Forum Discussion

devildog1971's avatar
devildog1971
Explorer
Jan 11, 2020

Adding extra solar panel to 2019 Northern Lite

My Northern Lite came with one 95 watt solar panel. I would like to add another but my solar knowledge is lacking. does the second panel have to be a 95 watt panel or can I add a 100 Watt The one is almost like a trickle charger not enough to charge from 50% even in sun most of the day
Truck Campers
  • Old_Days's avatar
    Old_Days
    Explorer II
    Jan 12, 2020
    I just put another 100 watt panel on my 811. I have put solar on before and I have had good luck with Renogy products. The charge controller that Northern Lite installs at the factory is a pretty good one.
  • scout4trout's avatar
    scout4trout
    Explorer
    Jan 12, 2020
    We added a 100 watt panel last summer to our Northern Lite and it really made a difference. Lots of info about adding panels on the Facebook NL group.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Jan 11, 2020
    What wire size did the manufacturer use and what is the length of the run from the panel to the controller? Is your controller rated to handle the additional amps?
  • naturist's avatar
    naturist
    Nomad
    Jan 11, 2020
    Same voltage, different amperage, put them in parallel. Same amperage, different voltage, put them in series.
  • Camper_Jeff___K's avatar
    Camper_Jeff___K
    Nomad III
    Jan 11, 2020
    I have an old 67 watt thin film Unisolar panel. I added a new 170 watt GoPower mono crystal panel. Both have the same voltage rating and have worked very well together for about a year now. Or splurge and get two new panels.
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Jan 11, 2020
    In a perfect world the added panel should be identical. In real life, if the voltage is less than one volt different, it may work well in parallel.

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