Straight outa R&D skunk-works, these parts are being shared as testing of different solar power solutions for the Blue Robotics BlueBoat progresses. You can adjust the parts for the solar panel you intend to use with the Onshape CAD here. Intended for use with flexible solar panels, the width sets how much curve the panel will have. This curve is used to set the height for 4x crossbar mounted solar support pieces. Two long ~10mm U-channel bars hold the edges of the panel, and are secured by 4X corner mounts.

Some manner of official solar integration will be available from Blue Robotics someday, hopefully in 2025! It may not resemble this design at all…. however this approach has been tested for over 40 hours of operation, including flip-over tests and impacts from breaking waves during vehicle recovery, without issue. 

Typical power generation with a 130W panel is 40-110watts, typically 60-80 watts in most conditions. Panels tested include this 130W model and this 180W model. 

Required Hardware

1. 8x M8 316SS nylock nuts
2. 8x M8x40 316SS bolts 
3. 8x M6x20 316SS bolts
4. 4x 316SS M4x20 bolts
5. 2x 10mm AL U-Channel, ~1.2m length each

Instructions

1. Print 4x panel corner mounts (on their side) and secure to corners of BlueBoat with M6x
   bolts - this may take the use of a ball-headed allan key. 
2. Secure 10mm u-channel pieces of appropriate length for your solar panel to the long edges of the panel with zip ties or velcro straps - typically there are grommets / eyelets that can be used for this. 
3. Print 4x solar support pieces, and install M8 Nylon locking nuts in two of the 4 holes - which holes are used depends on what orientation / side the part is located on. Use M8x
4. With all printed components mounted to the boat, secure the rails in the corner mounts with M4x20mm bolts threaded through the holes. They should pass the edge of the u-channel, preventing it from pulling out. 

MC9 cables are used to connect to the panel and bring the cables into the boat's port hull with WetLink Penetrators for the appropriate cable outside diameter. These were connected to the solar charge controller via XT-90 connectors, so that the panels can always be disconnected before disconnecting the batteries!

We recommend a Victron Solar 75/15 charge controller, which is easy to interface with to monitor the system via Node-RED! It is important to configure the charge controller to not damage the battery used, especially if using 4S lithium batteries! A battery balance system MUST be connected to all batteries being charged, via the BlueBoat wiring harness, to ensure safe operation and no 🔥🔥🔥 !!!

The solar charge controller connects to the batteries via one of the XT90 connectors on the BlueBoat wiring harness, and the load terminals are unused due to their 25A limit.