One solar panel to consider this summer is the Ganz CPV series.  Made using a base of aluminum sheet, the Ganz panel is very light and a bit flexible, so it can hug the curve of the cabintop line or the sheer of the stern pulpit.  Gemini Side mounts work well with Ganz panels using these parts:

Stainless steel tubing to build a frame, with tee connectors creating a rectangle.

 

 

Stainless steel eye ends to complete the tubing sections and create a connection to the mount

 

 

The Gemini Side Mount to attach to your vessel or RV

 

 

 

GANZ Eco-Energy’s CPV Series are fully weatherproof solar modules designed to provide clean, quiet and reliable power in 6W, 12W and 30W models for rugged marine and other outdoor applications.  An unbreakable plastic film surface with semi-flexible aluminum backing make these panels ideal for mounting on flat or gently curved decks.

Our solar cells have the industry’s highest conversion efficiency, providing maximum power while taking up less space on deck. Each panel has 4 grommet finished holes for  mounting along with 10’ of outdoor rated power cable that connects directly to your battery or a charge controller.  

 

Solar Panel FAQ

  • What is a Solar Charging Kit? A solar panel collects energy from the sun storing it to the battery. 

A controller or regulator is used to protect the battery from overcharging.

  • How many hours will it take to charge my battery? 

To find out charge time, use the formula; Amp Hours/Amps=T (T is time in hours) ex A typical good condition car battery is rated at 40Ah (Amp hours). 40Ah/1.5A=26 hours. This is charge for a single battery, two batteries will double over 52 hours.   To figure out a solar panel charging amps capability - use the equation Watts/Volts=Amps 18watts/12Vdc=1.5Amps.

  • How many panels do I need to charge my battery bank?

It depends on the size of the battery and how many amps in a day you need to use. For example; in a typical normal day usually there is 4/5 hours of good sun. Our 30watt panel maximum output is 1.74 Amps so we multiply Amps x 4 = 6.96 amps in a 4 hour day. If we needed 12Amps then we would need two 30watt panels.

  • What size solar panel do I need?  

If possible Solar panels should exceed the basic requirements by 20%. Basically you need to add up your average ampere-hours of DC consumed in a 24-hour period. Include everything that consumes DC current: lights, pumps, radio etc… After figuring your average power consumption, you can estimate the size solar panel needed.

  • Can I run equipment from my solar panel directly?

If using more than 6W it is recommended to use a charge controller to prevent the battery from over charging or other items from being overcharged. It also prevents an electrical current from running back from the battery to the solar panel at night when no power is being generated by a solar panel.

  • Can I stand on the panel? It is okay to walk on them in soft soled shoes.

The 6mm thickness of the module has an unbreakable, protective plastic film with a semi-flexible aluminum backing. We do not recommend putting the solar panel in a high traffic area where walking on will be consistent.

  • Is the panel flexible?

It is semi flexible in the sense that if flush mounted the panel has some flexibility when walked on.

  • How much bending can they take?

Maximum of 3%. 3cm per 1m of module length.

  • What size is available?

6W, 12W and 30W. Spring of 2011, 40W and 50W will be available.

  • Can the panels be hooked up in series?

Yes – Maximum system voltage is 120VDC therefore a maximum of 4 modules can be connected in series 120V/[21.6V(Voc)*1.25(coefficient)]=4.4.

  • How do I hook them in series?

The aluminum frames make mechanical fastening a snap. They can be hooked up in series and fastened together loosely using stainless machine screws, locknuts, and rubber grommets. The assembly of panels can then be fastened to the stainless or aluminum tubing of a dodger, bimini, radar arch, or davits. Alternately, each panel can be fastened individually, or multiple panels can be fastened within a frame, and the frame fastened to the boat.
Please keep in mind, if connecting more solar panels, then it is important to make sure the controller is powerful enough to handle the total output of the solar systems.

  • Where do I mount the panels?

Select a location where your solar panels will get maximum daily sunshine exposure and try to avoid shade. Mounting locations can be on bimini tops and radar arches, as well as deck mounting. Spacers should be used to allow airflow between the panel and deck. Some choose not to mount the panel but rather place on the dash board or other area temporarily just for charging purposes. The other option is to temporarily connect the panels to the railing of the boat using side mounts which are offered in a sliding style (7/8", 1” or 1 ¼”) or a split jaw style (7/8”, 1” and 1 ¼”)

  • What happens if there is no sun?

Solar panels will produce energy even if they are not placed under direct sunlight. The power of a solar panel is proportional to the amount of light that reaches the surface. If you are getting about half the amount of light that you would be getting under full midday sun, you should expect the panel to produce about half the amount of power.

  • How do I clean them?

Plain water and a soft cloth, something that will not scratch the surface.

  • Why should I use solar panels when my battery gets charged when the boat is running?

For sail boats, they do not run on wind alone anymore. Now the cabin is fitted with electrical systems such as navigational, lighting, small kitchenettes to allow for basic cooking needs and refrigeration of perishable foods. Additionally, there are the bilge pumps which keep the bilges from overflowing. All these things operate on electrical power, which is usually supplied through a diesel engine. Now we can create electricity directly from the sun, through the use of solar panels. The electricity collected can easily be used in order to power the electrical systems and the bilge pump on a small boat or sailing vessel. It can also be used to recharge marine battery banks, or to trickle them during time when they are not is use so the battery does not go dead.

  • How would a solar panel benefit on my RV or trailer?

Sometimes there is not an AC hook up but if there is, it may not provide enough charge for the battery causing the battery to fail needing a replacement battery sooner then expected. Having a solar charger can eliminate the hassle by charging the batteries to the correct voltage providing a much longer life. Nobody needs the aggravation of a dead battery!

  • Do you have performance charts?

Yes we do. Please see performance on our website.

  • Have you benchmarked the performance with these other brands? and vs. glass units?

The design on the relevant clauses of IEC 61215 and IEC 61730 which is used as a basis standard for design and testing of the PV modules completed with glass units.

  • Have temperature cycle tests been performed?

Yes. Tests had been made by sampling according to IEC 61215.

  • Are they Amorphous film?

No they are not. Amorphous film is the cheapest and least efficient panel. Unlike Poly and Mono-Crystalline panels, Amorphous is not made up of crystals, but rather thin layers of silicon.

  • What type of Crystalline panels are they?

Polycrystalline, which most people prefer because they are affordable and highly efficient. When it comes to durability, its lifespan is comparable to that of the most expensive mono-crystalline type. Benefits of polycrystalline can be enjoyed for around 25 years and sometimes more.