2023 XLS 23LDE Swapping LA Batts for Lithium and adding a 200W Solar Panel.

[Crewdog135]

Hi All,

Boondocked once last year and the 12V Refer had its way with the new deep cycle batteries less than 24hrs and they were done, fortunately I had a generator to keep us going.
No problem swapping out the batteries it is ready for lithium. However I'm unsure how to add the 200W solar to the mix with the 165W that came with the LDE.

Anyone have some insight as to how to have the 2 solar panels work together?

Thank you,
Kevin Nolan

 

[Soundsailor]

Using mismatched solar panels usually results in loss of production. I was able to use 100 watt panels with the stock 165 watt panel. The stock panel only works like a 100 watt panel, but the two work well together. If you try to add a 200 watt panel, it will act like a 165.

 

[Riverbug]

My honest advice...leave the OEM panel where it is for now. Leave the Furrion controller where it is for now. If you want more control over the controller, remove the Furrion and replace it with something else (I happen to like Victron). Add a cutoff switch before the controller so you can turn it off if there's ever a problem or you just want to turn it off without having to unhook things.

Add a separate 200W panel of your choosing with a controller of your choosing. Maybe go with a controller that will allow you to add additional panels later; you'll almost certainly realize you want to once you get addicted to this stuff. A good place to run the new cables from the roof is next to the grey vent stack in the bathroom. Maybe that's not the level of project you have in mind. If not, that's okay. Just something to think about. Of course, if you don't really plan on dry camping much then there's not much need. You'll be better off having the battery capacity to handle occasional overnights and lunch stops, then recharge at your next camping spot that has power.

 

[Crewdog135]

I have the stock 165W Furrion and a Renogy 200W. I think I may be OK with a total of 365W under ideal conditions. Can I hook up my portable Renogy directly to my batteries without a separate solar controller or do I need to get a separate solar controller for the portable panel and then hook up it directly to the batteries or am I out of my cotton-pickin mind?

Kevin

 

[Riverbug]

I have the stock 165W Furrion and a Renogy 200W. I think I may be OK with a total of 365W under ideal conditions. Can I hook up my portable Renogy directly to my batteries without a separate solar controller or do I need to get a separate solar controller for the portable panel and then hook up it directly to the batteries or am I out of my cotton-pickin mind?

Kevin

You could but it's not recommended generally unless it's a smaller trickle type charging panel. Maybe others can chime in on this that have more experience with the portables.

My thought is that the battery's BMS should keep it from over charging, but it won't be able to control what is being sent to it. That's where the controller manages the charge profile and sends it to the battery. With a larger panel it seems risky to me, but again I haven't dealt with that situation so perhaps someone more knowledgeable will help out here.