I just purchased a 1995 Hunter 37.5 and looks like the solar panel might need replacing. Anyone ever done this and have any suggestions as to where to start. I will have to replace the batteries so I might as well start out fresh.
Solar Panel on 37.5
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OEM is not being produced. It was a Solar Electric as I recall, but they no longer do this type of panel. I suspect there are some others that might fit, but I don't know specifically. No doubt there will be something in a couple of years that will fit and produce twice as much amps. Meantime, I'll leave it to others to offer suggestions. Good luck; nice boat!
Test the panel first
I have a 40.5 legend and the panel "looked" like crap. I tested the circuit at the panel fuse and only got 3 volts. Being a dumb bunny I did not think to look at the panel when I measured the voltage. I assumed it was bad and put it on the to do list for replacement. Got a wild hair up while Otto was driving the boat and decided to pull the panel and see what brand/manufacturer so I could order the new panel. After getting all the silicon goop off I tested the circuit and got 15 volts
. The GF then came over to see what all the excitement was and cast a partial shadow on the panel. Voltage droped dramaticaly. I suspect that due to the bimini being south of the panel when I first tested it the panel was shaded and not producing fully.
So, with that all said, my 1993 panel is still preforming fine so you might only need to get some sun on it and test the voltage.
FWIW
I have a 40.5 legend and the panel "looked" like crap. I tested the circuit at the panel fuse and only got 3 volts. Being a dumb bunny I did not think to look at the panel when I measured the voltage. I assumed it was bad and put it on the to do list for replacement. Got a wild hair up while Otto was driving the boat and decided to pull the panel and see what brand/manufacturer so I could order the new panel. After getting all the silicon goop off I tested the circuit and got 15 volts
. The GF then came over to see what all the excitement was and cast a partial shadow on the panel. Voltage droped dramaticaly. I suspect that due to the bimini being south of the panel when I first tested it the panel was shaded and not producing fully.So, with that all said, my 1993 panel is still preforming fine so you might only need to get some sun on it and test the voltage.
FWIW
Thanks
J Happe
I will look at the panel as soon as the weather here gets a little warmer. Nice to know I can take it off and inspect thoroughly. I always appreciate the good advice from this forum.I have a 40.5 legend and the panel "looked" like crap. I tested the circuit at the panel fuse and only got 3 volts. Being a dumb bunny I did not think to look at the panel when I measured the voltage. I assumed it was bad and put it on the to do list for replacement. Got a wild hair up while Otto was driving the boat and decided to pull the panel and see what brand/manufacturer so I could order the new panel. After getting all the silicon goop off I tested the circuit and got 15 volts
So, with that all said, my 1993 panel is still preforming fine so you might only need to get some sun on it and test the voltage.
FWIW
J Happe
Just a comment about your panel. The position that Hunter installed these panels is less than ideal as the boom, dodger/bimini and other canvas tends to shade it. To trust the panel to keep your battery reasonably charged is wishful thinking. If I had this set up I'd remove the existing panel (or cover it) and look to installing some solar panels over the bimini or possibly a wind generator. If you're not plugged in regularly to shore power, your batteries suffer. Alternate and constant trickle charges are the better option.
not ideal, but
I replaced the original solar panel on my 2000 h410 with a much beefier panel, fit nicely in same space, and easy to use the existing wiring. This may not be the ideal place for it, but it looked good and was out of the way. The 65W panel kept batteries fully charged when I was away from the boat (boat lived at a mooring). My new boat has a generator, but still thinking of throwing a solar panel on. Search on owner modifications under 410, "solar panel upgrade", has some pictures.
I replaced the original solar panel on my 2000 h410 with a much beefier panel, fit nicely in same space, and easy to use the existing wiring. This may not be the ideal place for it, but it looked good and was out of the way. The 65W panel kept batteries fully charged when I was away from the boat (boat lived at a mooring). My new boat has a generator, but still thinking of throwing a solar panel on. Search on owner modifications under 410, "solar panel upgrade", has some pictures.
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