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RC

Robert Claycomb

Wed, Jan 12, 2022 6:56 PM

Good morning

In a few weeks I am having all of my original electronics changed out. From past work, I know that the wheelhouse headliner has to be lowered to remove the radar cable from a wire bundle. . Although I am not ready to install solar panels as of yet, I was thinking in order to save time for this future project, while the headliner was lowered, I would also run a solar panel wire/cable from the NT stack to under the helm dash board, leaving sufficient slack at both ends.

My question for those NT owners who have installed solar panels, what marine wire/cable brand have you found to hold up the best.

Thank you
Robert Claycomb
32-276 Deneige
Santa Barbara, Ca
robclay93013@cox.net

Good morning In a few weeks I am having all of my original electronics changed out. From past work, I know that the wheelhouse headliner has to be lowered to remove the radar cable from a wire bundle. . Although I am not ready to install solar panels as of yet, I was thinking in order to save time for this future project, while the headliner was lowered, I would also run a solar panel wire/cable from the NT stack to under the helm dash board, leaving sufficient slack at both ends. My question for those NT owners who have installed solar panels, what marine wire/cable brand have you found to hold up the best. Thank you Robert Claycomb 32-276 Deneige Santa Barbara, Ca robclay93013@cox.net

FF

Fire Fighter

Wed, Jan 12, 2022 7:44 PM

Robert,
Most simple solar installs use pre-configured wires with MC4 connectors already installed at the end that will connect to the actual panels. Most panels that I am aware of, use these MC4 connectors. They can be installed on wire ends after the fact.
On my solar install, the panels were mounted on framework of SS tubing that was supported by the NT "hand rails" on the side of the pilothouse. The wires were run along the tubes through a hole I drilled in the PH roof "overhang" then under the overhang entering the pilothouse through the rear wall using a "drip cover". From there I ran the wire (under a wood look cover) down into the cabinetry and finally into the engine room where I mounted the solar charge controller. I did it this way to ensure no new roof penetrations that could develop leaks somewhere down the road.
If interested, send me your email address and I can forward photos and possibly a better explanation.
I installed 570 watts of solar, and even here in BC (north of Seattle), we created more than enough power to meet our daily usage (on most late spring to early fall days). I strongly recommend going solar.
Regards,
Tom Easterbrook
formerly Pilitak NT 37-068
Nanaimo, BC

From: Robert Claycomb via Sentoa sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
Sent: January 12, 2022 10:56 AM
To: sentoa@lists.sentoa.org sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
Cc: Robert Claycomb robclay93103@cox.net
Subject: [Sentoa] Solar panel wire brand question

Good morning

In a few weeks I am having all of my original electronics changed out. From past work, I know that the wheelhouse headliner has to be lowered to remove the radar cable from a wire bundle. . Although I am not ready to install solar panels as of yet, I was thinking in order to save time for this future project, while the headliner was lowered, I would also run a solar panel wire/cable from the NT stack to under the helm dash board, leaving sufficient slack at both ends.

My question for those NT owners who have installed solar panels, what marine wire/cable brand have you found to hold up the best.

Thank you
Robert Claycomb
32-276 Deneige
Santa Barbara, Ca
robclay93013@cox.net

Sentoa mailing list -- sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
To unsubscribe send an email to sentoa-leave@lists.sentoa.org

Robert, Most simple solar installs use pre-configured wires with MC4 connectors already installed at the end that will connect to the actual panels. Most panels that I am aware of, use these MC4 connectors. They can be installed on wire ends after the fact. On my solar install, the panels were mounted on framework of SS tubing that was supported by the NT "hand rails" on the side of the pilothouse. The wires were run along the tubes through a hole I drilled in the PH roof "overhang" then under the overhang entering the pilothouse through the rear wall using a "drip cover". From there I ran the wire (under a wood look cover) down into the cabinetry and finally into the engine room where I mounted the solar charge controller. I did it this way to ensure no new roof penetrations that could develop leaks somewhere down the road. If interested, send me your email address and I can forward photos and possibly a better explanation. I installed 570 watts of solar, and even here in BC (north of Seattle), we created more than enough power to meet our daily usage (on most late spring to early fall days). I strongly recommend going solar. Regards, Tom Easterbrook formerly Pilitak NT 37-068 Nanaimo, BC ________________________________ From: Robert Claycomb via Sentoa <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org> Sent: January 12, 2022 10:56 AM To: sentoa@lists.sentoa.org <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org> Cc: Robert Claycomb <robclay93103@cox.net> Subject: [Sentoa] Solar panel wire brand question Good morning In a few weeks I am having all of my original electronics changed out. From past work, I know that the wheelhouse headliner has to be lowered to remove the radar cable from a wire bundle. . Although I am not ready to install solar panels as of yet, I was thinking in order to save time for this future project, while the headliner was lowered, I would also run a solar panel wire/cable from the NT stack to under the helm dash board, leaving sufficient slack at both ends. My question for those NT owners who have installed solar panels, what marine wire/cable brand have you found to hold up the best. Thank you Robert Claycomb 32-276 Deneige Santa Barbara, Ca robclay93013@cox.net _______________________________________________ Sentoa mailing list -- sentoa@lists.sentoa.org To unsubscribe send an email to sentoa-leave@lists.sentoa.org

BS

BARRY SHAPIRO

Wed, Jan 12, 2022 8:01 PM

I have a 39 ft Flybridge … I ran 10 gauge Anchor Duplex Wire from the Panels, which sit atop our Bimini, down the port side frame, down thru the combing, to the wire chase that goes down the starboard side to the engine room. In the ER, I installed the Victron Controller and then to the controller. It is a pretty direct run that way, and minimizes the number of connections, 2 at the panels and 2 at the controller then to the house bank.

Good luck…

Barry Shapiro
Spray
NT 39-229

On Jan 12, 2022, at 1:57 PM, Robert Claycomb via Sentoa sentoa@lists.sentoa.org wrote:

Good morning

In a few weeks I am having all of my original electronics changed out. From past work, I know that the wheelhouse headliner has to be lowered to remove the radar cable from a wire bundle. . Although I am not ready to install solar panels as of yet, I was thinking in order to save time for this future project, while the headliner was lowered, I would also run a solar panel wire/cable from the NT stack to under the helm dash board, leaving sufficient slack at both ends.

My question for those NT owners who have installed solar panels, what marine wire/cable brand have you found to hold up the best.

Thank you
Robert Claycomb
32-276 Deneige
Santa Barbara, Ca
robclay93013@cox.net

Sentoa mailing list -- sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
To unsubscribe send an email to sentoa-leave@lists.sentoa.org

I have a 39 ft Flybridge … I ran 10 gauge Anchor Duplex Wire from the Panels, which sit atop our Bimini, down the port side frame, down thru the combing, to the wire chase that goes down the starboard side to the engine room. In the ER, I installed the Victron Controller and then to the controller. It is a pretty direct run that way, and minimizes the number of connections, 2 at the panels and 2 at the controller then to the house bank. Good luck… Barry Shapiro Spray NT 39-229 > On Jan 12, 2022, at 1:57 PM, Robert Claycomb via Sentoa <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org> wrote: > > > Good morning > > In a few weeks I am having all of my original electronics changed out. From past work, I know that the wheelhouse headliner has to be lowered to remove the radar cable from a wire bundle. . Although I am not ready to install solar panels as of yet, I was thinking in order to save time for this future project, while the headliner was lowered, I would also run a solar panel wire/cable from the NT stack to under the helm dash board, leaving sufficient slack at both ends. > > My question for those NT owners who have installed solar panels, what marine wire/cable brand have you found to hold up the best. > > Thank you > Robert Claycomb > 32-276 Deneige > Santa Barbara, Ca > robclay93013@cox.net > _______________________________________________ > Sentoa mailing list -- sentoa@lists.sentoa.org > To unsubscribe send an email to sentoa-leave@lists.sentoa.org

HN

Herb Nickles

Wed, Jan 12, 2022 8:04 PM

Robert,

I installed a solar system on 32-225 in 2008, one of the earlier solar installs on a Nordic Tug. You will want to get the solar panel wiring into the engine room, not the helm dash. The panels will connect to a solar controller which will connect to the batteries. Ideally you want the shortest runs between the solar panels and the solar controller and especially between the solar controller and the batteries.

I installed 390 watts of solar, added 2 additional house batteries for a total of six, a 2000 watt pure sine-wave inverter and solar controller. In New England we were able to sit on a mooring or anchored out for an entire season without ever running the generator or connecting to shore power to charge the batteries. We ran the refrigerator the entire time, even when away from the boat. It was well worth the effort. I’ve attached a system schematic.

Herb Nickles
Former Owner for 32-225, Chatham, MA

On Jan 12, 2022, at 1:56 PM, Robert Claycomb via Sentoa sentoa@lists.sentoa.org wrote:

Good morning

In a few weeks I am having all of my original electronics changed out. From past work, I know that the wheelhouse headliner has to be lowered to remove the radar cable from a wire bundle. . Although I am not ready to install solar panels as of yet, I was thinking in order to save time for this future project, while the headliner was lowered, I would also run a solar panel wire/cable from the NT stack to under the helm dash board, leaving sufficient slack at both ends.

My question for those NT owners who have installed solar panels, what marine wire/cable brand have you found to hold up the best.

Thank you
Robert Claycomb
32-276 Deneige
Santa Barbara, Ca
robclay93013@cox.net

Sentoa mailing list -- sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
To unsubscribe send an email to sentoa-leave@lists.sentoa.org

Robert, I installed a solar system on 32-225 in 2008, one of the earlier solar installs on a Nordic Tug. You will want to get the solar panel wiring into the engine room, not the helm dash. The panels will connect to a solar controller which will connect to the batteries. Ideally you want the shortest runs between the solar panels and the solar controller and especially between the solar controller and the batteries. I installed 390 watts of solar, added 2 additional house batteries for a total of six, a 2000 watt pure sine-wave inverter and solar controller. In New England we were able to sit on a mooring or anchored out for an entire season without ever running the generator or connecting to shore power to charge the batteries. We ran the refrigerator the entire time, even when away from the boat. It was well worth the effort. I’ve attached a system schematic. Herb Nickles Former Owner for 32-225, Chatham, MA > On Jan 12, 2022, at 1:56 PM, Robert Claycomb via Sentoa <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org> wrote: > > > Good morning > > In a few weeks I am having all of my original electronics changed out. From past work, I know that the wheelhouse headliner has to be lowered to remove the radar cable from a wire bundle. . Although I am not ready to install solar panels as of yet, I was thinking in order to save time for this future project, while the headliner was lowered, I would also run a solar panel wire/cable from the NT stack to under the helm dash board, leaving sufficient slack at both ends. > > My question for those NT owners who have installed solar panels, what marine wire/cable brand have you found to hold up the best. > > Thank you > Robert Claycomb > 32-276 Deneige > Santa Barbara, Ca > robclay93013@cox.net > _______________________________________________ > Sentoa mailing list -- sentoa@lists.sentoa.org > To unsubscribe send an email to sentoa-leave@lists.sentoa.org

AA

angelo amuzzin.com

Wed, Jan 12, 2022 8:34 PM

Hi Robert,

Concur with Tom’s thoughts.

Installing the solar cables while you are installing the new electronics will save you a lot of work. One of the challenges faced installing our solar cables was following the same path as the original radar cable in the pilothouse and then to the engine room. My run from the solar panel connections to my controllers in the engine room was about a 30’. We have 700w installed and, like Tom said, it meets our energy needs in the summer.

Btw, when we replaced our electronics this past spring, the new radar cable was a lot smaller/thinner than the old one.

Cheers,

Angelo
Salish Star, NT-32-300

From: Fire Fighter via Sentoa sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
Sent: Wednesday, January 12, 2022 11:45 AM
To: South East Nordic Tugs Owners' Association (SENTOA) sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
Cc: Fire Fighter firehoser75@hotmail.com
Subject: [Sentoa] Re: Solar panel wire brand question

Robert,
Most simple solar installs use pre-configured wires with MC4 connectors already installed at the end that will connect to the actual panels. Most panels that I am aware of, use these MC4 connectors. They can be installed on wire ends after the fact.
On my solar install, the panels were mounted on framework of SS tubing that was supported by the NT "hand rails" on the side of the pilothouse. The wires were run along the tubes through a hole I drilled in the PH roof "overhang" then under the overhang entering the pilothouse through the rear wall using a "drip cover". From there I ran the wire (under a wood look cover) down into the cabinetry and finally into the engine room where I mounted the solar charge controller. I did it this way to ensure no new roof penetrations that could develop leaks somewhere down the road.
If interested, send me your email address and I can forward photos and possibly a better explanation.
I installed 570 watts of solar, and even here in BC (north of Seattle), we created more than enough power to meet our daily usage (on most late spring to early fall days). I strongly recommend going solar.
Regards,
Tom Easterbrook
formerly Pilitak NT 37-068
Nanaimo, BC

From: Robert Claycomb via Sentoa <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org mailto:sentoa@lists.sentoa.org>
Sent: January 12, 2022 10:56 AM
To: sentoa@lists.sentoa.org mailto:sentoa@lists.sentoa.org <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org mailto:sentoa@lists.sentoa.org>
Cc: Robert Claycomb <robclay93103@cox.net mailto:robclay93103@cox.net>
Subject: [Sentoa] Solar panel wire brand question

Good morning

In a few weeks I am having all of my original electronics changed out. From past work, I know that the wheelhouse headliner has to be lowered to remove the radar cable from a wire bundle. . Although I am not ready to install solar panels as of yet, I was thinking in order to save time for this future project, while the headliner was lowered, I would also run a solar panel wire/cable from the NT stack to under the helm dash board, leaving sufficient slack at both ends.

My question for those NT owners who have installed solar panels, what marine wire/cable brand have you found to hold up the best.

Thank you
Robert Claycomb
32-276 Deneige
Santa Barbara, Ca
robclay93013@cox.net mailto:robclay93013@cox.net

Sentoa mailing list -- sentoa@lists.sentoa.org mailto:sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
To unsubscribe send an email to sentoa-leave@lists.sentoa.org mailto:sentoa-leave@lists.sentoa.org

Hi Robert, Concur with Tom’s thoughts. Installing the solar cables while you are installing the new electronics will save you a lot of work. One of the challenges faced installing our solar cables was following the same path as the original radar cable in the pilothouse and then to the engine room. My run from the solar panel connections to my controllers in the engine room was about a 30’. We have 700w installed and, like Tom said, it meets our energy needs in the summer. Btw, when we replaced our electronics this past spring, the new radar cable was a lot smaller/thinner than the old one. Cheers, Angelo Salish Star, NT-32-300 From: Fire Fighter via Sentoa <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org> Sent: Wednesday, January 12, 2022 11:45 AM To: South East Nordic Tugs Owners' Association (SENTOA) <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org> Cc: Fire Fighter <firehoser75@hotmail.com> Subject: [Sentoa] Re: Solar panel wire brand question Robert, Most simple solar installs use pre-configured wires with MC4 connectors already installed at the end that will connect to the actual panels. Most panels that I am aware of, use these MC4 connectors. They can be installed on wire ends after the fact. On my solar install, the panels were mounted on framework of SS tubing that was supported by the NT "hand rails" on the side of the pilothouse. The wires were run along the tubes through a hole I drilled in the PH roof "overhang" then under the overhang entering the pilothouse through the rear wall using a "drip cover". From there I ran the wire (under a wood look cover) down into the cabinetry and finally into the engine room where I mounted the solar charge controller. I did it this way to ensure no new roof penetrations that could develop leaks somewhere down the road. If interested, send me your email address and I can forward photos and possibly a better explanation. I installed 570 watts of solar, and even here in BC (north of Seattle), we created more than enough power to meet our daily usage (on most late spring to early fall days). I strongly recommend going solar. Regards, Tom Easterbrook formerly Pilitak NT 37-068 Nanaimo, BC ________________________________ From: Robert Claycomb via Sentoa <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org<mailto:sentoa@lists.sentoa.org>> Sent: January 12, 2022 10:56 AM To: sentoa@lists.sentoa.org<mailto:sentoa@lists.sentoa.org> <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org<mailto:sentoa@lists.sentoa.org>> Cc: Robert Claycomb <robclay93103@cox.net<mailto:robclay93103@cox.net>> Subject: [Sentoa] Solar panel wire brand question Good morning In a few weeks I am having all of my original electronics changed out. From past work, I know that the wheelhouse headliner has to be lowered to remove the radar cable from a wire bundle. . Although I am not ready to install solar panels as of yet, I was thinking in order to save time for this future project, while the headliner was lowered, I would also run a solar panel wire/cable from the NT stack to under the helm dash board, leaving sufficient slack at both ends. My question for those NT owners who have installed solar panels, what marine wire/cable brand have you found to hold up the best. Thank you Robert Claycomb 32-276 Deneige Santa Barbara, Ca robclay93013@cox.net<mailto:robclay93013@cox.net> _______________________________________________ Sentoa mailing list -- sentoa@lists.sentoa.org<mailto:sentoa@lists.sentoa.org> To unsubscribe send an email to sentoa-leave@lists.sentoa.org<mailto:sentoa-leave@lists.sentoa.org>