Solar panels

[Hymerboy]

I am thinking of fitting 1 or 2 solar panels alongside my existing one, is it just a case of using duo style connectors on the roof to the existing wires to my MPPT or do I need to run extra wires to the MPPT ?

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

You need to check that your solar controller can accomodate the extra wattage from the additional panels.
You can connect additional panels either in series which will produce a higher voltage or in parallel. Best also to use similar wattage panels as the existing.
Usually Mc4 connectors are used to attach the solar cables these are waterproof and just clip together. They can be taken apart but won't just come apart .

MC4 Type Solar Connectors (Male and Female)

Double O rings for secure DC voltage protection from the elements. Easy, fast "SNAP IN" locking system and the UK industry standard for DC solar connectors. Crimp on wire connection with a simple screw up fitting. Can be crimped with standard crimps. MC4 Type Solar Connectors (Male and Female)

www.sunstore.co.uk

 

[Lenny HB]

Yes you can just parallel them, to minimise losses fit panel with the same or within ½v of the exsisting panels on load voltage.

Can your controller handle the extra power and what size are your cables & the length to the controller and from controller to battery?

 

[BouncyBoatFolk]

You'll need to check the size of the existing cables, the capability of the current controller and the additional size of panels you intend fitting.
Mike.

 

[jumar]

I am thinking of fitting 1 or 2 solar panels alongside my existing one, is it just a case of using duo style connectors on the roof to the existing wires to my MPPT or do I need to run extra wires to the MPPT ?

I did what you are asking...but I had to upgrade my mppt controller at the same time...both panels are identical.

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[enark]

I am thinking of fitting 1 or 2 solar panels alongside my existing one, is it just a case of using duo style connectors on the roof to the existing wires to my MPPT or do I need to run extra wires to the MPPT ?

Thinking of doing exactly the same, great question.

I was hoping they could be wired to the existing wiring on the roof, so as to not have to penetrate the roof.

My van has an MPPT logic Pro which i understand has a 15A capacity

I was hoping to add a panel such as this; (185w)

 

[BouncyBoatFolk]

Thinking of doing exactly the same, great question.

I was hoping they could be wired to the existing wiring on the roof, so as to not have to penetrate the roof.

My van has an MPPT logic Pro which i understand has a 15A capacity

I was hoping to add a panel such as this; (185w)

View attachment 1047364



View attachment 1047336

That's to close to it's limit for comfort. How many amps is the current panel kicking in? I see your not using the 2nd battery option on the existing controller.
You need something of about 25a or a second controller but you'd need another set of feed wires for that.
Mike.

 

[Lenny HB]

Thinking of doing exactly the same, great question.

I was hoping they could be wired to the existing wiring on the roof, so as to not have to penetrate the roof.

My van has an MPPT logic Pro which i understand has a 15A capacity

I was hoping to add a panel such as this; (185w)

View attachment 1047364



View attachment 1047336

See my post #3 also you will need to change the controller I would go for a Victron Smart Solar MPPT 100/30

 

[TheMobileWanderer]

I am thinking of fitting 1 or 2 solar panels alongside my existing one, is it just a case of using duo style connectors on the roof to the existing wires to my MPPT or do I need to run extra wires to the MPPT ?

Im not authoritative enough to answer your question but I've got one for you.

Would you consider replacing your existing solar with more powerful ones?
I think you could have more power with lightest weight.

Eg 400W @ 25kgs or 700W at 35kgs.
Both sizes under 300gbp.

It may also enable you to continue with existing MPPT saving money too.

Just my thoughts...

 

[enark]

That's to close to it's limit for comfort. How many amps is the current panel kicking in? I see your not using the 2nd battery option on the existing controller.
You need something of about 25a or a second controller but you'd need another set of feed wires for that.
Mike.

Thanks Mike and Lenny.

I am unsure exactly what size the existing pv panel is, but continue to dig…

Guess if its only 80w, then i could double that ok?

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[BouncyBoatFolk]

Thanks Mike and Lenny.

I am unsure exactly what size the existing pv panel is, but continue to dig…

Guess if its only 80w, then i could double that ok?

Yes, a couple of 80w panels should be ok, in the UK. Unless you have a "Battery Master" fitted it would be a good idea to exploit that second battery connection for the starter battery, especially if you do put a second small panel on the system.
Mike.

 

[fishplug]

If you're wiring panels of different sizes together then you will need to put them in parallel - otherwise you will only get as much charge from each panel as the smallest panel can provide.

 

[Hymerboy]

Has anyone figured out how to charge the engine battery thro the leisure battery? the MPPT doesn't nor does hookup.

 

[fishplug]

yeah..

I have the CTEK DS250 and the Smartpass 120

When the alternator / solar / other power input has fully charged the leisure batteries then any excess is passed on to charge the vehicle battery.

Many other ways of achieving this are available - that's just the one I use...

 

[matbic]

Has anyone figured out how to charge the engine battery thro the leisure battery? the MPPT doesn't nor does hookup.

Trickle Chargers Archives - Ablemail Electronics

A Trickle Charger has many names , Battery Maintainer, Battery Master ,Battery Saver, Reverse Charger, Top Up Charger, Battery Equaliser, but its purpose is to keep a Source / Vehicle Battery charged & protected from damage during prolonged periods of Vehicle, Boat & Motorhome inactivity or...

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[enark]

Has anyone figured out how to charge the engine battery thro the leisure battery? the MPPT doesn't nor does hookup.

Think from what Mike says, we need to connect battery 2 to the prime mover ignition battery?

 

[BouncyBoatFolk]

Think from what Mike says, we need to connect battery 2 to the prime mover ignition battery?

The PV logic controller you have allows a small charge (1a?) sent to the vehicle battery. It's generally enough to head off issues with it going flat.

 

[pappajohn]

Thanks Mike and Lenny.

I am unsure exactly what size the existing pv panel is, but continue to dig…

Guess if its only 80w, then i could double that ok?

Using a small mirror look under the panel.
Somewhere near the edge will be the data label.
Usually next to where the cables exit the panel.
No guesswork involved then.