Solar arch installation and upgrading to LiFePo4 batteries.
As part of our project to upgrade Lumos for bluewater sailing, we took on the engineering of installing a solar arch. This involved taking precise measurements of the boat and designing the whole solar arch on CAD. We wanted to ensure that the arch would not only be strong enough to carry the solar panels, but also the dinghy (without outboard), and that it would not disturb the self-steering windvane that we had in mind to install later on.
We put a lot of thought into designing the solar arch, ensuring that it would fit seamlessly with the overall design of our boat while also meeting our functional needs. We wanted the arch to be both aesthetically pleasing and functional, providing us with the power we needed for offshore cruising.
Once we had completed the design, we found a company in northern Spain who could build the solar arch according to our drawings.
Once the arch was complete, the metalworker helped us to install it on the boat, which was a big relief. The rest of the installation, including installing the solar panels (850Wp in total), the radar antenna and all the wiring, was done by us. This allowed us to keep the costs low and ensure that the solar arch was installed correctly and according to our vision.
To store the energy that we were going to collect with our new solar arch, we decided to upgrade our 7-year-old GEL batteries, which were already at the end of their lifetime, with new LiFePo4 cells. We built a big battery bank out of LiFePo4 cells and installed a SBMS from Electrodacus to manage the cells properly. The battery management system from Electrodacus we ordered on Kickstarter.
The total capacity of the cell is 720Ah, providing us with ample power for our offshore cruising adventures. We chose LiFePo4 cells over traditional GEL or lead-acid batteries because they offer many benefits, such as longer lifespan, higher energy density, and improved safety. We also appreciate that they require less maintenance than other battery types.
Overall, we are very proud of the engineering work we did on the solar arch. The entire process, from design to installation, required a lot of effort and attention to detail. However, the end result has proven to be well worth it, as the combination of the new solar arch and LiFePo4 battery bank has allowed us to be more self-sufficient while sailing, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and enabling us to enjoy longer, more sustainable cruising adventures. We are very pleased with the outcome of our project and it has already made our bluewater sailing adventures even more enjoyable.
Figures & Facts
Battery Capacity
720Ah
Solar Capacity
850Wp
Type of cells
LiFePo4
Number of Solar Panels
5
Number of Cells
24
Battery Management System
Electrodacus SBMS120