This week’s Tipsy Tuesday is pretty sobering. It includes a run-down of our marine solar system that we installed on our 480 SeaRay Sedan Bridge. I know, I know, try to contain your excitement.
This likely doesn’t interest anyone who isn’t shopping for a marine solar solution themselves. So, if this isn’t you, then by all means, skip through or go back and watch our Dry Tortugas video where we almost get stranded on Loggerhead Cay. That was fun!
DIY Marine Solar System
Now, onto the more technical talk. Honestly, I give an in-depth overview of the whole system in the video below. So, I’ll keep this short so you can watch that.
Here’s the skinny… Our DIY marine solar system allowed us to live off the grid in Key West for pretty cheap! Anyone who’s been to Key West knows it’s not cheap.
Anyway, we relied heavily on our solar system to keep our batteries charged and systems running. On most days, we’d only have to run our marine generator for about 30-45mins to top off what the solar didn’t supply.
Midnite Marine Solar System
Our 1999 Sea Ray 480 Sedan Bridge is equipped with a total of 1.4kW of solar power. The renewable energy system consists of the following:
- Solar Panels: 4 350 watt solar panels
- Combined Box: Midnite Solar MNPV6
- 4 15a breakers: Midnite Solar MNEPV-15
- 1 60a breaker: Midnite Solar MNEPV-40
- MPPT Charge controller: Midnite Solar Classic 150-SL
- Current Sensing module: Whiz Bang JR MNWBJR (& 500a shunt)
- 150 amp breaker: Blue Sea 7148. 187150s-03-1
- Inverter Charger: Magnum Energy MSH-3012M
- Inverter remote: Magnum Energy ARC50
3 comments
Comment by John Dieman
John Dieman October 15, 2020 at 9:54 am
Nice work, Will. I see you used high quality components. Fortunately, you don’t have to deal with a building department and building inspectors. I’m planning some solar work on my house (only 3,800 watts in panels). I built my house myself, including all electrical work. It took 4.5 years. The paperwork for the small solar system will take more effort than the plans I drew up for the house.
Comment by teamwiff
teamwiff October 15, 2020 at 5:40 pm
Ah, yes. So true about the hardships of adding solar (or any sort of addition) to a home vs a boat. I hope the paperwork process is easier by the time we purchase a home, whenever that will be! Best of luck with that and thanks for your comment!
Comment by CELESTE JEWELL
CELESTE JEWELL October 14, 2020 at 8:03 pm
Very Informative – and KUDOS to you for all the research you put into the system and making it work for over a year in the mooring field in Key West! Hope to see TEAMWIFF soon – Luv U!!