Solar on Lance 1130

[northshore]

On my (new to me) 2002 Lance 1130, there is 50 watt solar panel, I am almost 100% sure its the one that came with the unit when it was purchased by its original owner.
The problem is;
Some time in the past they must of hit some low branches as the mounting brackets are torn loose and bent.
I think it could be time to upgrade the panel to 100 watt or larger, is this as simple as buying a new panel and connecting the red and black wires to the existing harness.
Knowing little about solar, I do know there is a black box attached to the bottom of the panel where the wires go, then they go over to the refrigerator vent cover and down next to the fridge.
Any suggestions on the best way to update this system, I have seen the panels that are paper thin and basically just adhere to the roof.
The solar would be used to just keep the battery charged up, doing about the same as the original 50 watt.

[Kayteg1]

Also do use evaluation.
Solar panels are not cheap and often are hassle.
With inverter generators selling for $150, that is valid alternative for me, when I don't boon-dock much and if I do, I need big generator for AC for whole day.

[gpascazio]

I think before you do anything you need to research solar panels for yourself. Doing a search for RV Solar Panels will yield a lot of websites that describe adding solar panels to an RV. One good site is AM Solar, good start but not the only place.
I added 300 Watts of solar to my 2010 1160 Eagle Cap. So far it's the best upgrade I have done to the camper.
Somethings to watch out for:
1. Size of wire(as already mentioned).
2. Type of controller installed. Issue here is, can it handle the additional
wattage.
3. How do you use your camper and what size is right for you.

Hope this helps

[azrving]

A couple years ago the Winn's and I believe the owner of AM solar we're doing reviews of flat panels and there were a couple key issues with them. One issue was dirt collection in the dimpled areas. Maybe they are selling different panels now, you could search the issue.

Figure out what gauge the wire is. It seems that manufacturers often use 10 gauge and if so you could run a larger panel. Check to see what controller you have. It takes the same number of holes in the roof to hold a 100 watt panel or a 180 watt so I'd lean toward as large as possible. You may not need that much but you have it if you dry camp etc. It's not much more money to go from 80 or 100 to 160 180 if roof area allows.

Panels will have mc4 connectors on them or a junction box on the back.