Adding a 3rd mobile panel
Thanks for all the replies in my other post. I stated I was going to purchase the 120w suitcase kit. Well after alot of reading and learning from all here on this site Ive changed direction. I DID pur...
Forum Discussion
Going in circles indeed. I said this earlier in other thread - flex panels are rarely used, mostly when there are VERY specific installation requirements. Not a good choice for portable.
"Suitcase model" is simply 100W system split into 50+50W with legs, lowER end controller (sometimes total junk, sometimes acceptable) and a piece of crocodile cable from controller to battery (useless cable to you since you will be either parallel wiring it with the other two panels or use a corresponding receptacle on the trailer). For all this, you will pay upwards of $250. Though I recall they sometimes sell only "suitcase", without controller.
You said you already bought 2*100W panels and 40A MPPT for roof install? Should've bought 40A PWM from Grape instead - considering possible shade. Anyway, for adding portable you only need one 100W panel and a piece of PVC for legs. If you buy a suitcase with controller included - it's usually PWM unless you pay more money yet for MPPT upgrade - you won't be able to run it in parallel with your existing MPPT and 2 other panels.
California forest? :) Yeah, in some areas. Members in SoCal prefer covering all the roof with panels and not dealing with portables. Add another 200W on the roof, flat 200W will work the same as one portable 100W tilted at perfect angle to sun (or better). Just make sure all panels are of the same voltage and current (the same applies to single portable panel hooked up to 2 roof panels and MPPT). 40A MPPT can handle 500-600W array, most trailers have enough roof for that. Alright, I'm partial to roof installs...
"Suitcase model" is simply 100W system split into 50+50W with legs, lowER end controller (sometimes total junk, sometimes acceptable) and a piece of crocodile cable from controller to battery (useless cable to you since you will be either parallel wiring it with the other two panels or use a corresponding receptacle on the trailer). For all this, you will pay upwards of $250. Though I recall they sometimes sell only "suitcase", without controller.
You said you already bought 2*100W panels and 40A MPPT for roof install? Should've bought 40A PWM from Grape instead - considering possible shade. Anyway, for adding portable you only need one 100W panel and a piece of PVC for legs. If you buy a suitcase with controller included - it's usually PWM unless you pay more money yet for MPPT upgrade - you won't be able to run it in parallel with your existing MPPT and 2 other panels.
California forest? :) Yeah, in some areas. Members in SoCal prefer covering all the roof with panels and not dealing with portables. Add another 200W on the roof, flat 200W will work the same as one portable 100W tilted at perfect angle to sun (or better). Just make sure all panels are of the same voltage and current (the same applies to single portable panel hooked up to 2 roof panels and MPPT). 40A MPPT can handle 500-600W array, most trailers have enough roof for that. Alright, I'm partial to roof installs...
