Adding another solar panel

The Masons

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 20, 2014
Messages
72
Fluid Motion Model
C-28
Hull Identification Number
FMLT2719A313
Vessel Name
Stella Blue
I was curious if anyone has experience adding an additional solar panel to the existing one which comes from the factory? It would seem to me if the controller can acceot the additional output it would work. Anyone gone this route?
 
You must have read my mind. I was just saying this weekend, "If we had 2 solar panels, we would never have to plug in." The only draw back I can see, is you will loose storage on top for the kayak. I was thinking about installing a second one, but I would have to research how to hook up to the monitor and the charging system. Maybe some sort of isolator?

Chester

 
Assuming that the total is within the specifications of the charge controller, the key is to use the same PV technology and not introduce partial shading. Both panels should have full sun exposure, since if one is often shaded (like being too close to something tall, like a stowage pod), then it will just slurp the power from the other.

There are work-arounds for this, involving more electronics... from the trivial (and inefficient) insertion of series Schottky diodes to the efficient (and expensive) addition of another whole controller. But if you have them all as one full plane, that's easiest, and works just fine if the controller doesn't mind the larger array size.

Another thing... if you parallel panels, the current in the wires doubles. Since power loss in cable is a function of the square of the current times the resistance, it is a lot more efficient to put them in series... higher voltage, lower current. This is particularly important to consider when adapting a factory installation with the original cable, since it was very likely sized according to the installed array. However, I don't know if the controller can handle the higher voltage... most do, but check the documentation first, and make sure it's configured accordingly before hooking it up. If you do them in series, the net efficiency of the system will be greater.

Cheers,
Steve-who-does-not-have-a-Ranger-yet
 
When you say higher voltage, is it doubled? Wouldn't the charger control that? It say max of 16v on the manual. Would it be 24v? In parallel it would double the amps, wouldn't that be better?
Chester
 
Ah, since I don't have the controller manual or know the model number, that's the gotcha. Yes, putting them in series doubles the array voltage and makes for lower losses, but that's only ok if the controller is designed to handle that nominally 24V input. Many do, given the increased efficiency of that configuration (I use Outback).

If wire sizing is borderline for paralleling them, then the alternative is to run another wire pair from the second array. But it is worth asking what wire size is in the original installation, and checking its resistance... given conservative ABYC standards, it is probably already just fine!

Cheers,
Steve
 
Sounds like a job for a professional to me!
 
If you tell me the wire size (AWG) and the length of the run to the controller from the array, and the original array wattage, I can run the numbers and tell you if doubling it is OK. I'm betting it will be fine.

If so, all you need to do is make the parallel connection up there on the roof with nice watertight stuff, and probably inform the controller of the new array size. I have a strong resistance to paying professionals for DIY-able things, unless they take esoteric tools or arcane knowledge! (Oh, the stories...)

Please tell me the controller model too, and I'll go read its PDF manual... I'm going to have one anyway, so this is all good research for me.

Cheers,
Steve
 
Yes... just a geek on a boat. I can't resist making them more complicated than they need to be. <grin>

Steve
 
Our boat has yet to be delivered else wise I wouldn't be asking this, but someone tell me the model name/number of the solar charger Ranger Tugs uses on the R27?
 
and stock wiring is number 10. I would not parallel another panel without doing some calculation, will check when I get a chance
 
I believe the controller can handle two panels. If my memory serves me correctly it can handle up to 25 amps. Two 135 watt panels will be just below that. 10 ga wire should also be more than adequate to handle that load.
 
yes, I think you're right. It should be just fine. I did two parallel runs of number 10 for 180 and 240 watt panels, similar distance
 
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