2 x Small MPPT or 1 x Big

[herald_400rl]

Assume 2 x 200w Renology panels.
Would I be better with 1 x 100/30 Victron MPPT or 2 x 75/15?

Which is better and why?

We have currently 1 x Lead Acid but will expand to 2. We plan on 1 x 200w panel now, adding another next year.

 

[Jev88]

The only advantage of two controllers that springs to mind is better if one panel shaded and the other in better light. Maybe?

 

[herald_400rl]

The only advantage of two controllers that springs to mind is better if one panel shaded and the other in better light. Maybe?

If one of the panels then was a foldable one that we "put out" when stationary, incase its hot and we're parked under a tree, this would be a better idea?

 

[Lenny HB]

Not a lot of difference in cost and would give you redundancy if one failed and as mentioned would help if one panel was in shade.

Dissadvantage another hole in the roof and more cabling to run. You can get around the extra nole in the roof by running the cables via an empty junction box.

 

[herald_400rl]

Not a lot of difference in cost and would give you redundancy if one failed and as mentioned would help if one panel was in shade.

Dissadvantage another hole in the roof and more cabling to run. You can get around the extra nole in the roof by running the cables via an empty junction box.

Thanks, that was my thought re redundancy.
If we go with the 2nd panel being portable the 2nd hole would be on the side of the van with a plug in point. If not... I suppose we would need to run the cabling then.
If I put a 2 hole cable gland on the roof, that would also future proof us.

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[Lenny HB]

If I put a 2 hole cable gland on the roof, that would also future proof us.

The two hole gland is meant for the two cables from a panel. If you put two cables in one hole it won't seal as the would be a figure of eight. You could bodge it with some Stika.

 

[herald_400rl]

The two hole gland is meant for the two cables from a panel. If you put two cables in one hole it won't seal as the would be a figure of eight. You could bodge it with some Stika.

Not a fan of bodging, especially on the roof. I assumed wrong lyrics obviously that the 2 cables would be rubberised into one circle cable like the inside of a kettle lead.

 

[Lenny HB]

Not a fan of bodging, especially on the roof. I assumed wrong lyrics obviously that the 2 cables would be rubberised into one circle cable like the inside of a kettle lead.

No they are seperate cables, you could change the cables for a twin but they wouldn't be solar resistant but will still last years.

On Renogy panels the connections the cables are crimped, I fitted longer cables on one last week when we were doing Tam's van. I cut the cables off and soldered the new ones on. You need a good soldering iron needs a lot of heat and for not too long as not to melt the plastic the connections are mounted on (I have an expensive one for electronics work).

 

[Two on Tour]

I have two Victron MPPT controllers, because when I added two extra panels on the roof of our van the output voltage of the new panels did not match the output voltage of the existing panels.

 

[herald_400rl]

No they are seperate cables, you could change the cables for a twin but they wouldn't be solar resistant but will still last years.

On Renogy panels the connections the cables are crimped, I fitted longer cables on one last week when we were doing Tam's van. I cut the cables off and soldered the new ones on. You need a good soldering iron needs a lot of heat and for not too long as not to melt the plastic the connections are mounted on (I have an expensive one for electronics work).

Not sure how long I will need them yet, ideally they will come into my tall cupboard behind the fire where the rest of the gubbins are as there is already a bung out to the underside of the van to get to the LB in the bonnet.
If it needs modifying I'll take it to work and let electronics do it!

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[Lenny HB]

Not sure how long I will need them yet, ideally they will come into my tall cupboard behind the fire where the rest of the gubbins are as there is already a bung out to the underside of the van to get to the LB in the bonnet.
If it needs modifying I'll take it to work and let electronics do it!

Very short leads on the Renogy panels about 750mm.

With Tam's van I fitted a DC breaker in the top or the wardrobe and ran b10mm sq cables down to the controller next to the batteries.

Tam n pups winter trip 2022

@Northernraider stop eating peanuts, might not be the cause but not unusual to get mild symptoms I concur - could be the start of a peanut allergy

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

 

[herald_400rl]

Thanks Lenny, that would make it easier as it would be a new cable run. It's about 5m I think to the battery from the top of the cupboard. I'll start amassing parts.