Bavaria Yacht Info

Member Forums => Modifications & Equipment => Topic started by: marioxp on March 18 2022, 21:49

Title: Solar panel on bimini - where to run the cables
Post by: marioxp on March 18 2022, 21:49
I put solar panel on bimini.

Idea is slip the cables through pipes of bimini.

My qestion is where drill hole to through deck  and how to ensure that water does not enter.

Title: Re: Solar panel on bimini - where to run the cables
Post by: Sunharvester on March 18 2022, 22:05
Mario

Not sure what model you have but I installed flexible panels on my bimini. Ran the wiring down the back stay and through some water
Proof connectors that I epoxied into the hull, then forward with existing wiring to panel where I installed charger.

You can get a cheap MC4 crimper and the MC4 connectors online to make up your home runs.
Title: Re: Solar panel on bimini - where to run the cables
Post by: marioxp on April 04 2022, 09:08
Mario

... and through some water
Proof connectors that I epoxied into the hull, ...

What kind of water proof connectors have you use? I am very afraid that after a while the water will penetrate through connectors.
Title: Re: Solar panel on bimini - where to run the cables
Post by: symphony2 on April 04 2022, 10:06
Suggest you use these. No breaks in the cable and they do not leak  https://www.scanstrut.com/uk/marine/power-boat/cable-seal
Title: Re: Solar panel on bimini - where to run the cables
Post by: Ailatan on June 06 2022, 20:25
I am also thinking on mounting the solar panels on the Bimini but I would like to use a plug to cross the deck so I can remove everything, even the Bimini, if needed.
Can anyone recommend me a watertight plug for this purpose?
Title: Re: Solar panel on bimini - where to run the cables
Post by: symphony2 on June 06 2022, 22:58
These are considered among the best bulgin.com/en/products/range/circular-power-connectors/standard-series.html
Title: Re: Solar panel on bimini - where to run the cables
Post by: SYJetzt on June 07 2022, 06:53
I would strongly recommend MC4 connectors. They are perfectly sealed against water and cheap. They should be used with dedicated solar cable, with has the necessary voltage isolation to be safe, but is a little stiff. The needed crimp tool for the crimp inserts is available for cheap too.
Title: Re: Solar panel on bimini - where to run the cables
Post by: Ailatan on June 08 2022, 12:55
I am thinking on using the MC4 connectors to join the panels in parallel, but to go through the deck, instead using a cable gland, I prefer a plug in connector. That way if I wanted to remove not only the panels but the whole Bimini I could do it. I have found this, which is quite similar to the ones mentioned by Symphony2, but I don't have any experience
Title: Re: Solar panel on bimini - where to run the cables
Post by: Yngmar on June 08 2022, 13:25
MC4 is great. Been in place since 2016 and never any issues. Cheap too. I put a splashproof junction box for gardening electricity connections in the stern lazarette to join the cables entering from the solar arch with the ones going further into the boat (to solar charger, antennae, etc.). That way I can undo the joints in that box if I ever need to remove the cables (never needed to so far - knock on wood). Would avoid plugs, as good ones are expensive and still prone to break (accidental knocks/kicks or UV damage). Only do that for removable installations. Deck glands, swan necks or in case of many cables, a piece of flexi conduit rigged like a swan neck all work well for routing cables inside.

As usual, coat any connectors in a bit of silicone grease/spray before assembly to avoid moisture ingress and contact corrosion. Works a treat.