# Solar Panels

[Toolhog#1]

I am going to put solar panels on my 2023 212QB. Would you use 4 100W panels (Renogy) or 2 200W panels (Rich Solar) for a total total of 400W which is what I’m going to be installing.

 

[Tether]

I am going to put solar panels on my 2023 212QB. Would you use 4 100W panels (Renogy) or 2 200W panels (Rich Solar) for a total total of 400W which is what I’m going to be installing.

I'd use two Renogy 200 watt panels because they'd take less space than four 100s.

 

[FISTEP]

I'd use two Renogy 200 watt panels because they'd take less space than four 100s.

I agree. Also, there would be less wiring and connectors. Every connection is a potential point of failure.

 

[hbrand]

I am using 6 renogy panels. Their rating is honest

 

[ARoamer]

I used 2- 320 watt 40v residential panels. Less mounting holes and they fit nicely on our 5th wheel. FB Marketplace may have some deals, especially if you live in the sunbelt states.

 

[Jayhawk 29]

I have agonized with several solar setups on three travel trailers. When the larger capacities were not available in one panel at a moderate cost I have gone with multiple 100 watt panels. For a camper of your size i would personally make every effort to create a compact setup on the roof, which does minimize your holes in your roof.

But before I would do any solar install, go ahead and clean your roof and treat it with good silicone treatment, which will treat the areas under where the solar panels will be located, which you will not be able to do after you install your solar.

While Renogy offers package prices using their 100 watt panels, which may sound like a deal, try to avoid going the four panel setup, IMHO. I used Rich on my current camper and I am not sure if there is a dimes worth of difference in the panels from the two outlets.

 

[ChiToones]

I went with two 200W panels from Hightec Solar. They're in Michigan City, Indiana. They were installed, wired in parallel, in April 2020 and have worked well.

 

[RogerR]

I bought a Renogy package with panels, wiring, MPPT, all mounting brackets and fuse. I also got on same order a bluetooth battery. Now can see solar and battery states all on Renogy app via bluetooth. I bought direct from Renogy to make sure I was getting full warranty.

I also got a referral from another Renogy buyer and got extra 7% off the whole package. You can get that from any Renogy owner you know.
I liked the Renogy gaurantee and have not regretted it as everything went smoothly. I did have to buy a cutoff switch between panels and MPPT as recommended by Renogy.

 

[colby-JAY]

I've been doing the research and I am leaning towards four Newpowa 180W panels (in a 2S2P configuration) when I am going to install on the roof. The reason for this is the run of cabling that I would have from the panels to the charge controller, this is the maximum I can do and still keep the cabling at 10AWG. If I go bigger panels, I need bigger wiring to keep my voltage drop to where I want it.

 

[JudyK-JAY22rb]

I am going to put solar panels on my 2023 212QB. Would you use 4 100W panels (Renogy) or 2 200W panels (Rich Solar) for a total total of 400W which is what I’m going to be installing.

2 -200's!

 

[COCJ]

I used to be a commercial roofer. The less penetrations through the roof, the better. I would not put any silicone based treatment on any area that you plan to use sealant around the penetrations. Take my word for it - nothing sticks to silicone - not even silicone! I would use a good polyurethane based sealant. You didn't mention what type of roof you have, but polyurethane sealants have good adhesion to many different types of surfaces (except silicone!).

 

[Pacman1214]

After installing 1400 watts on my roof, I would give another vote for what others have said and go with the 2x200 watt panels. Less holes in the roof is better, and it's easier to install 2 panels than it is to install 4. Also would be cheaper, assuming panel cost comes to the same price. Less mounting brackets and hardware to buy. Also depending on your wiring configuration, like a 2s2p, less connections and points of possible future failure.