Hi. We’re about to install rigid (as opposed to flexible) solar panels on our Cal 3-46: looking at a number of options for placement: atop dodger, atop Kato davits at stern, swiveled at side rails–any comments about optimum placement and subsequent sailing/safety issues? Thanks, Glenys
There are lots and lots of trade-offs. But the most important is keeping the panels from being shaded as much of the time as possible. Shading, even a thin line, acts as a short-circuit across the cells and dramatically cuts output.
Assuming your Cal 3-46 is a sloop, I think I would install the panels on one or two vertical poles off the pulpit corner(s) in the stern area. This would allow you to angle them for optimum performance, and they are out of the way of rig shade most of the time. There are a bunch of photos of different solar panel installations in Offshore Cruising Ency. Good Luck – Steve
Posted by Steve Dashew (November 30, 1999)
