[C320-list] Replacing Factory Solar Panel

[Mark Seyler via C320-list]

My 1995 No. 232 has a solar panel on top of the cabin just forward of the
traveler, which I believe was installed by Catalina when the boat was built.
It has not worked since I bought the boat in 2011, and I'm not even sure if
it is connected to anything. I have just ignored it since it wasn't in the
way, and didn't prevent my use of the boat. But I am thinking of finally
removing it, and trying to anticipate any problems or issues I will
encounter when I do. Has anyone else done this job, and if so, what advice
can you share?



Mark Seyler

S/V Reality,

Catalina 320, #232

New Orleans, LA

[Dennis Cookson via C320-list]

Mark,

I have a solar panel similarly located, and my suggestion would be to keep it or replace it if it’s not functional. My boat lives on a swinging mooring all summer, and the solar panel keeps the battery topped up. Never had a problem starting the engine. I think you can buy a more efficient panel these days with the same dimensions.

Dennis Cookson
‘Catalina’, #577

[Jack Brennan via C320-list]

How much charge do you get off a solar panel in that location? My guess is that the panel is 100 watts at most and the boom partially shades it.

I have two 160-watt hard panels mounted over the rear of the full-length bimini. I built a frame of one-inch SS tubing connected to the bimini tubes and the stern rail. The angle is not optimal — no fixed panels are — but I can get as much as 12 amps an hour when the batteries are a little low and the sun is right.

The advantage for me is that I secure the panels with cable ties, which means I can remove them in 15 minutes of a hurricane is heading my way.

The hood on my 320 where the panel would be is pretty much impossible to remove. I think someone at the factory grabbed a tube of 4200 or even 5200 while sealing it in place. My guess is that the solar panel was simply screwed into the hood? Fill the holes, do minor gelcoat repairs and move on.

Ideally, you would remove the wiring so you don't confuse a future owner. It would have to connect either with the battery bank or the main battery switch.

Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
Tierra Verde, Fl.






________________________________
From: C320-list <c320-lis...@lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of Dennis Cookson via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 9, 2025 10:04 AM
To: C320...@catalina320.com <C320...@Catalina320.com>
Cc: Dennis Cookson <den...@cooksons.net>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Replacing Factory Solar Panel

[Dan Winsor via C320-list]

I have never seen the factory install but I mounted a panel in that
location, just fwd of the traveler. Been there 16 years and working fine
but about five years ago I installed a 2nd larger panel in parallel with
the first and now never have to idle the diesel to charge.
Dan Winsor
Lucky Devil #109 1994

[Dan Petticord via C320-list]

Could anyone share a picture of this installation they could share?

Dan Petticord

[John Cheek via C320-list]

Take a look at the Owner’s Manual pages 57 and higher.
Hopefully that will answer your questions.