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Thread: Looking for solar info
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03-26-2023, 07:19 AM #11
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04-01-2023, 03:31 PM #12
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I have the same stock Furrion 165W panel and the RV dealer added a second panel and upgraded the solar controller to a 50A model. The problem is, I believe they just added a 200W panel to the existing 165W in parallel. What effect does that have? Am I even getting 365W? Or do the panels need to be the same to utilize the full power?
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04-03-2023, 10:13 AM #13
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in the simplest theory, you will be getting which ever is the limiting panel X 2, not the full amount of each.
I can remember which member posted a link in one of the solar threads here to a great document that explains the outcomes of mixing and matching different panels based on parallel or series connection.
Edit found the link that was shared before
https://solarpanelsvenue.com/mixing-solar-panels/Last edited by Bigs85; 04-03-2023 at 10:15 AM.
Anthony & SarahJayne
2022 Imagine 2910BH
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04-03-2023, 10:25 AM #14
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The answers to your questions are: we don't have enough info to tell you what he effect is, it's possible you might be getting 365w but probably not likely, and technically no they don't need to be the same but in practice yes they kinda do to get the absolute full power potential. lol. I know those are a lot of non-answers.
The problem with answering those questions is that there is a fair amount of math involved and you need to know the specs of your panels to determine if they are connected "correctly" or not. I use quotes on correctly because there gets to be a certain amount of loss that happens when you use mis-matched panels and it's entirely up to you on what is acceptable for your exact setup. Thankfully the math is pretty straightforward if you have a reasonable grasp on math and electrical systems.
Nate from Explorists Life has a great website (and YouTube videos) on some of these details and he gets into the specifics a bit here: https://www.explorist.life/using-mis...r-panel-sizes/2022 GMC Sierra 3500 AT4, CC, SRW, 6.6L L8T Gas, MYD 6-Speed
2022 Reflection 303RLS w/ Gen-Y Executive gooseneck conversion hitch
630aH LiFePO4 Lion Energy battery bank, Victron Multi-Plus II Inverter, Victron MPPT, 563w solar array, CerboGX, 40a DC-DC charger
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04-10-2023, 11:04 AM #15
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I have a basic question for a basic need. I need to determine the wattage of a solar panel I need to keep the lead acid battery charged to ensure my frig will keep running on propane while I take one or more days on side trips away from the unit. I realize there are other draws on the battery since the master battery switch will be left open. So, for this basic need, what size panel would ensure my requirement? I would be off shore power during the side trips.
Last edited by terryriddle; 04-10-2023 at 11:06 AM.
Terry and Elizabeth
2020 Reflection 260RD Using Anderson Hitch
2020 F350 SuperDuty Diesel Crew Dually Long Bed
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04-10-2023, 12:54 PM #16
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Stephen and Judy
2022 Reflection 150 Series 260RD (Stella)
2017 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD (Blue)
Traded - 2018 Forest River Rockwood Minilite 2104S
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04-10-2023, 01:47 PM #17
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04-10-2023, 02:24 PM #18
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My 260RD is prewired for solar with MC4 connector box on the roof and in the front fifth wheel storage area the 10AWG lines drop down with the positive line reflecting a 30 amp inline fuse. I'd like to take advantage of this prewiring to avoid hauling the lead acid battery out when I have it at home in storage and when we are in a location where we want to leave the RV parked and take a long side trip. With the master switch in the on position, I realize there is some draw on the battery. My main goal is to only ensure that the frig, while running on propane, has battery power to keep it running and the preinstalled PC type fans behind it. That is my goal and the only item I am looking to keep online with a charged battery. While in storage between trips and the master switch in the off position, I want to keep the battery charged until our travel season is over.
Terry and Elizabeth
2020 Reflection 260RD Using Anderson Hitch
2020 F350 SuperDuty Diesel Crew Dually Long Bed
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04-10-2023, 02:36 PM #19
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I do have a list of approximate electrical load ratings. Notice approximate! With the master switch on, there is the LP detector at .125 amps, illuminated switches at .125, and refrigerator at 3.0 amps... not sure that applies to my double door unit and the two PC fans in the rear to move heat. I can't think of anything else that might be drawing power.
After reviewing the refrigerator manual, this 12 cu ft unit on propane at min 10.5 volts and 15.4 volts maxLast edited by terryriddle; 04-10-2023 at 02:52 PM.
Terry and Elizabeth
2020 Reflection 260RD Using Anderson Hitch
2020 F350 SuperDuty Diesel Crew Dually Long Bed
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04-10-2023, 02:58 PM #20
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One thing I recommend when installing Solar, or any battery system components, is to look at what your final system might look like. This way you can avoid buying components that fit your needs today, yet they don't fit into the bigger picture. Your stated need is a good example: you could probably get by with a 100 Watt Solar panel and a very cheap Solar Charge Controller. However, once you begin to experience the advantages of Solar, your (and your Family's) desires may change. If that happens, you will need to throw out that cheap Solar panel and Solar Charge Controller in order to get the system you really want down the road.
Based on the above: I recommend you install at least one 325 - 400 Watt Residential Solar panel and a Solar Charge Controller that has enough amps to handle a pair of your panels (this allows for an easy future upgrade). The price for a single 325 (+) Watt Residential panel is equivalent to what you would pay for a single 100 - 150 Watt Solar panel from suppliers like Renogy, Furrion, or Newpowa. This should give you what you want while allowing for some cloudy days while you are away from the camper.
To help you with more information on Solar an Lithium batteries, here is a thread with more information:
Affordable-Solar-How-To-Design-and-Install-an-Affordable-Solar-SystemDavid and Peggy
2019 Ford F350 Lariat, 6.7L Diesel, Dually, Long Bed
Running with 20k Reese Goosebox (Love It) and Ford Factory "Puck" system.
Stopping with 8,000 lb Disc Brakes and Titan Hydraulic over Electric Brakes system.
Powering all this fun with 1200 Watts of Solar, two Tesla, Model S, battery modules, 24 volt Victron Inverter.
2018 Solitude 310 GK
Do you consume anything on long...
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