solar question : roof panel + portable panel

[octane]

so I have setup my 100w renogy solar system, but I'm considering adding a portable panel that would be connected directly to the solar controller. (for when we are in the shade)

if the main panel is shaded and the portable panel is getting full power, would that work? do I need to add a diode to prevent the power from going into the shaded panel?

[bansai]

I'm doing the *same* exact setup. I plan on installing a simple switch on the roof panel because there will be times I want to be able to isolate it / cut it off from the system easily.

I believe, but don't quote me on this, that your renogy panel already has a blocking diode installed. Might want to research that. My Panel is sitting in my basement still.

Did you get the MPPT controller with your kit?

I'm sure Mustang will see this thread and hop on it. He's probably forgotten more about solar than I'll ever know. Subscribed to this one.

[octane]

nah, I just got a basic kit with the Renogy wanderer controller, panel and connectors for 220$ Canadian. right now I'm getting about 50watts into the battery, which is not bad considering how north Ottawa is, and that it's not summer yet!

[Mustang65]

Originally Posted by octane

so I have setup my 100w renogy solar system, but I'm considering adding a portable panel that would be connected directly to the solar controller. (for when we are in the shade)

if the main panel is shaded and the portable panel is getting full power, would that work? do I need to add a diode to prevent the power from going into the shaded panel?

Bansai...

I just happened to pass through my home office (checking stocks) as we are packing the TT to get out of Dodge for the upcoming summer months. Hiawassee GA in a few days. Probably freeze my butt off.

Octane...

Your Renogy panels are set up so that there is no drain when the sun goes down. Your Renogy SOLAR controller will care for its panels, so there is no problem there.

As for connecting the portable panel(s) to the Renogy SOLAR controller, you can connect the portable SOLAR panel to the existing SOLAR charge controller if the panels are within 1% of the output voltage of the existing Renogy SOLAR panels. If the voltages are not compatible and there is no charge controller that came with the portable panels, you will need to purchase one. I would not recommend just hooking a panel directly to the battery as there are overcharging issues that will come into play.

Portable panels USUALLY have their own Charge controller on the back of the panel. If so, then just connect the output of that charge controller directly to the batteries, not to the existing charge controller.

With a basic PWM SOLAR charge controller, a 100 watt panel will usually only give you between 75 and 80 watts output in direct BRIGHT sun.

What size batteries are we talking about?

Good Luck,
Don

My Registry

RVing with SOLAR

[octane]

Originally Posted by Mustang65

With a basic PWM SOLAR charge controller, a 100 watt panel will usually only give you between 75 and 80 watts output in direct BRIGHT sun.

What size batteries are we talking about?

Good Luck,
Don

My Registry

RVing with SOLAR

Hi Mustang, thanks for the info, it's a single 80ah agm battery.

[DaveT]

I'm thinking of getting a 200W Renogy kit, permanently mounting one panel, and using the second one as a "remote." Any insight into this approach?

[Mustang65]

Originally Posted by DaveT

I'm thinking of getting a 200W Renogy kit, permanently mounting one panel, and using the second one as a "remote." Any insight into this approach?

I do not see any issues with this setup. Both panels will connect to the SOLAR Charge controller. Both will be the same voltage. Does your TT have a prewired connector on the side of it?

Don

My Registry

RVing with SOLAR

[Mustang65]

Originally Posted by octane

Hi Mustang, thanks for the info, it's a single 80ah agm battery.

This should keep you going

Don

My Registry

RVing with SOLAR

[DaveT]

Originally Posted by Mustang65

Both will be the same voltage. Does your TT have a prewired connector on the side of it?

Yes near the battery. But I would need to connect the "remote" panel to the controller as it won't have one built in.