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

[Christian]

I'm a year into using a Victron Energy MPTT Controller.  Love the android
app the connects with blue tooth for monitoring.  I have two, each
independently connected to a 160 W Rigid Panel (mounted on davits).  Very
very pleased with the output of panel and controller, controller features,
and app.

Christian Caperton
1994 C320 #138 "Cancuk"
Monroe Harbor, Chicago, IL

On Sun, Mar 8, 2020 at 6:40 PM John morrison <sail-ability at sympatico.ca>
wrote:

> I have a 180W panel installed on the dinghy davits (great place to mount
> it) and a Blue Sky MPPT controller. This will be the 5th year for the setup
> and the batteries have always been kept well charged, 2X4Ds in // and a
> size27 starter bty. The largest consumer we have on the boat is the fridge
> which is turned on all the time. If I was doing it again I’d go for a
> larger panel probably 220W, as the btys will draw down if we get 3 cloudy
> days in a row.
> JohnM
> 1999#574
>
> > On Mar 8, 2020, at 1:08 PM, Jack Brennan <jackbrennan at bellsouth.net>
> wrote:
> >
> > 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.
> >
>
>