22MLE Solar Upgrade

[turkington]

We have a 2022 22MLE with the stock Furrion panel / MPPT controller. We replaced the lead acid batteries with a single 206 AH SOK LiFePO4 battery in the passthrough (we may add a second battery in parallel) and for now this is enough energy storage for a few days of off-grid use but the solar charging is lacking and we're looking at upgrading the 165W panel and controller.

Most of all the solar upgrades seem to use multiple 100W or 200W panels in various locations on the roof for 600-800 W. While this works, I'm considering two LONGi 450 W panels in the front roof area (after removing the existing 165W Furrion panel and Wineguard TV antenna) and a Victron 150/85 controller instead. These panels are LARGE at 41" wide by 82" long and will occupy the majority of the space in front of the AC unit, leaving the area behind uncluttered and fewer holes in the roof. Yes, this is a lot of solar for the storage capacity but my hope is that this will allow the panels to keep up with the load in less than ideal conditions.

Has anyone considered or done this?

Thanks in advance,
Jeff

[more tired since retired]

To give you an idea with a smaller rig, we put 8X200w panels on top of our 2600RB. Also have a Victron 3000W inverter plus solar controller and 5x 105AH Lion Energy LiFeP04 batteries (525AH. Plenty of power (microwave does suck up a lot of power though) and we could go for several days of clouds if we watch our usage.

With our setup, my main concern was being able to move around on the roof to check sealants, clean, etc. If you have enough room to move between the panels, it should be fine.

[SolarPoweredRV]

We have a 2022 22MLE with the stock Furrion panel / MPPT controller. We replaced the lead acid batteries with a single 206 AH SOK LiFePO4 battery in the passthrough (we may add a second battery in parallel) and for now this is enough energy storage for a few days of off-grid use but the solar charging is lacking and we're looking at upgrading the 165W panel and controller.

Most of all the solar upgrades seem to use multiple 100W or 200W panels in various locations on the roof for 600-800 W. While this works, I'm considering two LONGi 450 W panels in the front roof area (after removing the existing 165W Furrion panel and Wineguard TV antenna) and a Victron 150/85 controller instead. These panels are LARGE at 41" wide by 82" long and will occupy the majority of the space in front of the AC unit, leaving the area behind uncluttered and fewer holes in the roof. Yes, this is a lot of solar for the storage capacity but my hope is that this will allow the panels to keep up with the load in less than ideal conditions.

Has anyone considered or done this?



Thanks in advance,
Jeff

Very good choice.

I have long advocated for use of the higher wattage "residential" panels instead of the 100-200 Watt panels that are commonly used on RV roofs.

The only caveat is to ensure the panels will fit on your roof including any space required for the mounting brackets.

I have 4 Canadian Solar residential panels on my roof and I am very, very, pleased with them. I mounted each panel using six "Z" brackets screwed directly into the roof. In my case this required me to drill an extra hole in the middle of the long rails in each panel, something I suggest you do very carefully and with a piece of wood behind the metal. Before I mounted the panels, I placed a strip of Eternabond where each "Z" bracket was going to sit for added protection of the roofing material.

If your panels will fit I highly recommend you proceed with your plan.

PS: I also highly recommend using the Victron Solar Charge Controller.

[turkington]

Hi More Tired and David!

I'm planning to use a Victron 12/24v 150/100 MPPT controller ($15 more than the minimum spec 150/85 that I need) to go along with the Victron shunt and Smart Charger (replaced the WFCO that was a lame duck) that are already installed. Like you I am planning to add extra "Z" brackets to ensure these 51 lbs panels are properly supported. My hope is that if I have ~900W of full sun capacity I may get 200-300W in cloud/shade that will keep up with our energy demands... The 12V fridge is awesome but a bit power hungry and we would prefer to not sun a generator each day.

Thanks!

[RV Sailor]

We have 3-200 watt Newapower solar, 150 Victron Solar controller, Victron 3000 inverter / charger electrifying all 110 outlets with 3- Battleborn LI at 300 total usable watts.

We do a lot of boondocking and electricity has never limited us. We cheat with a Westinghouse 4500 dual fuel generator for air conditioning or 4 days of no solar.

[huntindog]

We have a 2022 22MLE with the stock Furrion panel / MPPT controller. We replaced the lead acid batteries with a single 206 AH SOK LiFePO4 battery in the passthrough (we may add a second battery in parallel) and for now this is enough energy storage for a few days of off-grid use but the solar charging is lacking and we're looking at upgrading the 165W panel and controller.

Most of all the solar upgrades seem to use multiple 100W or 200W panels in various locations on the roof for 600-800 W. While this works, I'm considering two LONGi 450 W panels in the front roof area (after removing the existing 165W Furrion panel and Wineguard TV antenna) and a Victron 150/85 controller instead. These panels are LARGE at 41" wide by 82" long and will occupy the majority of the space in front of the AC unit, leaving the area behind uncluttered and fewer holes in the roof. Yes, this is a lot of solar for the storage capacity but my hope is that this will allow the panels to keep up with the load in less than ideal conditions.

Has anyone considered or done this?

Thanks in advance,
Jeff

One thing to consider is that having both panels on one end of the coach may be an issue if that end doesn't get much sun at a campsite.
When I did mine, i distributed 13, 120 watt panels and the factory 300 watt across the entire roof avoiding things like ACs, Sat. dish, vent covers, etc that will always cast a shadow. since I never know what the shade conditions will be from one campsite to the next, this ensures that I will always have some panels producing.

[Second Chance]

Moved to Solar Systems and Generators.

Rob

[RazorbackRollin]

??? Does anyone know the rafter spacing on the 2021 22mle??

[Ynot4me2]

??? Does anyone know the rafter spacing on the 2021 22mle??

I'm pretty sure its 24". You can easily find/feel them by walking on the roof. At least I can with my nice rounded figure.