Solar Installation

[Pauliemv]

Hi everyone,
As a new owner of a 2016 RT25SC I’m still learning the ins and outs.
My latest thoughts are wanting a solar system that can power my NovaKool fridge 24/7. I know little to nothing about solar installations and I’m reaching out to this group for guidance, how to, and what components are needed. The boat currently has 4 batteries (AstroLite) with an RC 175 rating. I’m not sure how that translates into Ah. I’ve researched Renogy 200W panel with a 20Amp mmpt but that’s as far as I got. Oh I also researched the attachment brackets (SS Gemini).
I’ve no idea how you get from the roof to the battery compartment not to mention all the various components needed.
I also have and use an EcoFlow Delta for AC power for coffee maker and charging battery operated tools and would like a leg off the solar system to recharge that unit as well.
Any help/guidance/handholding appreciated greatly!
Thanks in advance from a timid newbie.
Paul

 

[Red Raven]

I would start by checking to see if the boat was wired for solar from the factory. Check for a pair of unconnected 10 gauge wires at the back or inside the fake stack on the roof. The other end should be in the port cockpit locker. The controller is typically mounted under the gunwhale at the aft end of the locker so the wires should end up there some where.

If not factory wired then it is a bigger challenge. One that I cannot provide any experience.

Curt

 

[glider4]

I would start by reviewing this thread.
viewtopic.php?f=24&t=9821&hilit=Solar+diy
There are a ton of other threads on solar installs from scratch and solar upgrades.
SCROSS has photos of a from scratch solar install in a 2009 R-25 Classic in his photo album you may want to check out.
My recommendation is to go with the highest watt panel you can fit on the sports rack that won’t be shaded by anything else you need to have on the sports rack. If you’re going to do all the work you might as well get the maximum benefit from it. I don’t recall anyone ever lamenting that they put too much solar in place!
Also, if your boat is not prewired, I would mount the solar controller in the cave where it is more protected from the elements.

 

[srhawk454]

My understanding is (and I'm by no means a subject matter expert so folks please correct me if I'm wrong) that factory wiring supports up to 2x200w panels in series or 1x400w panel paired with e.g. Victron 100/30 mppt, if you go higher wattage you need to rewire and get a 100/50 mppt controller. So, 400w is the prewired maximum (and my apologies again if I'm wrong) which is still plenty of solar.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

That sounds right but check the wire gauge for what’s installed.

There are a number of threads on the topic that have good guidance

Some quick pointers

Get the highest wattage panel you can fit. Greater than 300w is ideal.
Make sure it’s not shaded.
Get a split cell if possible as that helps with shading. I found good prices at platt.com
The victron gear is good. Also get the battery sense modules for the batteries as this helps
Manage voltage drop and ensures proper charging
Make sure you connect the batteries to the controller before connecting the panel
Fuse the cables
Charge the house batteries from the solar controller. The acrs will take care of the rest.
Pay attention to the specs of the solar panels. Their voltage specs vary a lot. And make sure it works with the intended use.
If in doubt get some professional help