Surplus solar panel
- Thread starter Runamuk
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scross
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If you need to replace the stock factory 140 or 160 watt solar panel, now might be a great time to upgrade your whole solar system. Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT solar controllers are very affordable these days. High efficiency (small size) 200 watt panels are on Amazon for $160. Bigger panels (350 to 450 watts) are around $250. Just saying…..
cliffm
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channel surfing has reported that dual 200W Monocrystalline panels and 100/30 victron mppt controler is the sweet spot. We have a single 325W panel and 100/30 controller
Yeah, the plan is to upgrade the current duoracer (which is MPPT) to a Victron 100/30 that would handle more power and provide more visibility. Was just thinking it would be really easy to add another panel and double the power with another factory PERC panel.
Installing two 200w Renogy panels appears to overlap the hand rails on my 29S more than I’d like.
Installing two 200w Renogy panels appears to overlap the hand rails on my 29S more than I’d like.
Submariner
Channel Surfing
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If you double up on panels, they need to be the same panels, exactly the same, else you won't capture the full output they are capable of.
The 160w panel is no longer available from CMP, it’s been replaced by a 175W version with a slightly higher current rating. So the new panel wb throttled down to the 160’s output from what I’ve read. I was hoping to just pick up somebody’s unwanted 160w panel to match what I have. Otherwise I’ll have to use different panels.
Full_O_Fish
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I have my original stock panel just sitting in storage here in socal if you want it. Though if you're not local I have to imagine shipping it anywhere would be less cost effective than just buying new panels.
That would be perfect if I had an economical way to get it to either Seattle or Phoenix.
dsisson
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Installed two Renogy 200W ShadowFlux panels on my R29S last spring, and they charged the batteries to absorption even in rainy Prince William Sound, Alaska, while I was anchored for days at a time. I also installed the Victron controller 100/30. The panels sit above the handrails about 8". No problem grabbing the handrails!
Dirk Sisson
Anchorage, AK
That looks interesting! How sturdy is the xr100 connection to the Gemini mounts? Would love any more pictures of how the XR100 rail is mounted. I assume the two panels side by side are too wide to mount to the factory cross bar using just the Gemini mounts?
dsisson
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I used Gemini hinged split side rail mounts and IronRidge Solar Racking and Mounts for the installation. The IronRidge parts included the XR100 Rail, UFO Universal Mid Clamp for XR Rails, EFO Universal End Clamps for XR Rails, and the Slotted L Foot.. The result is a very stout installation. Correct, the Renogy panels side by side are too wide for Gemini mounts.
Dirk Sisson
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, Alaska
scross
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Just a solar panel sale note. Woot (an Amazon company) is having a sale on AeternaSol 200 Watt 12 volt Bifacial Solar panels. Two pack on sale for $170. Plus a 20% off coupon NEWWOOT4 bringing down cost to $136 for both panels. Hard to beat 400 total watts of bifacial solar panels for $136. These panels have a good 4.6 out of 5 rating on Amazon. Dimensions 52.8” by 26.4”. Free shipping for Amazon Prime members. I think shipping for non-Prime members is $6 total.
Go to Woot dot com and scroll down under the Tools and Garden category.
Go to Woot dot com and scroll down under the Tools and Garden category.
Last edited:
Submariner
Channel Surfing
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- https://tinyurl.com/yrv84xdm
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- 368187810
@Runamuk
I just upgraded a R29-CB solar to 440 watts this past weekend. The owner has a 160 watt panel for sale. Located in the Everett area currently.
Let me know ASAP if you're interested in it. It's a CMP 160 watt panel, which is the factory installed panel.
I had to do a little 1" bar work such that I could mount the panels fwd to aft.
This is the before photo, showing the 160 watt factory panel installed.