Solar panel on Hunter Legend 40.5

[Irek]

Hi guys
I wonder if anyone found a replacement for old solar panel placed on the coachroof. The original supplier United Solar Systems Corp doesn't exist anymore. Other suppliers produced panels that have sizes and compositions totally different, making them unusable. I found a company in China willing to set up their production machine to the required size, but at a huge cost. Plus, the somewhat prohibitive cost of shipment.
Did anyone find a solution to it?
Also, it appears that the original solar panel was connected directly to the battery. Is it correct that charger/regulator was not used? or I just can't find it?/ik

 

[JoeWhite]

What is so special about this solar panel. Solar panels can be connected in parallel, but should have an external charger with its regulated output connected to the batteries. They do not have to be matching panels in wattage or physical size. Most solar panel open circuit voltage is 22 vdc. It is regulated with external regulator to 12vdc to charge the batteries.

 

[Rich Stidger]

Find a panel that is close in size and cut a frame to fill any gaps. Like a matte in a picture frame.
I have a 1997 h40.5 and I doubt that the solar panel would do very much even if it actually worked.

 

[Irek]

Hey Joe, Rich
Tku yrs. My H40.5 is of the same year. I want to believe that if I will install a new panel and with voltage regulator it may work. From what I see the original panel was connected directly to the battery. I see it fm the schematics and I did not find any charger on my boat. This can mean that the output of the panel was 12V dc or about. Also, charging will take place only if the panel will produce more than the present charge/voltage of the battery. It must be a higher voltage than the battery to get the juice flowing in the right direction.
As to the cutting of the installation frame, the standard sizes of most of the panels are too big for this. There will be nothing left to hold the panel in place. I tried US, Chines and European manufacturers with not much of luck - either too big or too small. Keep in mind that the panel seats in the socket on the coach roof, so outside dimensions of the panel are as important as the sizes of the active part. And the panel must be strong enough to walk on it, or at least step on it from time to time.
Anyhow guys, thx for the comments. China might be the only option as they are willing to produce what I need, albeit at a cost.

PS for Rich
As you may recall I have replaced my Aluminum sewage tank with poly. And not too early. In one place at the bottom there was spot of corrosion that I could push my finger through. It did not leak yet, but could anytime. When looking around I found directly under this spot a stainless steel screw. It work like an electrode slowly wasting the tank wall. Someone appparently dropped the screw and did not bother, or could not remove it. And I was a step from smelly catastrophe!

 

[jssailem]

@irke
It is apparent from the way the post has been phrased that you want someone with a 40.5 ft hunter to respond.

We are talking about "Solar Panels". If you have a specific size that fits your boat, I suggest including that size in your post. There are many boat owners here, many with extensive experience with solar panels. You might learn that a Catalina owner found just the exact size panel that you are seeking. Wouldn't that be helpful for your project?

 

[dlochner]

Check with the SBO Store. They may have them or know where to get one.

Sewage is acidic. Acid is deadly to aluminum. Whoever thought an aluminum blackwater tank was a good idea, wasn't thinking clearly.

 

[Irek]

Hi everyone
Thx for advises. SBO did not come with anything workable. Cutting the top cover of the panel went into the dolding down screw area. The size that I need is in the attachment./ik

 

[Rick D]

well, that's weird. I replaced mine o


n our 40.5 with one and a new bezel through SBO a few years ago. it's about three times the output of the original. I rewired the output to go to the solar regulator that feeds the batteries and directs the input from our temporary solar panels when cruising.

 

[dlochner]

Hi everyone
Thx for advises. SBO did not come with anything workable. Cutting the top cover of the panel went into the dolding down screw area. The size that I need is in the attachment./ik

Did you look on the website or call them? The website is not the easiest to navigate.

 

[Irek]

Thx Rick. SBO shop lists replacement set up which very expensive. Cost more than twice what I can get fm China. So I think no point to look for replacement in our part of the world. And it will be custom made accdg to the sizes of old panel.
Nevertheless, tku very much to all of you who provided input and thoughts./ik