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obiwancanoli's avatar
obiwancanoli
Explorer
Mar 01, 2018

Upgrading Solar

Re: Solar Panel upgrade - Is it necessary?

I have a 10 Watt Chassis panel, and also installed another 160 Watt panel to extend my ability to rely on coach power for an extended period. Not sure where "extended" falls, but plan on making full use of it as circumstances require.

Thinking it might be prudent to add another panel or two, but looking for rationale, pluses and minuses, and experienced input from fellow RV'rs...

Appreciate your input, thank you!
Class A
  • Ed_Gee's avatar
    Ed_Gee
    Explorer II
    Mar 01, 2018
    2oldman wrote:
    Depends on your power usage.


    Yes. And also depends on the size of your battery bank. No need to get more solar power than needed to charge whatever AH battery you have.
  • wallynm's avatar
    wallynm
    Explorer
    Mar 01, 2018
    obiwancanoli wrote:
    Re: Solar Panel upgrade - Is it necessary?

    I have a 10 Watt Chassis panel, and also installed another 160 Watt panel to extend my ability to rely on coach power for an extended period. Not sure where "extended" falls, but plan on making full use of it as circumstances require.

    Thinking it might be prudent to add another panel or two, but looking for rationale, pluses and minuses, and experienced input from fellow RV'rs...

    Appreciate your input, thank you!


    Read this thread

    Solar
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Mar 01, 2018
    Adding one or two 160 solar panels may exceed your controller's capacity. Check it before buying more panels.
  • Sam_Spade's avatar
    Sam_Spade
    Explorer
    Mar 01, 2018
    obiwancanoli wrote:

    Thinking it might be prudent to add another panel or two, but looking for rationale, pluses and minuses, and experienced input from fellow RV'rs...


    I think it is prudent to NOT spend money on things until you actually know that they are needed. That is, don't "solve" a problem that doesn't really exist.

    Assuming that you have a good generator on board, you might be just fine with what you have now.
  • obiwancanoli's avatar
    obiwancanoli
    Explorer
    Apr 01, 2018
    Lwiddis wrote:
    Adding one or two 160 solar panels may exceed your controller's capacity. Check it before buying more panels.


    I have one 160 watt panel (8.7 Ah), and have purchased two additional panels (26.1 Ah total) to align with my 30A controller, and given what I think my needs will be, I'm adding more than I need to deal with any miscalculations and/or conditions changing the dynamic.

    Just have to find an installer, and will be good to go.

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