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

[Scott Thompson]

I have the older Victron unit without the bluetooth output and have been 
very happy with it. I purchased a separate solar charge monitor from 
Victron that was easy to mount and tells me everything I want to know 
about the solar panels and controller, albeit not on my phone. I also 
use a Victron battery monitor.

Regarding MPPT vs other controller technology, my understanding is that 
in order to get the full advantage of MPPT you need to raise the max 
voltage of your solar array above 12v. I did this by hooking three 
panels on the Bimini in series. The disadvantage is that if even one is 
shaded then the whole array produces no output. This has not been a 
problem for me.

On 3/9/2020 9:57 AM, Christian wrote:
> 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.
>>>
>>

-- 
Scott Thompson
Surprise, #653