Bavaria Yacht Info

Member Forums => Modifications & Equipment => Topic started by: Krumelur on November 22 2023, 13:01

Title: Where to run wiring for solar panels on bimini?
Post by: Krumelur on November 22 2023, 13:01

I'm getting two flexible solar panels for my bimini. The will go horizontally between the two center bars.
Boat is a Bavaria 40 from 2010.
As the bimini is folded down toward the rear I think the wire could run as shown in the image (red line), go from there through the aft cabins and towards to navigation table.

Where would you suggest drilling a hole?

Title: Re: Where to run wiring for solar panels on bimini?
Post by: marioxp on November 22 2023, 18:54

I would advise you to pass the wires through the pipe that goes forward, 10 cm before the deck, pull the wires out of the pipe and pass them through the deck (through the deck seal).  That's how I did it.  I drilled a separate hole on the pipe for each wire.

Title: Re: Where to run wiring for solar panels on bimini?
Post by: Krumelur on November 23 2023, 07:53

Interesting, thanks.
Do you have more details about location, diameter and sealing of the hole(s) you drilled?
And do you remember how much cable you needed?

Title: Re: Where to run wiring for solar panels on bimini?
Post by: Klausen on November 23 2023, 09:56

Be aware of chaving! The Youtube sailors "Insieme" nearly lost their boat to electrolytic corrosion.

Title: Re: Where to run wiring for solar panels on bimini?
Post by: marioxp on November 24 2023, 21:44

Unfortunately I don't have a single picture.  I have a picture from a friend who also led the wires through the pipes, but the difference is that he passed both wires through one larger hole.

Title: Re: Where to run wiring for solar panels on bimini?
Post by: Klausen on November 25 2023, 09:42

That's what I meant. You see the srubbed covering?! Please use a grommet.

Title: Re: Where to run wiring for solar panels on bimini?
Post by: SYJetzt on November 25 2023, 19:41

I would never run those cables through the tubes using drilled holes due to danger of chafing.
Solar panels wired in an array create high voltages which can possibly kill you. 
Therefore, only first-class cables that are specifically built for the intended purpose should be used. These cables have reinforced insulation to prevent chafing and are therefore not suitable for being pulled into pipes due to their rigidity.
Furthermore, only suitable plug connections should be used that have appropriate insulating properties and are absolutely waterproof.
Dedicated solar cables and MC-4 plugs/sockets are the method of choice to ensure electrical safety.

Title: Re: Where to run wiring for solar panels on bimini?
Post by: Ailatan on November 26 2023, 09:24

I am attaching a picture of my set up.
I want to replace the plastic cable ties for velcro type because they last longer

Title: Re: Where to run wiring for solar panels on bimini?
Post by: Krumelur on November 27 2023, 08:15

Thank you all. This is really helpful.