruins the video continuity of Content Creators. Product advertising of Stuff they are being Sponsored for, is also killing Sailing Channels, and no wonder viewer numbers are falling off a Cliff imho. 🤔
Doesn’t look stable enough to be supported by the mid span - no substantial resistance to pitching up and down from the base frame - can you survive a total loss of power at sea? Try and fit diagonals from panel fronts vertically to front of base fixings. Any pitching will cause fatigue failure even if structurally rated for the load - which I doubt in any event.
Sorry guys I forgot to mention, in my opinion you can only fit one panel up there and that has to be side ways, maybe you can find a place for the other panel. Just trying to save you some grief down the track.
These will be destroyed in the first squall you encounter it could also damage your steering vane
Looks great. I can see with the width of the arch, the solar panels will teeter totter in high winds. Might need to add a brace from about the top 1/4 of the arch to the end of the end of the inboard new solar panel brace.
Sorry, i agree with a fair number of people in the comments that those panels will be gone the first big blow. What might help are gussets front and back. All the best for your hard work.
Absolutely agree 100%. Those solar panels are a huge wing just waiting to take off in the first serious gusts. They really do need supports at the front and rear.
Yes, I think they require to be connected to the boat, like you would connect a Bimini. The ends fore and aft need strong connections to the boat. I reckon 4 connections to the boat would suffice.
Use some dynema to brace the arch to the boat. It’s effectively a sail
I added smaller panels in a similar set up on my boat and on the advice of the boatyard engineer, I added a further supporting strut to cater for the "sail" effect. I have a catamaran so much less chance of the wind getting under the panel than on a heeling monohull!
Ambitious project of good intent, but I would have to agree with you. Either they'll be ripped off or the yacht is going to weathercock in a storm.
That’s one crummy mount with so much cantilever over the tubes it’s bound to break the panels in heavy seas.
At the very least, some supports from the 4 ends of the supports down to the base of the A frame, You can argue the pros and cons of guy wires versus support tubes...
My thoughts as well. The solar and battery setup is very well thought out. The solar arch construction makes me doubt about it's seaworthiness.
It’s designed as a ski tower not a solar “arch” - completely different applications! I am surprised their patrons or other sea faring folk have not pointed this out to them previously 😅
@@WarlandFamilyThey can make do with this solution, as long as they add bracing fore and aft.
Love the new solar arch, massive 1800 Watt panels look amazing and so well positioned aft of the mizzen. Should give the Aries steering vane plenty of protection from the elements and of course acting as a sun screen is such a nice feature. The BMS install and two busbars are perfectly located with easy access. We are all so happy your thumbs will heal and do wish Zach will be more careful. Ending up back in the UK with Health issues is not where you want to be.
My only word of caution. If you happen to be in a marina with pilings, and your panels extended out over one at high tide, it might get hung on your panels and damage them at low tide. Great job!
Overbuild, overbuild, imagine them in 40kt or more. Squalls can come on quickly!
with strong wind, it will destroy everything there
That arch is way too narrow to support the length of your panels. Too much windage. I hope I’m wrong but I suspect they are going to be a hazard in heavy weather.
That's a big sail for something only mounted in the middle.
Becca and Zack you guys Rock! I’ve followed and watched several sailing channels and you guys are quickly becoming my favorite! Can’t wait to see you on passage putting all that power to use margaritas in a blender! 🎉😊
You must calculate the wind force is at least 1,5 kN/qm ! I believe that these construction will not last very long .
Are you worried the wind vane may get an incorrect signal because of the area of the solar structure?
first breeze.. they will go...
You 2 have some of the best sailing info out there. I have been dreaming of a little Gozzard cutter, and tricking it all out with an arch 800w of solar panels, and a several hundred AH battery bank to cross the Pacific and then Indian and Atlantic oceans. Thank you for keeping this dream in my mind and the fantasy of the lifestyle.
I love it, your friends had matching T shirts and you’ve got matching thumbs😅
All fingers and fingers 😂😜
One tip never do electrical work even twelve volts wearing metal jewellery especially rings 😬 🤦🏻 frying tonight... 🇬🇧
Well done both of you, but I have serious doubts about the security of the installation in strong winds and heavy seas, also it has spoilt the lines of a pretty vessel.
Run the extra load into your water heater…….here in BC Canada, my 1200 watts of solar, starts the day charging the batteries then the water maker for 1-2 hours and then the hot water tank, long days give a nice warm shower every evening……..
You 100% need to add some sort of triangular support to the leading and trailing corners of the panels. A gust of wind will fold those panels like a taco.
Very technical and instructive episode but not boring. it is good to see two enterprising youngsters (sorry adults) learning and listening and totally unpretentious. And you seem to have such a solid relationship.
You can both trust me on this. Solar power is addictive. Free power for the rest of your life. 🙃😉 We have reached our goal after many years. Our life is now 100% Solar Powered. Full off grid house. Full OFF GRID Camper.
Do you have to worry about adding weight (and windage) that far above the waterline? I’m not a sailor, but it seems to me that you have reduced the righting-motion of the boat.
Whoa, this was epic! Keep it up!
Nice job. I did notice that the two tubes that run across the top of your arch are very close together. You mounted the two square panel support brackets that run fore and aft, only on the top arch tubes. Since there is so much overhang of the panels in front and behind the arch, I think the wind will want to lift your panels like a giant wing. If I were you, I would add a support bracket from the forward end of the square panel support tube down to the vertical part of your arch at a 45 degree angle. Do this for both panels. If it wouldn’t interfere with lines or your wind vane then add brackets on the aft side as well.
Amazing episode , thank you so much for the shout out 😊 we miss you guys ⛵️
Loving the "it is what it is" positive attitude. Great job guys. Be careful with your tools...
Another video that kept me watching. You're doing great. To your parents I'd say, you put a couple great kids into the world - civilised, grown up, wise. But don't tell them or they'll loose their modesty.
Sorry to say i agree with a lot of comments on the windage aspect also a 100 kg up there when the boat starts pitching in waves forward and aft ,is a lot of strain on a few bolts .
Empathy wounds, lol 😂 you’re killing ME 🤣. I love you both so very much.
STOP HURTING YOURSELVES!
Wonderful video as always!
Thank you 🙏🏼
Love the idea, but you must connect the 4 corners back to the tower verticals as a minimum. If not in any wind of rolling seas, you'll loose them for sure. They are just not supported at the ends as is😮😮
The leverage that they would exert onto the narrow beams of the arch worries me. Sorry team Teulu but i would have a forward and rear support led down to halfway down the arch…
I have really enjoyed your videos. I am however very concerned over your this latest solar power setup - I fully support the comments re the very strong possibility of having these large panels being ripped off in a storm - at the very least add support brackets at the forward and rear ends of the panels as suggested. These comments are based on 60 years sailing experience in coastal and ocean sailing in the Pacific, and being a qualified marine surveyor and yacht inspector. Good luck and best wishes.
Great to hear that you got the battery and solar system sorted! Good one! Phil
Fabulous job with the solar panels on the back.
While you are in dock you could add a few connection points to easily add restraining lines if the winds become particularly spicy.
I totally agree. Humor is the best response for dealing with frustration.
When you put holes through any tube that has securing bolts going through it a tube should be welded in to form the through hole so the main tube doesn't collapse.
If you can't weld a tube in a lose tube slid down inside the tube should be slid inside.
You now risk the tubes collapsing as the panels take wind battering.
Sorry, but ..... Great idea, but more strengthening and stabilisation needed. As other's have said, this could end up a disaster.
Looks great guys! Thanks for sharing
Love all your videos, and love your positivity.
There are a lot of comments about the angle of pressure on the solar arch, and the height of the loading affecting the manoeuvrability of the yacht and its righting ability in high seas, plus how it might catch in strong winds and sudden squalls. I guess the only way to know for sure is to test it. I really want to be positive for you, but I do worry that in high seas and with sustained winds exceeding 30knts plus gusts I would be surprised if that arch survives, and the very least if the panels don't catch and tear off.
Won't it also potentially catch wind when you're at anchor or in a marina, the latter being the biggest risk in my mind when the boat is secured and the panels are catching wind, something would need to give.
Also I'm not entirely sold on the positioning of the wind vane in the middle of an arch? time will tell the resilience of it all.
Finally, on flat water you've created a semi wind funnel which is fine, but on a windy sea, with a boat heeling (to port or starboard) any wind coming from the beam and forward from the beam will use those enormous panels "as a sail"... and a fixed one at that... so beating into a gale is gonna be lively I suspect.
Its your boat, and all that hard work we've seen from you makes me really want to see it all work... I think there will be many keen viewers the moment you hit big wind to see how it all copes.
Fingers crossed and Best of British luck to you both.
Really hope you haven't been a tad too ambitious with the PV panels guys - I'd be a little nervous in 20+ 😬really hope it all works out OK. x
At least you have had these problems in dock not in a storm at sea!!
Love you kids. Will be excited to see you back on the water. Be well. ❤
Must admit. The first comment I read here besides your own. By floathi. Chimed with my thoughts, when I saw the finished product. (your new solar array) However, you guys tend to plan and execute well, so I wasn't going to be an armchair admiral ;)
The tour of your electrical system impressed me no end. When I buy my own boat. Probably next year. I'll be doing something similar. What you've installed. In fairly tight spaces. Is a heck of an achievement.
I'm a bit like a broken record on my next comment. Part of my career involved developing teams to achieve higher performance. The two of you endlessly impress me, for what its worth. How you support and encourage each other and how you both seem to have grown together as people and as a team is wonderful to see. You are a crew. And a crew capable of meeting all the challenges you encounter. I know sailing isn't all unicorns and bunnies. You manage to show the ups and downs without resorting to amateur dramatics.
Happy trails guys! (from the North Coast of Northern Ireland)
Hi Zac & Becka. Awesomeness job & well done. Just A Huge Note From Me Y’all Are Becoming The New Upcoming Young Generation Of Legends Couple. Fair Winds. Keep Moving Forward. ❤❤❤❤.
Sailing Sitka is a wonderful couple I've been following ❤. That's one hell of a solar set up you got there. Becka, I'm glad to see you wearing plenty of sun protection, being mindful of those Ray's is a good thing. Zack your steadfast determination will serve you well when these projects stall as they do. Good job guys!!❤
Cheers for the kind words! We're really proud of our solar setup and appreciate your support😊
Love the channel and have been watching for a while now.
If you want a bit more info on how solar panels actually work, I can help. I am an electrical engineer from South Africa and have installed over 70 000 panels. It is really interesting how they work and what you can do to make them more efficient. Thanks, Pete.
A sailing solar farm , AWSOME
Another wonderful video. Not sure about the support for those back panels. I hope we are all wrong and the first big blow doesn't rip them off.
Hello again. I don't know if you are rethinking the panel installation or not, but I saw on the internet one guy built a frame and attached it to the arch and installed the panels inside the frame (side to side instead of fore and aft). Just a thought for consideration. good luck with this project. ciao geo
Good job, well done!
It seems a little too big...I wonder what it will be in very strong winds (since boat is leaning it will be from under the panels).
Also I hope you have put a sturdy couterplate under the deck for the bow stand of the panel holder: there is a lot of weight, especially with the dinghy lifted there, and little support from aft.
Thanks for keeping us updated and congratulations for your results!💜
Welding aluminum takes special equipment and special skills. Maybe seek a shop that specializes in that? Like an aluminum door manufacturer. If they can't do it for you, they will know who can.
Great episode Becka and Zach, just watch your fingers you guys 😂, solar look amazing take care both and look after fingers 👍⛵️
Glad you’ve finally got the project finished 🙌
Omg! I love Sailing Sitka! 🇨🇦 Thanks for sharing!
Hi guys I have really enjoyed watching your journey from UK onwards and particularly the great projects you take on to improve the boat. That said I am a bit thoughtful about the design of your solar arch. My feeling is that it is too narrow (fwd and aft). The solar panels are cantilevered and while you have tried to mitigate that by adding aluminium support bars the panels will still tend to twist and flex about their arch base particularly it extreme weather which can lead to early failure. I would have added a brace to the fwd end with a diagonal coming up from the arch to stiffen the leading edge. Hope that makes sense without a diagram.
big sola units wow.
Great to see a tough project knocked off. Well done both 😀
Very happy for you. Congratulations 🎉
You both have done an incredible job upgrading your sailing home and I've very much enjoyed your "can do" attitude and the joy you infuse in every episode. Your solar upgrade project is a serious undertaking. I'm hesitant to raise a concern given all the work you've put into this project. However, I hope you consider my thoughts. My primary concern is how your frame is attached to the hull and that the weight is so high above the deck. Imagine, for example, say a 50 pound horizontal force pushing aft on the front of your solar panels. Assuming the panels are about 6 feet above your deck that would be 50x6= 300 ft-lb of torque at the base of the frame. The tubes at the base appear to be only about 1' apart. The whole frame would want to bend aft putting a "lifting" force of 300 lb on the forward bolt. The whole apparatus could rip off. Also, as the boat heels over on a beam reach in significant weather the bottom of the panels could act as a sail and want to lift causing potential frame failure, etc. The forward and aft panel overhangs from the narrow frame are also of concern. I hope you gather other opinions before casting off and I wish you well. After reading this feel free to delete it from the comment thread. I don't know how to contact you other than through this.
That is a good idea with the corner of the panel. 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
WooHoo! It's done! Nice solar system install. I'm happy for you guys. ❤😊
Their is no substitute for Power.. BIG IS GOOD :)
Your stainless supports will need more stiffening fore and aft and perpendicular to the deck.
I have 1200 wats on my arch. But i also have a solid frame welded to the arch that the pannels fit into.
I did loose 1 panel in a 50 knoter once.
I dont think youre going to get away with out better support But the good news is the windage does not seem to be a issue at all. I have had lots of 50 knoters.
Happy for you
So pleased about the breaker on the Lithium batteries, good move. Had some difficulty working out what you were trying to achieve, but that’s me, not you. Just let our bonfire go out, tonight will be 6c, bet you miss that.
Good video ! i only have 2 suggestions.
1) The Massive surface area will create alot of " Lift stress on the panels ". to mitigate this i would suggest adding a surface area " under the panels " to take this load / stress off the panels.
You could add a Piece of Canvas under the Panels to take the Load. that is the Cheapest & Lightest Method to Reduce the Upward force created in High wind or a Storm. it Could be made Removable too & stored under normal conditions if so desired.
2) Get rid of ALL Fuses on Board !!! - Replace ALL fuses with circuit breakers. Fuses are time consuming to replace & expensive. also Require having replacements of many different sizes & types. take up valuable storage space on a boat. When troubleshooting a fuse blowing issue , You will CURSE yourself having installed fuses & not a circuit breaker.
Circuit breakers Last for 20 years plus--
Re-Set in a second
Environmentally friendly
make troubleshooting easier etc.
in this Day & Age --- Fuses are also NOT Environmentally friendly. Circuit breakers are available in EVERY SIZE these days.
Glad you’re Happy with your Solar/Electric setup👍…Personally I’m way outta my League with just about anything Electric, but Happy to hear somebody can do it😜…Stay Safe and Enjoy 😎
I have a stand-alone 7.2kw land-based system with 9x100w panels, I have plenty of sun here in Australia and my system is at 100% by midday. I am very frugal with power usage and even with 7.2kw I have about three days of storage. Very occasionally I have to use the generator to top up the system. There has been lots of comments as to whether your system will withstand the ravages of mother nature, it may pay to add extra support, or not??? The extra overhang will cost you in marina fees in many marinas as they charge by the total length of the vessel, yacht + dingy and davits etc. Good luck and fair winds.
Hello Becca & Zac. Wow, that was a big project! It looks good I think, but after reading the comments about what the wind could do to them and maybe your boat, I think I would consult a professional marine engineer about this installation. I am sure you don't want to be at sea in a big storm and have a problem with your arch or panels. Better safe than sorry, right! All your videos are very very informative and interesting. I always look forward to seeing the next one.
Ok take good care. ciao. geo
really good informative video. Yea you'll have the power to do basically what you need to. Looking forward to next video
Very interesting. I wonder what happens when this takes a wave.
That’s a nice add to your home it will e nice to have the extra power.
congrats guys, what a project
The most efficient is as low as it can get. The lower the temperature the higher the voltage for the same sun power. That is sometimes written on the label of the panel.
Device is likely a smart shunt that wasn’t mentioned. Or a NMEA2000 / Cerbos GX interface. Of course you can charge Lithium with the Alternator… just need a smart regulator like WakeSpeed that is now owned by BB. Way faster than going through the DC-DC.
I am very concerned about how you have the new solar panels supported.
Time for AC !!
Another very well done episode,, a love seeing your progress… best wishes and stay safe, Be careful Zake,
Great content guys as usual. Matching thumb injuries. Stop hurting yourselves!!! Thank you for the advise on battery wiring. Planning my own battery setup, amateur like you guys, and was about to make the same mistakes. I hate that you had such a challenge with the solar install. I fear your going to need to replace the welded angle with real box material eventually. Thanks again for taking the time to film and edit your experiences for "the rest of us!". Be safe out there!!!
Thank you for your support! We're glad the battery wiring advice was helpful. Safety is key, and we're all learning together-one thumb injury at a time haha.
Great project Power enough and if not go to induction cooking, As others have mentioned I agree that extra supports or wire to your base on the oute r ends/corners to stop any sea saw effect when the boat of hobby horsing.
Patience and perseverance is certainly the order of the day…… or should that be the week. You guys have the determination and excitement to see what the end results are going to give you. It’s going to make such a difference to you in your future ventures. Onto the next task and hopefully no more fingers and thumbs mangled up👍
Great update! I've been looking at upgrading from AGM to lithium on my boat and this was all super helpful information explained very well!
i think possibly the top bar section of the solar arch should have been splayed outwards fore and aft. that would have allowed the top solar support bars to have been much lighter and only significantly required to secure the panels in place. those welded support bars look very heavy and i'm not certain they wouldn't suffer in a heavy sea. failing that, support further along the length of the panelse should have been provided from and secured to the arch itself. in any event, i doubt that the vessel itself and the method of securing it, is sufficient. i personally would not proceed to sea with that on my vessel. i hope it works for you tho. loving the channel.
I feel better this week after my post last week saying I didn't feel you had enough support for your panels.
Yeah we feel better about it now too!
Laughter is the Best Medicine 👍
Adding a comment B4 watching the full tube makes my below comment look out of context. lol. All that aside. I fully understand the Geek out with the free power and management thing. To everyone's dismay, I could go on and on and on with my simple set up. You guys should be as proud as punch.
Those 2 wings will take flight if you don't add stays.
Just hope all the weight you have there stays in place during a storm ,
who needs a sail just put those panels on a movable platform angle it into the wind and away you go . There is no way they are going to stay in place during a storm.
Nice.. major upgrades for your boat..
I would have also fitted them lower and in a way that they can be dropped to the side of the boat quickly and easily in high winds. I'm no engineer, but think you need to redesign this one, or at least get an expects opinon. stay safe!
now you have a giant sail on the back ?
Another great episode!
Brilliant 🍻
Love the setup, great work.