Add solar panels

[Windsong415]

Hi,
Looking forward to my Ranger 31S visit in a week or so. I ordered thru Dave at Port Boathouse and Garett has been helpful with my questions.

I would like 3 panels total and can that be done at the production site?

Going to be a good Christmas / New Year here !

Cheers
Randy

 

[MarcoArias]

Hi Randy!

We do not do custom items and installations at the factory. However, our Dealers may be able to do it. I would contact Port Boat House to see if they can do a custom install.

Hope all is well and congratulations with your new R31!

 

[JohnL]

Hi Randy
I added a second 160 watt panel purchased from Amazon to our new R29s. It was a tight fit on the sports rack but an easy install overall. The PWM controller that came with the boat was limited to 10 amps so to accommodate our series connection we needed to upgrade to the 20 amp version of the duo controller. I contemplated using a more efficient MPPT controller but so far the two panels working with PWM controller and the Blue Sea automatic charge relays produce more than enough power to keep the three battery banks in great shape even on cloudy days at anchor.

During the colder winter days I run a 300 watt heater on board so I added a switch to turn off the solar panels and use the on-board charger to keep the batteries up. If I’m going to be motoring for more than a couple of hours I also turn off the panels as well. I’d like to know more about the impact on the AGM batteries of allowing two charging sources operating at the same time.

I’d be interested in hearing how your solar panel upgrade project went and how you use your improved system.

 

[knotflying]

Hi Randy
I added a second 160 watt panel purchased from Amazon to our new R29s. It was a tight fit on the sports rack but an easy install overall. The PWM controller that came with the boat was limited to 10 amps so to accommodate our series connection we needed to upgrade to the 20 amp version of the duo controller. I contemplated using a more efficient MPPT controller but so far the two panels working with PWM controller and the Blue Sea automatic charge relays produce more than enough power to keep the three battery banks in great shape even on cloudy days at anchor.

During the colder winter days I run a 300 watt heater on board so I added a switch to turn off the solar panels and use the on-board charger to keep the batteries up. If I’m going to be motoring for more than a couple of hours I also turn off the panels as well. I’d like to know more about the impact on the AGM batteries of allowing two charging sources operating at the same time.

I’d be interested in hearing how your solar panel upgrade project went and how you use your improved system.

No need to turn the panels off. That is what the controller is for. If it registers sufficient charge it cuts off the charging from the panels.

 

[Windsong415]

Thanks for the info. Electronics is not my strong suit nor have I had more than a hand held GPS over the years. So this will be a learning opportunity for me. Unfortunately my memory doesn’t work to well. Stay tuned , 2 more weeks to delivery!

Cheers Randy

 

[Annie Time]

JohnL can you point us to the panel you bought on Amozon


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[Cutwater28GG]

how many total Watts do you require ?

you may better with different panels than the standard 140W panel
you can buy 380W panels like the REC Alpha that are only a few inches longer and wider.
delivery cost is the challenge as most are based down in CA.

Platt.com has a good range of panels that can be delivered cheap because they are local stores.

ive not seen a good selection on Amazon TBH.

also use the calculator on the victron energy website to ensure you have the right solar charger. im upgrading to the 100/30MPPT smartsolar for a 335W panel.

 

[Annie Time]

I want to add one panel. I’m up grading my EVPEVER 10 amp PWM controller to a 20 amp version from Amazon for $41 dollars. I bought a 160 watt Newport 12 volt poly PV panel again Amazon for $160. Including mounting hardware and branch connects, I’m into this upgrade for around $225


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