Solar Panel

The Garbone · Jan 13, 2015

Should be fine. On our C27 we had 15watt with the same load and it was good for weekends but fell behind if we were out for 4+ days using the anchor light. 100w should do great, just get a nice controller so you do not boil your batteries.

Brian D · Jan 13, 2015

I use a 50 watt on my Lancer for bilge pump, two GPS, VHF, Depth/Knot, Autopilot. Have had no problems. However, I do not use a PWM controller, I have the MPPT controller. I personally do not see the difference, but it was recommended so I went that route. The controller is a 10A version in the event I upgrade to 100 watts.

trainmanjess · Jan 13, 2015

hello all

I use 4 - 100 watt solar panels and a 30 amp mppt controller... the mppt controller is 15 to 20% more efficient with the power from the solar panels to your batteries versus the pwm controller.... I have 4 battery bank for the house and a single battery for the motor and generator....

sincerely
Jess

chrisyse · Jan 17, 2015

I plan to mount a 15W rigid solar panel on my 1989 Catalina 34 and would appreciate any thoughts/recommendations. Panel size is 18 1/4" x 12" x 2/3" which includes an aluminum frame. I plan to mount it on the starboard side of the stern rail so it sticks out over and parallel to the water, 2 clamps to the rail and one or two support braces. Removable when sailing, or just pivot it down to avoid getting it caught on a line when docking.

Thanks, Chris

Brian D · Jan 17, 2015

Here is what I did. Also, you can do a search on SBO for "Solar" and can find lots more information on how others have mounted their solar panels.

http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showpost.php?p=1170390&postcount=3

CharlzO · Jan 17, 2015

Jdaniel343 said:
I am thinking of putting a 100 watt solar panel on my Catalina 27.
I only have 2-12v deep cycle batteries.
I am thinking I really only need a PWM controller for this setup.
I only use the boat on weekends (2 to 3days). I believe this should be adaquate to recharge the batteries during the week when I am not there. My work load would consist of depth finder, speed meter, VHF, and 2 to 3 cabin LED lights, plus the bilge pump which would be left on all the time. It really never runs.
Am I missing anything.

Pretty much the same exact setup I have on mine, and same loads and usage. I never had a hiccup all season, and was able to go out for 3-4 days at at time, watch TV off an inverter or use the laptop for a few hours, and never blinked about the power. You should be fine with that setup.

chrisyse · Jan 18, 2015

Thanks for sharing

Thanks for sharing. Nice and simple installation.