Replaced Solar Panel - What to do with the Original?

J

jimv

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 22, 2022
Messages
46
Fluid Motion Model
R-27 Classic
I recently upgraded my house electrical system on my 2011 R27 classic which included replacing the factory installed Kyocera 135W solar panel with a 340W panel. (What a wonderful difference BTW)

Doing a quick search of the forum I see that many of us nuts have upgraded our panels. What have folks done with the original panel? Mine is still in good condition, so was wondering if it would be worth it to try to sell it? Any thoughts on if there is a market for used panels?

Thanks

Jim
 
Sold my old solar panel on Craigslist. Local guy who wanted a small solar system for a small travel trailer parked on his property. Very knowledgeable about solar and knew what he was buying. $80.
 
I left mine beside the garbage at my marina, and it was gone within 30 minutes! There was a reasonably good Magma-type stove at that spot yesterday, which was gone about an hour after I saw it too.
 
I donated the panel to a STEM program at a local school along with the Morningstar Controller. They loved it.
 
I mounted mine on the roof of my Golf Cart and installed a solar controller for 36v batteries. Works great.
 
Jim,
Can you provide information on where you purchased your new solar panel? I like the idea of a larger output panel. I added a smaller panel a few years ago to my Classic R-27 but I've been thinking of changing it out to a larger one.

Thanks,
Marc
m/v Karl
 
Not Jim, but I recommend Platt Electric if you are in WA or OR. Lots of local stores. Free shipping of solar panel to your local store. Lots and lots of choices. Reasonable pricing especially on discontinued or sale panels.
 
Marc,

I bought my new panel through Platt Electric as mentioned in the last post.
I picked up a discontinued model that was on clearance for a very good price.
Link to the product I bought - although looks like they no longer have any:
https://www.platt.com/p/1458239/q-c...ack-on-black-discontinued-/qclqpeakduoblkg640
I had to have it shipped to Ohio, but even with that is was still worth it.
If you are near one of their locations you may be able to skip the shipping costs.

My new panel was longer / wider than the original, but fit well on the classic R27.
Just something to note - On my 2011 R27 the two support rails that the panel mounts to are not at the same height relative to the roof. The aft rail is somewhat lower, so the panel is actually at a slight angle downward towards the aft end. The panel I got extends further aft (as it is longer that the original) and comes about a 1/2 inch from the cabin door overhang along the rear edge of the panel. If I would have selected a longer panel, it would not have fit without changing (perhaps simply swapping) the support rails.
Makes is a bit tight to get my bimini on/off, but just required a bit more finesse. Luckily I don't remove my bimini often

Also - If you are changing out the panel, I'd also make sure you have, or upgrade to an MPPT style controller, and not use a PWM style, e.g. a Morningstar SunSaver Duo that the factory used for a whlie.

Jim
 
I replaced the factory setup with a 435 watt monocrystaline panel and a Victron MPPT controller. I installed the old 130 watt polycrystaline panel on the camper roof with another Victron MPPT controller. The old panel is less efficient than I'd like, but the camper's electrical needs are less and it was worth the install for the cost of the controller.
 
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