Solar suitcases in parallel?

[TerryH]

I have a Renogy 200 watt solar suitcase with built in 20 amp PVM charge controller. We've used it for a couple years with good results. 13.5 amps is the highest output I've seen from the single suitcase. I'm considering adding a 2nd 200 watt suitcase. Any reason I can't just wire them together in parallel and continue to use the 10 gauge SAE plug I already have on the side of my 31G?

[MoonShadow_1911]

I have a Renogy 200 watt solar suitcase with built in 20 amp PVM charge controller. We've used it for a couple years with good results. 13.5 amps is the highest output I've seen from the single suitcase. I'm considering adding a 2nd 200 watt suitcase. Any reason I can't just wire them together in parallel and continue to use the 10 gauge SAE plug I already have on the side of my 31G?

Possibly, but since the suitcase solar panels have their own charge controller, you will have to find a way to disable or remove one of them to make that work. You will also need to figure out how to connect the second set of panels.

[TerryH]

Possibly, but since the suitcase solar panels have their own charge controller, you will have to find a way to disable or remove one of them to make that work. You will also need to figure out how to connect the second set of panels.

Thanks for the reply. Could they be wired in parallel after the controllers?

[MoonShadow_1911]

Thanks for the reply. Could they be wired in parallel after the controllers?

How many batteries do you have?

If only one, you should only use one charge controller, unless you are willing to make a combiner box that has diodes so the electricity flows out and never in. Electricity takes the path of least resistance; if one charge controller isn't putting out the same voltage and amperage as the other one, it is possible for one to feed the other and possibly cause a fire.

[TerryH]

How many batteries do you have?

If only one, you should only use one charge controller, unless you are willing to make a combiner box that has diodes so the electricity flows out and never in. Electricity takes the path of least resistance; if one charge controller isn't putting out the same voltage and amperage as the other one, it is possible for one to feed the other and possibly cause a fire.

Thanks. I have a single LiFePO4 300ah. I'll probably just stick with the single suitcase setup.

[TerryH]

Just for conversation's sake I decided to buy the 2nd 200w suitcase. I'll remove both PMV controllers. I ordered a Victron 100/30 smart MPPT charge controller and Victron bluetooth battery sense module. I'll leave the individual panels in each suitcase wired in parallel and then wire the 2 suitcases in series. Hopefully that will give me a nice boost in charging power.

[MoonShadow_1911]

Just for conversation's sake I decided to buy the 2nd 200w suitcase. I'll remove both PMV controllers. I ordered a Victron 100/30 smart MPPT charge controller and Victron bluetooth battery sense module. I'll leave the individual panels in each suitcase wired in parallel and then wire the 2 suitcases in series. Hopefully that will give me a nice boost in charging power.

That'll work nicely!

[TerryH]

That'll work nicely!

Thanks. Decided I'd just cut to the chase. I left a spot big enough for the 100/30 on the backer when I laid out my Multiplus and Power in. Might as well just do it and be done with it.

[Redapple63]

Thanks. Decided I'd just cut to the chase. I left a spot big enough for the 100/30 on the backer when I laid out my Multiplus and Power in. Might as well just do it and be done with it.

Should work awesome.

Bill

[Conner58]

I tried to hook them in parallel with controllers on them that's a no go . One shuts off saying battery full .
I just ran 2 cables to the battery works fine that way .
Your way sounds better fir sure .