Solar Charger

I have a 2024 Cutwater 288 with a175 watt solar panel. I am considering adding another panel. Does anyone know if the current solar charger and electrical setup on the boat is adequate for handling another panel? Thanks

Hopefully, this helps. We added a second 175w panel on our 2023 R27OB last year. The stock wiring was able to handle the extra panel. We had our dealer do the install and they verified with the factory.

We were told we could have added a third panel, but only added the second panel.

Assuming the solar charger can handle the higher voltage, installing a second equivalent panel in series should not change the current demand on the wiring.

I don't know what solar controller yours comes with, you will need to determine the allowable solar amps it can handle. I know the controller on my Cutwater is less than desirable, you may want to simply upgrade your controller to a Victron with bluetooth capability, about $150 for the extra panel to tie them together, that way you have a clean electrical flow from the panels to the batteries,and can monitor it on your phone. Don't forget to fuse at the panels and add an on/off switch before the controller.

Instead of getting a second panel, consider just getting one new big one and using the stock panel for something else. I put a bifacial 440w panel up there with a new Victron 100/30 controller - probably more efficient than having two panels.
Careful increasing the amperage (increase volts instead) or you may have to change wiring.

2022 c-288. I am adding a Renogy 320 watt panel with new wiring and a Victron MPPT controller. The factory (165W) panel has an Epever controller that distributes to various batteries through an ACR. The solar panel in the factory set-up does not adequately charge when outboards are running. A separate system will bi-pass this; the Epever will still charge as designed. I am also adding a second 320W panel (so 3 panels total). The second 320W panel will have a MPPT controller, wired to an additional 320aH Lithium battery. The additional battery, and existing house batteries (580aH total), will be isolated by a Victron Diode battery combiner. The setup is similar to a 'battery back-up' and systems won't back-feed. All three PVs will fit on the existing rack. The Balmar monitor can support the new battery and the Victron MPPTs/combiner will allow monitoring as well. We use the A/C alot and, at slow cruise, the outboards do not keep the current house battery charged through-out the day such that the A/C will run all night on the hook.

Thanks. That sounds amazing! I have one 175 watt solar panel and want to add another 175 or 200 solar panel, and perhaps one additional 200 aH Lithium battery to my 2024 Cutwater 288. Do you know if the existing (factory) wiring will handle this upgrade?

pdo said:

Thanks. That sounds amazing! I have one 175 watt solar panel and want to add another 175 or 200 solar panel, and perhaps one additional 200 aH Lithium battery to my 2024 Cutwater 288. Do you know if the existing (factory) wiring will handle this upgrade?

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I would physically check your specific wiring, but PVs in series, at the watts stated, will likely not exceed current wiring. In series Volts are additive but Amps are not. I would use a new MPPT controller. Panels that are not the same watts, in the same circuit, will only be as good as the weakest link (my understanding) thus, 175 + 200 = 350, not 375. Martin of Channel Surfing has great in-depth information on everything discussed.. Go to his web-page 🙂