[C320-list] Solar panels

[warren updike]

Interestingly enough, our 1994 #62 came "ready" to install a solar Panel in
place of the "sea hood." The owner manual details how the wires are buried
in the starboard side fiberglass edge of the deck under the sea hood.  I
presume Catalina had in mind a specific panel and method for installing it.
I wonder if anyone has installed this solar panel.

In the course of replacing my holding tank and all the hoses, I found some
wires behind the head cabinet that I couldn't explain. One even had the
negative wire cut. Another I traced fwd toward the battery compartment and
aft a ways until it entered the deck.  Then it dawned on me that these are
the wires for the deck mounted solar panel.  

I wonder if this is a practical place to mount a solar panel?  I, too, am
interested in responses.

Warren & Pattie Updike
Catalina 320, #62, "Warr De Mar"
Middle River, Chesapeake Bay




-----Original Message-----
From: Scott Thompson [mailto:surprise at thompson87.com] 
Sent: Friday, May 22, 2009 12:02 PM
To: Catalina320.org
Subject: [C320-list] Solar panels

What have people tried in the way of solar panels on their 320s?  I'm 
looking for a simple option to keep the batteries topped off while on 
the mooring, since I'm not in a slip.  The only load most of the time is 
the automatic bilge pump, so I don't need a lot of output.  Looking for 
any details you might be able to provide in terms of models, mountings, 
wire routing, controllers, etc.  I'm especially interested in 
information on how to set up a system that can be easily hooked up at 
the end of a sail without taking the settee apart downstairs to get at 
the batteries.

-- 
Scott Thompson
Surprise, #653