Stock solar panels?

[croakz]

Hi,

We're under contract for a 2014 R25SC. It's in Anacortes and we're in Seattle so it's not easy for me to take a look at all the components. Does anyone know what solar panels and controller (PWM? MPPT?) were installed in 2014? I'm starting to plan out upgrades (Letsgochannelsurfing is great!!) but I'm trying to find out what I'm starting out with.

Thanks.

- tom

 

[scross]

Tom,
Pretty confident you have an anemic stock 120 or 145 watt solar panel. Somewhat confident that it’s connected to a Morningstar PWM Sunsaver Duo solar charger.
If you’re going to do an upgrade I’d recommend going with a 320-360 watt solar panel with a length that will fit the sports rack without hitting the smokestack and no wider than 40”. For the MPPT Controller I went with the Victron Energy Smart Solar 100/20. That’s on the small size for my 320 watt LG panel, you might want to consider the Victron Energy 100/30 controller instead. Make sure all the wiring, fuses and breakers will support the larger panel and controller.
With that set up and good energy management techniques (eg no inverter use) you should be able to go indefinitely without shore power.

PS: Recommend Platt Electric for the solar panel. They have specials on different panels almost all the time. Shipping to the local store is minimal or free. Lots of locations in the western US. Very good customer service.

 

[Submariner]

Hi,

We're under contract for a 2014 R25SC. It's in Anacortes and we're in Seattle so it's not easy for me to take a look at all the components. Does anyone know what solar panels and controller (PWM? MPPT?) were installed in 2014? I'm starting to plan out upgrades (Letsgochannelsurfing is great!!) but I'm trying to find out what I'm starting out with.

Thanks.

- tom

All that matters is the wiring. Hopefully it's 10awg from the solar panel to the controller. And at least 10awg from the controller to the batteries. Any solar upgrade you do on a 2014 boat would involve replacement of the solar panel to something larger, and you'll want to replace the solar controller, sized to match the solar panel voltage requirements and not exceed the wire size of what the boat already has. Else, you'll be running new electrical wire as well.

How big you go on solar is totally dependent on your boating lifestyle and needs.

 

[Thollis2]

We also own a 2014 R25SC. The solar panel is 120 watt. The controller is a Morningstar Sun Saver Duo SSD-25 (rated for 25 amps)

 

[croakz]

Thanks all. I'll probably get a Victron SmartSolar to start the upgrade so I can monitor solar output easier and figure out panels from there. Looking forward to joining the Tugnuts community.

 

[Aaron1]

I agree with the others. You probably have 10 awg wire in place which makes it a relatively easy job.

I’m very happy with the components I chose on my R25SC. I went with a 380 watt Q Cells G9 panel (from Platt), in-line fuse, Gemini split side mounts, and a Victron 30 amp mppt. I also combined the thruster to the house batteries which roughly adds 50% to the stock house capacity.

 

[Severum88]

I kept the Morningstar, as I get plenty of sun in socal and not too worried about shading. I simply replaced the one 120w panel with two GRAPE solar 190w panels. Existing controller handles the capacity no problem. Now I have a gross of 380watts, but they do occupy the top of the pilothouse. Provides instant shade to the hatches. 😀 3 days on the hook with fridge running 24/7 and necessary accessory charging.

Severum

 

[croakz]

I’m very happy with the components I chose on my R25SC. I went with a 380 watt Q Cells G9 panel (from Platt)

Hi @Aaron1, any chance you have pictures of your panel on your R25SC? I was thinking of going dual panel, but a single panel would be great if I can still use the top rack for a kayak. Thanks.

- tom

 

[Aaron1]

Tom,

I can’t figure out how to post pictures. If you pm me your email or phone I’ll send over a few pics.

 

[Bruce Moore]

Tom,

I can’t figure out how to post pictures. If you pm me your email or phone I’ll send over a few pics.

Currently, the only way to post pictures is to use the Img tag. Copy and paste the URL of an image file, available on a publicly accessible source, between the brackets.


Cheers,

Bruce