[C320-list] Replacement Controller For Factory Installed Solar Panel

[Jack Brennan]

Don:

Buy an mppt controller. I have a Renogy, but any reputable brand will do. Pay attention to what info is displayed in the LED panel. I had one previously (Xantrex, I think) that required you to buy an upgrade to display info on your phone.  I opted for one that displays on the unit itself.

With the low cost of panels these days, it might make sense to buy a 160 or 200 watt panel. My 160 kicks out 7 amps an hour in the Florida sun. Very little plugging in these days. A rigid panel is much more durable than a semi-flexible. Ask me how I know …

That spot in front of the dodger is not ideal because you will get partial blockage from the boom, mast and sail, depending on where the sun is.

I didn’t want to build a permanent superstructure on the stern, so I devised an inexpensive structure over the rear of the Bimini. 

Basically, I mounted two bulldog clips on the split backstays and used them to tie off the front side of the panel with strong dyneema line. 

To tie up the back side of the panel at the stern, I bought two stainless steel flagpole mounts that clamp to the stern rail. I used one-inch-diameter SS rail, along with two 90-degree fittings, to create a U-shaped structure that rises several inches above the Bimini.

I run the solar panel cable down the port backstay (through a hole in the Bimini) and used a cable clam (also from Defender) to run the cable into the port cockpit locker. I fused the positive wire running to the controller, which connects to the same posts as the 110-volt charger to the house batteries.

I was getting 40-50 amps a day on a couple of short winter trips. I’m hoping that rises when I leave later this month on a trip down to Key West and the Dry Tortugas, then up possibly as far as New Orleans. It could reach 70 amps or so, which would be plenty when added to a couple of hours of motoring most days.

Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
Tierra Verde, Fl.
Dolphin Cruising Club of Tampa Bay





Sent from Mail for Windows 10

From: Don Johnson
Sent: Sunday, March 8, 2020 12:07 PM
To: Catalina 320 List Posting
Subject: [C320-list] Replacement Controller For Factory Installed Solar Panel

My boat has the relatively small factory solar panel installed just in front of the dodger. It’s old, but I have confirmed that is still producing juice to the solar controller (installed just above the batteries).  However, while the juice goes into the controller, nothing comes out, so I would like to replace the controller.  Has anyone done this and, if so, what controller did you buy & how’s it working.  Thanks for any info you can provide.

Don Johnson
#53
Alamitos Bay, Long Beach Ca.