Case Study: Taswell 49
- David
- Jun 24
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 11
Installation of 2x475W Maxeon solar panels - Taswell 49
David, June 2024
"Installation was a breeze, well, once I ran the new 8AWG PV wires through the boat (which ended up being nearly 40 feet for each run). You can see in the pics, the panels have a slight "peak" in the middle, as the sides of the arch are a hair lower. I added a 1" tube in the front and will add one in the rear once I get the additional tube.
The full set-up is now 2x475W Maxeon panels on the stern and 2x200W BougeRV panels midhsips all running to three Victron MPPT controllers (100|50 each for the Maxeons and a 100|30 for the BougeRV panels combined. We also use a MagnaSine charger inverter (hopefully upgrading to Victron in the future), and 540Ah of Battleborn Lithium batteries. The panels started generating ~350W each late in the day yesterday, once I finally flipped the switch. Of course, today it's cloudy.
Quick follow-up, the panels were generating almost 450W a piece today, so we are topped up before noon everyday (I may have to slow them down a bit for now to exercise the batteries...)"
Super happy with the product and the support. Thanks again!
Update June 2025:
We have been completely off-grid since the Maxeon panels were installed last year (even on the occasional marina stop). Today, after a brief rain shower the sun came out and I took the attached snap of the output from the panels. Still going strong after the first year!
MPPT controllers:
Solar A - 1x475W Maxeon
Solar B - 1x475W Maxeon
Solar C - 2x 200W BougeRV panels combined (*older panels)
Note that the Maxeon 475W rated panel is putting out 511W (even if briefly) that's a 7.5% performance over the rated wattage. Better than expected and pretty awesome results.
Interested in going solar aboard your boat? We offer free consultations and can help get you up and running. Don't hesitate to give us a call or email us info@sunpoweredyachts.com
