Mote wrote:
If I were move up to a group 31 battery what would be the ideal solar panel size I should move up to ?
Also, if I install a new solar panel should/can I wire it with the existing 50 watt that was installed on the camper when it was new?
In most situations, the cable that is currently in your camper will be below standards to add additional Amps/watts-Solar Panel/s. You will need to determine what this cable is before adding to it. The rule of thumb is 60-100 watts to each 100 AmpH of your battery. The higher watt number would be for those that have High AmpH demands or 4 season use, like me. I am typically 190-220 daily AmpH. Most truck campers are 20-30 daily AmpH users. You being in colder country and with a family on an extended vacation will be on the higher end. The question would be to you, are you going to be better served by just investing in a pair of good AmpH batteries, that can be charged by 3 different sources already identified or spending more money to try to reach both Solar and Battery? I would go in phases and invest in two good Batteries (that fit in a place you can fit them) and upgrade your cables and purchase a good auxiliary charger for your generator to assist charging your batteries. You would be able to charge your battery through the converter and aux charger this way, shortening the charge time needed to get S.O.C. to 90% and remainder 10% topped by your existing solar panel. Or drive your camper to see the scenery and or museums or get on down the road.
In the long run you will be better off having Poly PVsolar panels and a charge controller that will allow you to expand if needed. My guess is the charge controller, if there is one, is adequate for the current panel and no more.
b
