Solar Upgrade

[Martin610]

Hi Guys. Just did a nice upgrade to my solar system. Following the lead of others here I swapped out the SunSaver Duo for a Victron Smart Solar MPPT charge controller. For a solar panel, I went for the Renogy Shadowflux 200 watt and used the Gemini mounts. Those mounts are lot easier to deal with than Sea Dog, at least for me.

Huge increase in solar harvest. I will likely add a second panel.

I used the old moving blanket process to remove the old panel. My boat wasn't built with a solar disconnect switch. Seems like a lot of the people didn't have them on their boat either. Is this something I should have? It's not hard to add. Appreciate any input.

Thanks,

-martin610

 

[scross]

I installed a resettable breaker on the positive lead from the solar panel to the controller on our C-28.
Makes turning off the system super simple. I used a Gloso G6 15 Amp breaker. Under $20. I have a 335 Watt panel.
Covered the panel, cut the positive lead to the VE 100/30 controller at a place where the breaker could mount while still close to the controller. Installed wire terminals on the ends and connected them to resettable breaker. Mounted breaker and uncovered panel.
Breaker on center left side of photo

 

[Haifisch]

For isolating the panel from the Victron, it was recommended by NAZ solar to install a Solar PV quick disconnect switch. It breaks both + & - legs.

 

[Submariner]

I used the old moving blanket process to remove the old panel. My boat wasn't built with a solar disconnect switch. Seems like a lot of the people didn't have them on their boat either. Is this something I should have? It's not hard to add. Appreciate any input.

I didn't put in a solar disconnect switch on Channel Surfing.

The open circuit amperage (short circuit) on my 420 watts of solar is about 8 amps and the 10awg wire can handle 30amps so overcurrent protection isn't required. When I had to replace my solar controller in Prince Rupert, BC after Johnstone Strait shorted it out, I just disconnected one wire at a time and put black electrical tape over the wire to prevent a short while I replaced the controller. Hopefully, that's not something I need to do often, else I'd probably want a disconnect switch.

 

[Martin610]

Thanks for the replies fellas. I will likely fuse the circuit. I like the form factor of the Gloso. Not sure why solar disconnects are sometimes specified. I don't think they fuse the circuit, and I'm not sure why disconnecting the negative lead is desired. As per submariner, this is not something that has be disconnected or worked on very often. Might be something here I'm not aware of.

BTW, the performance of the Renogy Shadowflux panel has been excellent. Big increase in solar harvest. I hit 193 watts yesterday. Not bad for a 200 watt panel.

-martin610

 

[freedomvango]

I didn't put in a solar disconnect switch on Channel Surfing.

The open circuit amperage (short circuit) on my 420 watts of solar is about 8 amps and the 10awg wire can handle 30amps so overcurrent protection isn't required. When I had to replace my solar controller in Prince Rupert, BC after Johnstone Strait shorted it out, I just disconnected one wire at a time and put black electrical tape over the wire to prevent a short while I replaced the controller. Hopefully, that's not something I need to do often, else I'd probably want a disconnect switch.

same. i just put in MC4 up top and unplug them if im servicing