I'm planning to add a couple of new high end Kyocera 140 panels and build up a new system out of them. Currenly I have what my old 95' Squire 400 came with which is a substandard and smaller panel with an ACS Specialty Concepts Controller. This unit has one red light and no digital readout. It does keep the single 12V house batt charged and that according to Lances typical (and also probably substandard) idiot light array monitor.I have no experience on solar but have been researching for a year or so and doing a lot of reading and on line window shopping. My thoughts are to begin the learning process by adding a better charge controller and an inverter since there does not seem to be one now.I am aware that panels must be matched but I an considering (roof space allowing) leaving the existing system for "house" use and adding the new system with a huge inverter and of course components to match.That being said, I need to determine the power coming from the existing charger before doing anything. Is this correct?Also, how exactly can I do that to get a legit reading?I assume I can get a reading in the fuse panel where the lines from the existing controller enter. Is this correct? I have a good meter so this should not be a ploblem, just correct procedure to get started?Any assistance greatly appreciated. Morgan

For a good source of RV Solar info go to http://www.jackdanmayer.com/He knows solar and RVs

Thanks Bear, you know, I have that site on my desktop! I'll take a closer look.

Voltage from output of 'controller' would tell you its output. If tying new and old panels together you want to measure and match voltage output of the panel itself, before controller or regulator.

ASC controllers are very simple thus reliable, though basic and of a single stage PWM type. To start (what I have done), you could enhance your present ASC system by adding a in-line shunt in the ASC's output which will allow taps for a separate digital amp meter.Future expansion could be made with a parallel solar system (with dedicated controller), inverter, and if you like, add another 500amp shunt in the Batts neg cable for a stand alone smart meter like a Trimetric or Xantrex LinkLite...In this way, you'll see what either system is harvesting real-time (separately or combined), and total amps both in & out of the Batts...Here's a link for a Shunt:http://www.bestconverter.com/search.asp?keyword=shunt&search.x=11&search.y=103 tons

I really like my solar panels but one thing I have underestimates is what to do with all of that energy.We do remote camping and have found that the sun is pretty simple to capture, but you need something to hold on to it. A single 12 battery is totally insufficient, we have three house batteries and three more would be better, in-fact you can't have enough battery power.

General RV Solar Questions? | Good Sam Community

the_bear_II
Explorer
Jun 24, 2014
For a good source of RV Solar info go to
http://www.jackdanmayer.com/

He knows solar and RVs
Lexicon7
Explorer
Jun 24, 2014
Thanks Bear, you know, I have that site on my desktop! I'll take a closer look.
AnEv942
Nomad
Jun 24, 2014
Voltage from output of 'controller' would tell you its output. If tying new and old panels together you want to measure and match voltage output of the panel itself, before controller or regulator.
3_tons
Explorer III
Jun 24, 2014
ASC controllers are very simple thus reliable, though basic and of a single stage PWM type. To start (what I have done), you could enhance your present ASC system by adding a in-line shunt in the ASC's output which will allow taps for a separate digital amp meter.

Future expansion could be made with a parallel solar system (with dedicated controller), inverter, and if you like, add another 500amp shunt in the Batts neg cable for a stand alone smart meter like a Trimetric or Xantrex LinkLite...In this way, you'll see what either system is harvesting real-time (separately or combined), and total amps both in & out of the Batts...

Here's a link for a Shunt:
http://www.bestconverter.com/search.asp?keyword=shunt&search.x=11&search.y=10

3 tons
rctour
Explorer
Jun 25, 2014
I really like my solar panels but one thing I have underestimates is what to do with all of that energy.

We do remote camping and have found that the sun is pretty simple to capture, but you need something to hold on to it. A single 12 battery is totally insufficient, we have three house batteries and three more would be better, in-fact you can't have enough battery power.
3_tons
Explorer III
Jun 25, 2014
rctour wrote:
I really like my solar panels but one thing I have underestimates is what to do with all of that energy.

We do remote camping and have found that the sun is pretty simple to capture, but you need something to hold on to it. A single 12 battery is totally insufficient, we have three house batteries and three more would be better, in-fact you can't have enough battery power.

Well, I have two 6v batts and two separate solar systems totaling 440w (300w & 140w)...Depending on needs, harvest and season, I often shut down the 300w system and top-off using just the 140w...I dry camp almost exclusively and find that this combination is very well suited to provide sufficient power for two.

3 tons
Lexicon7
Explorer
Jun 25, 2014
Hi Guys, Well.. wrote a nice response but using a Google Nexus 7 so went to the "Office" app to compose and utilize their spellcheck but now can't get the paste to take here in the forum. I'll keep at it..

Just want to thank you for making my string come alive. I really appreciate the responses. The consise point of my questions is merely to read the output of the charger which I shall do today and install a matching Inverter. Somewhere in my studies I missed something because maybe it doesn't matter about Inverter specs??? I need to run my Directv receiver and a small tv and my BiPap Machine for breathing at night.. That's really all I need for now and I'll get to work on the new "seperate" duel Kyocera 140's system as funds allow.. Cheers!
Reddog1
Explorer II
Jun 25, 2014
Moved to Tech for more exposure.

Wayne
Moderator
AnEv942
Nomad
Jun 25, 2014
Curious on separate solar inputs and how that works. I mean how does controller see actual battery state if another solar input is connected. (I'm assuming 2 controllers?) Seems each would see the others output instead of battery?

When I set mine up, single 140, was with the intent of adding another panel. Though not high on the list it has occurred to me, other than cost for another controller, it might be advantageous to run as separate system. But because with our usage, only 2 batts, ease of install (space), addition likely be smaller 100wattish panel tied in parallel.

In OPs case, the older panel might be 15+V and new panel(s) 17+V.
My understanding is if the panel voltage is different, system operates at lesser voltage. May not make a real impact. But was just thinking in this case Might be simpler to leave original system intact and add another independent? But I dont find any info as far as multiple controllers on one battery bank. Probably a dumb idea & that isnt done, instead run seperate strings that could be taken in/out.
MrWizard
Moderator
Jun 25, 2014
Parallel Panels don't have to be the same watts, they should be as close as possible, the same voltage, both voc(open circuit), and actual operating load voltage

Series panels must be identical Isc(current~amps rating)

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