Where to mount 15W solar panel?

[Libations Too]

Update: I purchased the SunWize 55 watt panel from EcoDirect.com for about $185. It measures roughly 26" x 26". I ended up choosing the 55-watt panel (rather than a smaller 30-watt panel that I mentioned in an earlier post) because I decided that mounting hardware costs would be about the same for both and I saw no reason to limit the panel size to only 30 watts.

My plan is to mount the 55-watt panel on the stern rail slightly canted off centerline. I also purchased the Morningstar SunSaver ss-10-12v from EcoDirect for $44. I could have gotten by with the SS-6-12v but the SS-10 allows for the installation of a second 55-watt panel if I want.

My installation plan is to do something similar to that described in the pbase article that Selene referenced earlier.

I made a mock up to test mounting locations. The images below show  something close to what I will install...but I think I'll shift the angle so that it extends more behind the rail and a bit less off of the port side.

Selene, I have no direct experience with the Solbain panels but see that they are discussed briefly in the pbase article. I think my mounting hardware (partially purchased from MarinePartDepot.com) will come in around $80 to $100 (well under the cost difference between the rigid and flexible panel).

[Libations Too]

June 2013 Update:

In trying to finalize wire sizes for my installation and account for all of the voltage drop between the solar panel and my batteries I discovered that the Morningstar SunSaver SS-10-12V is not a good solution for me since I have two isolated gel-cell battery banks. Morningstar publishes a wiring diagram that shows how to use one controller to charge two isolated battery banks. It works by placing blocking diodes between the controller and the batteries, thus preventing the batteries from charging/discharging each other. Based on this alone, I incorrectly selected the SS-10-12V controller.

What Morningstar does not indicate is that the blocking diodes themselves cause a voltage drop of about 0.7 volts. So, if one starts at 14.1 volts as the output from the controller (this is the regulated output when battery type is selected for sealed or gel-cell batteries) and then deducts the 0.7 voltage drop caused by the diodes, the BEST one can hope for is 13.4 volts at the batteries. This does not even come close to a normal float charge voltage!

I returned the Morningstar SS-10-12V and purchased the Morningstar Duo, which is designed for boats and RVs with two isolated battery banks. EcoDirect was very cooperative and gave me a full credit for the SS-10-12V.

This has been a true voyage of discovery for me....and what I have found is that the wiring diagram by itself is only part of the story. I guess, as we all know, the devil is in the details!

PS I have a more detailed account of my thoughts and experience with this project on my web site project pages.