Remove solar panel on 37.5?

[davjonLegend]

The solar panel on my Legend 37.5 is mounted just under the boom. I think solar trickle charging is a great idea, but given where it's located, over the years it has been stepped on many times. Now it's time to replace or remove it. I've seen several posts on the topic but can't find one just now.

Has anyone completely removed their solar panel, and inserted a piece of starboard or equivalent?

 

[Bill Roosa]

Before you replace the unit confirm that it is busted. There should be a set of wires from the panel to the batteries. There is also an inline diode so measuring the current will be possible only with the multi-meter probes in the correct polarity. Disconnect the wires and test for something over 13 volts with the panel in full sum.

 

[davjonLegend]

The panel is physically damaged from many years of service. It's time to either replace it, or remove it and insert a dummy panel of starboard (or equiv). So today I'm asking if anyone simply did the starboard/equiv solution.
Secondarily, I am open to recommendations for a replacement panel of equal capacity.

 

[ALNims]

The panel is physically damaged from many years of service. It's time to either replace it, or remove it and insert a dummy panel of starboard (or equiv). So today I'm asking if anyone simply did the starboard/equiv solution.
Secondarily, I am open to recommendations for a replacement panel of equal capacity.

There are several threads that discuss this topic on this forum. I recommend googling your question and many threads pop up.

 

[ALNims]

The panel is physically damaged from many years of service. It's time to either replace it, or remove it and insert a dummy panel of starboard (or equiv). So today I'm asking if anyone simply did the starboard/equiv solution.
Secondarily, I am open to recommendations for a replacement panel of equal capacity.

Here is a link that could help you with the starboard. http://www.totalplastics.com/products/253

 

[davjonLegend]

Thanks for the link to the Starboard site. That was interesting.

With more searching on this site, I did find this from 2008. It doesn't show any finished results, but at least is some discussion on my topic.
http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=1097599&highlight=solar panel

 

[THender]

September of 2014 I replaced my 37.5's solar panel. It took a while to find a panel that was a close enough fit to work. I ordered it from Eco-Worthy, it was 40W versus the old 10W panel, so I also added an inexpensive charge controller. I think the panel cost about $75 with shipping and the controller about $7.00. I am in the cloudy Pacific Northwest and it keeps my batteries topped up perfectly. If you are interested I can provide more detail. It was worth replacing. THENDER

 

[neilleparkerjr]

September of 2014 I replaced my 37.5's solar panel. It took a while to find a panel that was a close enough fit to work. I ordered it from Eco-Worthy, it was 40W versus the old 10W panel, so I also added an inexpensive charge controller. I think the panel cost about $75 with shipping and the controller about $7.00. I am in the cloudy Pacific Northwest and it keeps my batteries topped up perfectly. If you are interested I can provide more detail. It was worth replacing. THENDER

THender,

I am quite interested In your project, what problems you encountered, and how it turned out. I have a 1995 37.5 and am considering the same project. If your 37.5 is a similar vintage I am curious where the electrical connections are.

Thanks,
Neill Parker

 

[davjonLegend]

Thanks THender, the direct reply is helpful and timely. I'm on the Gulf coast (Texas), so I'll probably use a smaller capacity panel than you, as we have a lot of sunshine.Expecting warmer this weekend, so I'm planning to take out the old solar panel to see what I find. Will report back what I find.

 

[Phil P]

Being a glutton for punishment and thinking a little more teak would look nice, I made a teak frame and purchased a 30 watt hard panel to fit. Seems to be no way to insert that picture here but if you give me your contact info I'll be happy to send it.

 

[Steve Feinsilver]

solar panel upgrade

When the panel on my old 410 gave up I replaced it with a 65 watt panel, looked pretty good, although did not put a fancy frame around it. Kept my batteries topped up at the mooring, although being in the shadow of the boom it is not a prefect place for a panel. Check out under owner modifications for h410, posted pictures there.

 

[davjonLegend]

I finally got back to this project. I removed the frame and old solar panel, and put Starboard in place of the panel. (Two pieces of 1/4" thick Starboard.) For our current purposes of bay and near coastal sailing , that is sufficient.

If I want to re-add a panel later, I can either remove the Starboard easily, or attach a new panel to the stern rail (which is much closer to the batteries anyway).

My final analysis was this -- The old panel looked like crap after years of being stepped on. And when removed, I cut it open (just for knowledge), water came out of it. Also, during the peak of the day, the boom shades much of the panel, so it's not an optimal location -- looks great on paper, but not the best in practice. I chose Starboard since its surface has a diamond pattern in it, which is a non-skid surface when standing in that area, and it was a much cheaper solution than another solar panel.
As said above, the Starboard can be removed later and/or a panel added to the stern rail.
Thanks to everyone who offered their own experiences and ideas.

 

[secondwind410]

My finished project

 

[secondwind410]

This is what I started with. Tired of leaks and unsuccessful caulking not to mention the eyesore I went to work to make it disappear. I am very happy with the results although it took a far amount of time

 

[secondwind410]

 

[secondwind410]

 

[secondwind410]

Sorry for the jumbled posting but I am out on the water and the Internet service is not the best.

 

[davjonLegend]

My compliments to SecondWind410. Looks like a very professional finished product. I thought about doing the same, but decided to go with the Starboard for now, which lets me make future improvements if I so choose. Congrats on the beautiful result.

 

[davjonLegend]

Just a follow up question. I have found that water (and algae) collects in the recessed area under the solar panel (or whatever you put in its place). The wire from the old solar panel drops down through a hole in the fiberglass surface -- and I had caulked around that wire to prevent water from leaking into whatever is below it. Was that a mistake? Should this hole be plugged with caulk, or should it be left open as a drain hole for the water that collects in this recessed area?

 

[cajon409]

My 2 cents,just installed a new panel on my 430 ,looks good, no mods, installed a controller. I wished I have done it earlier.