I am about to pull the trigger on some panels and controller. I have around $600 dollars to spend. I should have my maggie rack installed next week which I am going to use to mount the panels to the roof of my 2011 Northstar truck camper. Currently I am thinking about going with g**** solar 100 Watt panels. I think I can fit 3 panels on the roof. For the controller I was also thinking about the ecoworthy mppt. Does this sound like a good combination?How should I wire the 3 panels? series or parallel ? Another option is going with two panels on the roof and one 100 watt g**** solar bendable panel that I can move around so it's always in the sun if I am parked in the shade, I could add a cheap PMW type controller for that. How does this set up sound?Forgot to add that I have what looks like 10 gauge wiring from the fridge vent to the batteries ready from the factory.

To get the advantage that the Eco-worthy MPPT offers, you need higher voltages. The controller can handle the combined voltage of two of the panels in series but not all three. Running them in parallel wouldn't offer much of an advantage.I am a big fan of the Eco'W but think they may be a better controller for your situation.

JiminDenver, What do you suggest? I could run 2x100 watt panels up top in series, and then another 100 watt portable panel off a cheap pmw controller? Or G**** solar sells a160 watt panel but it's a big jump in price it seems.

For 300 watts in 12V panels, you don't need MPPT, you can go with a 30 amp PWM charge controller, and wire them all in parallel. Get one with the ability to adjust the bulk and absorption voltage. Solar 30 on Ebay comes to mind, for about $28 to 33. They work just fine, install them inside, close to the batteries, but not in the same compartment, so acidic venting doesn't damage the charge controller. Short thick run of wire from charge controller to battery, at least 10 gauge, to lower loss of voltage being that it's DC electricity.

#10awg wires will barely handle 300w in parallel. You're going to find hot spots. I'd go series.G**** solar. That's funny.

Spend a little more and get a temperature compensated charge controller. One with a sensor on the battery.

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JiminDenver
Explorer II
Aug 28, 2015
DieselBurps wrote:
Would two 160 watt panels work with the eco-worthy controller? I can fit the two panels on the back part of the camper.

Two 160 watt panels tracking the sun is above the specs of the Eco-worthy. However flat mounted is not going to see 320 watts but you would be pushing the limits if you were in bulk charging mid day.

Personally I would not want to run a controller close to it's limits all the time. A single 250w panel tracking can produce 18.5 amps on the Eco-W. I would think a pair of 140's or 150's flat would be a better choice if going with 12v panels.

I like the big panels if you have the room to mount one because they cost less per watt, less work to mount, thinner wire down and paired with the Eco-W create a simple, dependable, inexpensive solution IF it fit your needs.
NinerBikes
Explorer
Aug 28, 2015
RJsfishin wrote:
I run 3 100 watt panels parallel, w/ a solar 30 controller. Works great.
I wouldn't run series, if no other reason, if any part of any panel get shaded, you will loose a lot more than parallel.

What is your preferred adjustable setting for voltage on your Solar 30 charge controller?
RJsfishin
Explorer
Aug 28, 2015
I run 3 100 watt panels parallel, w/ a solar 30 controller. Works great.
I wouldn't run series, if no other reason, if any part of any panel get shaded, you will loose a lot more than parallel.
NinerBikes
Explorer
Aug 27, 2015
2oldman wrote:
#10awg wires will barely handle 300w in parallel. You're going to find hot spots. I'd go series.

G**** solar. That's funny.

That's 300 watts at 21 to 22V. Each panel at 100 watts puts out 5.5 Amps, regardless of voltage, from 22V down to 14.8, or 13.8 or 13.2V

5.5Amps x 3 panels is 16.5A... 10 gauge is good for 30 amps. Well within spec of 10 gauge stranded wire for DC current, and that is directly aimed at the sun, perpendicular, not going to get that yield often when mounted flat on the roof, instead of aiming at and chasing the sun all day.
Salvo
Explorer
Aug 27, 2015
If you want to stay within budget:

1. Mount 3 100W panels in parallel.
2. Use 30A pwm controller.
3. Run a bigger cable (or a second (twin conductors) 10 awg cable) from panels down to controller.

A bigger cable and pwm controller is a lot cheaper than a mppt controller. There isn't much performance difference between pwm and mppt controllers.
DieselBurps
Explorer
Aug 27, 2015
Would two 160 watt panels work with the eco-worthy controller? I can fit the two panels on the back part of the camper.
MrWizard
Moderator
Aug 16, 2015
TechWriter wrote:
smkettner wrote:
DieselBurps wrote:
Mex, so all three 100 watt panels in series? Can you recommend a controller?
Morningstar TS-MPPT-30 is good to at least 400 watts.
Very programmable and all features available as needed.

Better deal -- MidNite Solar 30A Kid.

rather expensive to use with (3) 100w panels
and he would not have one detachable
being series they would all have to wired in..all the time

look at this on ebay
3pc 100w - windy nation panels $379
i bought the same panels off amazon and paid more money and they shipped them from new jersey to calif
these are in calif, shipped free Continental USA
EsoxLucius
Explorer
Aug 16, 2015
TechWriter wrote:
Better blog -- www.jackdanmayer.com
+1 Certainly less attitude. But I agree the Trimetric duo is worth consideration, even if not MPPT.
TechWriter
Explorer
Aug 16, 2015
PFitt wrote:
Read up at HandyBob's solar blog.

Better blog -- www.jackdanmayer.com
PFitt
Explorer
Aug 16, 2015
Read up at HandyBob's solar blog. He's a great resource for info. He recommends the Trimetric SC2030 and TM2030 controller and meter set up you can buy them off ebay for a good price then get your panels and stay on your budget. a lot of info on charging and batts.

https://handybobsolar.wordpress.com/

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