New guy building a solar pontoon

[Gelston]

Hello. I'm new here. Obviously I found the site by watching Will's videos on YouTube.
I'm currently building a solar electric pontoon. The boat itself is currently stripped down and I'm stalled because of this Michigan weather so I've just been gathering parts and making sure I have as much knowledge of my plan as possible.
Just wanted to say hey!

 

[pollenface]

Sounds awesome, any more details?

 

[Gelston]

Sounds awesome, any more details?

So far I have 2 jinko 405 watt panels in series, victron 150/35 scc and an Elco 9.9 48v outboard.
I don't have a battery yet, but I'm eyeballing the 48v 100ah waterproof eg4 at signature solar.
My 12v accessories will be on a separate, smaller system.

 

[Blurkx]

very interested in your setup! would love to see some photos. im looking to do the same thing, i currently have a 22ft pontoon with the minn kota e-drive 2hp model running 48 volt system and want to make it solar powered as the battery runtime is short at 2 hours (and top speed of 4mph)

 

[OzSolar]

Hello. I'm new here. Obviously I found the site by watching Will's videos on YouTube.
I'm currently building a solar electric pontoon. The boat itself is currently stripped down and I'm stalled because of this Michigan weather so I've just been gathering parts and making sure I have as much knowledge of my plan as possible.
Just wanted to say hey!

I've day dreamed about the same things for years. My ~plan~ was to find a deal on a roached out pontoon boat and fit it with new canopy strong enough to hold all solar panels. But then I start shopping for a propulsion system and quickly realize that I should have married for money and not love.

 

[Gelston]

very interested in your setup! would love to see some photos. im looking to do the same thing, i currently have a 22ft pontoon with the minn kota e-drive 2hp model running 48 volt system and want to make it solar powered as the battery runtime is short at 2 hours (and top speed of 4mph)

It's been in the water all summer. It works great. No need to ever plug in.

 

[Blurkx]

what was your final price for the panels required for the 48 volt system if you dont mind me asking?

 

[Gelston]

I only had room for 2 Jinko 405w panels. They were $215 each plus tax from McNaughton McKay. They have a warehouse not far from me.

 

[OzSolar]

It's been in the water all summer. It works great. No need to ever plug in.

That sounds really fun! So I'm guessing that you're on the water a few hours once or twice or week which give the solar plenty of time to get the batteries filled back up?

 

[Blurkx]

I only had room for 2 Jinko 405w panels. They were $215 each plus tax from McNaughton McKay. They have a warehouse not far from me

thanks. did you ever get a second battery for your setup?

sorry for the questions im really new to solar and have alot of questions.

my purpose for using solar is i tend to be fishing out of my pontoon all summer long but the range of the batteries I currently have isn't quite enough. my dock is in direct sunlight all day id assume it would be enough to keep batteries charged when not in use but shore power is available.

I have a 55lb thrust trolling motor up front running off 2, 12v batteries in parallel. which i would like a solar panel for these. any recommendations?

also have the minn kota e-drive with 4, 12v type 31 batteries in series which your solar panel setup should work for that, would you recommend changing to the 1 48v 100ah battery instead?

 

[LittleLebowski]

Really cool, thanks for sharing.

 

[Gelston]

Right now there's a single 48v 100ah Lifepo4 battery for the outboard. The panels have, on occasion, produced well over 900 watts on a good day. I have a 12v battery with a 100w flexible panel. That's used for the lights, horn, stereo.
The solar won't keep up at cruising speed, but for my needs I've never had to worry. I haven't had the battery below 60% yet. I guess I have to go on longer rides.

 

[JBennettBus]

The solar won't keep up at cruising speed, but for my needs I've never had to worry. I haven't had the battery below 60% yet. I guess I have to go on longer rides.

What a cool project! I've thought about building one of those DIY plywood boats like a Tolman skiff, but now that idea's being challenged by the thought of a solar-powered pontoon boat.

 

[Gelston]

What a cool project! I've thought about building one of those DIY plywood boats like a Tolman skiff, but now that idea's being challenged by the thought of a solar-powered pontoon boat.

I have a plywood boat as well.
Skiffamerica 20. I didn't build it myself, but the plans are great and very detailed.