I recently purchased a 2003 Hunter 420 that has a solar panel just aft of the Mast. It isn;t any good and was wondering if it was worth replacing, and if so, where would I find a replacement panel?
well that is a different question and the answer is yesWas wondering if it would be worth putting a bigger solar panel above and behind the arch?
Was looking at putting the Nature Power 18-Watt Solar Battery Charger with 8-Amp Charge Controller Kit on to keep the batteries charged when I'm not on the boat.
some people find some small panel to install in the spot, but I bet lots of nameless ones just ignore itBy the way, has anyone just covered the solar panel up with something else? It looks like ..........
Nick, Would you tell me a little more about the 100 watt panel you have installed? What brand and how do you have it attached? I'm thinking of doing something similar and don't want to install on the Bimini.Depends
If you usually are plugging into shore power than forget about it
and it's so small it doesn't really do much.
If you cruise and stay out long periods of time and use your gen
than forget about it.
If like me cruise alot out on anchor alot away from shore power
than put a bigger panel at least 100 watt's off the back of the stainless arch to run ref with out running the Gen for long periods of time.
Solar is only good if using lots of 12volt and anchoring out alot,we like less noise when anchoring out and maybe only need the Gen for AC.
Nick
I wrote that over 3 years ago. I since have determined that mine is acturally still working enough for its function of tickle charge to the start battery. But I doubt I would spend money on replacing it if it died.I have no idea whether mine is working, but far as I'm concerned it isn't worth replacing.
While I'm glad you found a way I'm confused. My 410 has the factory inverter option on it and every charge source charges the start battery as long as I have the start battery disconnect switch in the "on" position and the inverter switch selected to a battery position. I worked on a friends sister 410 that didn't have the factory inverter and had the factory standard alternator and battery charger, both of which still charged thestart battery.On my h410 the only way the starter batter is charged is through that little panal, nothing else. If it stops working the battery dies. I upgraded to a 50 watt panal with a controller. A kicker subwoofer now also powers off that battery. Panal was $90 with a controller delivered.
Have another 580 watts solar for the house banks.View attachment 158543 Having solar is not a waste, ever.