Solar Panel installation help needed

[Markl]

Hi all
I am about to install a solar panel on a 2011 Ranger Tug 25 and am looking for any ideas of how to run the wires from the panel down to the cave which seems to be an ok location for the controller. Looks like the text book route is through the back of the stack, then head starboard to the wire race that heads down by the sink then back to the engine compartment following the cabin heater water hose. Great in theory but looks like I have to disassemble half of the boat to accomplish this.
Any other idea's would be appriciated
Thanks
Mark

Note: installing a 60 cell residential grade panel rated at about 280 watts and a MPPT controller hoping to get enough stored energy to run the fridge through the night.

 

[Andrew Custis]

Most of the wiring on that boat run downs the starboard side and where I would try to keep the controller. If you remove the stack, you will see the wiring running through the cabin top. I would then run it to the starboard side and try to run it behind the galley and down. You would remove the refrigerator and that would help you get to the wiring when it drops behind. From there you can run aft and end up towards the batteries.

It will take a while but not too difficult. Make sure you seal everything back up so you dont have leaks when you remove screws and the exterior stack piece.

Good luck!

 

[Markl]

Thanks Andrew.
I was trying to avoid removing the stack as there seems to be a lot of things attached to it but I suppose that is the only way to go.
Can you tell me where Ranger Tugs connects the output of the charger? I was going to go straight to the house batteries but maybe there is a better place.
Mark

 

[knotflying]

You need a controller to connect the solar to the batteries. You cannot hook up directly.

Also, regarding not removing the stack to install the wires; you could always run the wires in a flex conduit to a waterproof cable entry plate at a spot in the roof where running the cables on the interior may be easier. Here is a link to the product. They also make one prewired for solar panel installation. https://www.defender.com/product3.jsp?path=-1|328|2290044|2290045&id=2758910