Solar installation

[Bags4266]

I’m looking into a small solar setup up on my bumper pull. I was wondering why would I want to have (2) 100 watt panels over (1) 200 watt panel. The 200 watt panel takes up less foot print than two 100 watt panels

[StirCrazy]

StirCrazy wrote:

Bags4266 wrote:
I’m looking into a small solar setup up on my bumper pull. I was wondering why would I want to have (2) 100 watt panels over (1) 200 watt panel. The 200 watt panel takes up less foot print than two 100 watt panels

you wouldnt. in fact why wouldnt you go a 350 watt pannel. what ever you have the room for. just see what the size of the pannel is and then add a inch to each side and get up there and see if it will fit. if it wont then you have to look at a smaller one. if you get a newer larger 24V split cell pannel with a MPPT controler they are more efficient than the older smaller pannels

Steve

what I actualy did was make some cutouts from old cardboard of the size I wanted to go with and went up there and moved them around to see what options I had. I went with one 325 watt on my camper and have room for 1 more if I decide to throw another on there.

Steve

[deltabravo]

Bags4266 wrote:
I’m looking into a small solar setup up on my bumper pull. I was wondering why would I want to have (2) 100 watt panels over (1) 200 watt panel. The 200 watt panel takes up less foot print than two 100 watt panels

You answered your own question. (see bold text)

If the 200 watt fits, that's what I'd do.

When I installed solar on my roof back in 2011, I was originally going to do 200 watts. I had it done at a shop. The 150 watt panels made better use of the roof space so I installed two 150s instead.

My Solar installation

[KD4UPL]

What's with the little 100 watt and 200 watt panels? Get a 300 - 330 watt panel. Do you have a local electrical supply house? Some of the big name electrical suppliers are carrying solar panels now. Or, seek out a local residential solar installer who may have a pallet or two of panels in his warehouse.

[valhalla360]

All else being equal...it doesn't matter.

[12thgenusa]

Kits are not usually the best value. Takes a little more effort but buying individual pieces that fit exactly what you need is a better way to go.

[Bags4266]

Yes I do want to go to, 2 200 watt panels. . That’s 400 total. Only two panels way less roof space taken up than 4 100s. But most companies only offer kits in 100watt panels.

[StirCrazy]

Bags4266 wrote:
I’m looking into a small solar setup up on my bumper pull. I was wondering why would I want to have (2) 100 watt panels over (1) 200 watt panel. The 200 watt panel takes up less foot print than two 100 watt panels

you wouldnt. in fact why wouldnt you go a 350 watt pannel. what ever you have the room for. just see what the size of the pannel is and then add a inch to each side and get up there and see if it will fit. if it wont then you have to look at a smaller one. if you get a newer larger 24V split cell pannel with a MPPT controler they are more efficient than the older smaller pannels

Steve

[2oldman]

Depends on whether you want to add more later.

[Old_Days]

I went with a 170 watt panel and a 100 watt panel because they fit where I wanted them. So measure your roof carefully.

[BarneyS]

For ease in placement?
The two will probably be easier to find good places to put them. Just my guess as I do not have any.:)
Barney