Solar panels on a 26X

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rsvpasap
First Officer
Posts: 246
Joined: Fri Dec 13, 2013 2:05 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
Location: Seattle, WA

Solar panels on a 26X

Post by rsvpasap »

As requested, here's more information about the solar panel setup on my 2002 26X.

There are actually three sets of panels.
1. Two 175w panels mounted on the stern rails.
2. Two 100w panels mounted over the dodger.
3. One 200w Renogy "solar blanket" lying on top of the bimini. https://www.renogy.com/renogy-200w-solar-panel-blanket/ This is not in the photos because I just ordered it and it hasn't arrived yet. I did a lot of research to try to find the most lightweight, most sturdy for transport folding panels that were available. These seem to be the best currently.

Stern Rails:

The panels on the stern rails are mounted using a variety of mostly bimini stainless hardware, mostly purchased on Amazon.

The 1-inch rail is from West Marine. Used an angle grinder to cut to fit.

The attachments to the rail are Sea Dog 327199-1. https://www.google.com/search?q=Sea-Dog+327199-1

I used aluminum angle from Home Depot to make more solid attachment points for the Sea Dog clamps to attach to the panels.

Drilled out most of the places where the bolts would normally attach and use stainless steel Bimini quick release pins instead.

This is a thing that has grown up over the years. I initially had 50w panels. Then I changed to 100w panels. Then I changed to 175w panels and moved the 100w panels to over the dodger.

Over the dodger:

I'm in the PNW and go boating year-round, in fact I prefer the offseasons and winter. The panels over the dodger provide extra protection from the rain and snow. I used two 100w panels rather than a single large panel in case there is shading from the boom or mast. At anchor, I use a preventer to hold the boom out all the way so there's very rarely any shading. By the companionway, I attached the rack directly to the cabin top. Closer to the mast, I glassed on a couple of small blocks of cedar and put the anchor screws in those instead because I did not want to put eight holes in the cabin top at that location.

I have a Victron 150/70 charger. The boat also has an extensive electrical house system.
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Be Free
Admiral
Posts: 1920
Joined: Fri Nov 23, 2012 6:08 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
Location: Steinhatchee, FL

Re: Solar panels on a 26X

Post by Be Free »

Those are some impressive numbers from a flexible panel. It looks like it is a series of rigid panels attached to a fold-able backing. Is that correct?

Have you measured the output of any/each/all of the panels as installed on your boat? I love to see real-world numbers from an actual install.

I'm impressed with your mounting design. I've been trying to come up with something similar but I really like your version. It does not require drilling to attach the supports. I like that.

I see on your last picture that you leave the panels mounted when you are docked. Have you had any problems with other boats or people in that configuration? Do they interfere with boarding?

You mention you have an extensive house electrical system. Please go on....
Bill
2001 26X Simple Interest
Honda BF40D
"If I were in a hurry I would not have bought a sailboat." Me
User avatar
rsvpasap
First Officer
Posts: 246
Joined: Fri Dec 13, 2013 2:05 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
Location: Seattle, WA

Re: Solar panels on a 26X

Post by rsvpasap »

All of the panels attached to the rails are traditional fixed panels, not flexible. Only the panel that sits on top of the bimini is a flexible panel.
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Be Free
Admiral
Posts: 1920
Joined: Fri Nov 23, 2012 6:08 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
Location: Steinhatchee, FL

Re: Solar panels on a 26X

Post by Be Free »

rsvpasap wrote: Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:45 pm All of the panels attached to the rails are traditional fixed panels, not flexible. Only the panel that sits on top of the bimini is a flexible panel.
That's the one I was impressed with.
Bill
2001 26X Simple Interest
Honda BF40D
"If I were in a hurry I would not have bought a sailboat." Me
OverEasy
Admiral
Posts: 2942
Joined: Mon Sep 28, 2020 11:16 am
Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
Location: NH & SC

Re: Solar panels on a 26X

Post by OverEasy »

Nice Job! 8) 8)
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rsvpasap
First Officer
Posts: 246
Joined: Fri Dec 13, 2013 2:05 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
Location: Seattle, WA

Re: Solar panels on a 26X

Post by rsvpasap »

Just following up on this. Turns out the 200 watt "folding solar blanket" generates as much power as the pair of 100 watt rigid panels over the dodger. The rigid panels are about five or six years old.

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