Mixed Solar upgrade

AM Solar has a combiner box and Zamp to MC4 conversion leads that would work. It would be one less connection conversion. The Zamp setup on our trailer has one pair of wires (10 gauge, I think) from the combiner box to the controller. I'm taking off the old Zamp box on the roof and putting in their new black 3 port box since I added a third Zamp panel last year. I'll have to fuse the panel leads since Zamp relied on a inadequate fuse embedded in their old box instead of fusing the factory leads. I believe their current leads are fused from the factory now.

Parallel panel voltage should be close - like 0.5V. Parallel and 12V panels are your only choice with the controller AFAIK.

Likely 1 pair, likely need larger gauge wire, look up 3 to 1 MC4 connector.

Post panel specs, controller specs, wiring length and gauge.

I read somewhere once that Michigan ranks 47th of the 48 continental states, in available sunshine.

Anyone know if there's a chart somewhere that gives the amount of power that you could expect to be produced in your area ?

kWh by location https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/solar/where-solar-is-found.php

Hi Phil,

Any chance of getting another 170 watt and putting it in parallel? Or even two of them? They don't need to be zamp.

"Keep the 170w panel...install 100w and 200w"

You could bring in a max of about 26.32 amps under perfect conditions which is under the max of your 30 watt controller but not by much. Is your controller MPPT?

Controller is PMW.

Had an interesting chat with Zamp's tech support today. Without mentioning the fact I was going to be adding non zamp panels, I can parallel the zamp 170 panel with the 100w, just need to stay under 340w total. Total watts need to stay under 510w.

I'll parallel the 170 & 100w panels, and plug 200w into the 2nd port. Just need to get the adapters, parallel cable, and life should be good!