We've been busy installing our first two solar panels onto the arch. The old 75W
panels have been removed, and the footprint of the new SolarWorld 175W panels is
quite a bit larger. They attach by three custom built clamps which allow rotation on a delrin bearing, which in turn rotate on a PVC sleeve that goes around the 2"
aluminum pipe. Lining up the panels and drilling the clamp holes was a typical boat
exercise, but the end results had the two panels on either side of the backstay within a 1/16" tolerance of being parallel to each other, so we done good! The other two panels should be a lot easier to install and will mount on expanded PVC sheeting
which will form our new permanent bimini on top of an aluminum arch extension
going from the present forward arch leg to the boom gallows. Got it? We had the
welder out to the boat the other day taking measurements along with me, so
hopefully it won't take too long to fabricate the extension. The trickiest part will be clamping it to the present arch; the forward part just thru bolts to the boom gallows via a small welded plate. Another work in progress! Meanwhile, our 300 pounds of "stuff" that was shipped from Florida to Hawaii arrived yesterday afternoon, and there's even less (if you can imagine) room to move down below than before....We finished off the afternoon by seeing our friends John and Melinda who are from Port Townsend, Wa, and the proud owners of the classic 73' wooden schooner "Mycia." They brought their friend Jane, from Oahu, with them, and we enjoyed a wonderful Monday night BBQ here at the HYC along with Dave & Sherry (Soggy Paws), Lee & Richard (Before), and Rick & Liisa (Pueo). Another really fun get together!
1 comment:
Solar panels, perhaps the best-known form of alternative energy, have altered the energy landscape and hold the potential to revolutionize how we power our devices, vehicles and buildings. Solar panel installation is not a very complex process but professional help is advised. One of the most important aspects of solar panel installation is making sure the panels will get as much direct sun exposure as possible to increase the amount of electricity that will be generated through them.
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