Adding solar panels

montanakeith

New Member
Joined
Jan 20, 2019
Messages
5
Location
Montana
Hi All
I would like to add 2 solar panels to my setup.
How would I link in to the existing system? I do a bit of winter camping in Yellowstone and Glacier and with their abbreviated generator hours, it would help to have more charging power.

Thanks in advance
MontanaKeith
 
There are many experts on this forum like [MENTION=22656]SolarPoweredRV[/MENTION]. They will need specifics on what type of batteries you have and how much amp hours you use/need to recharge your batteries. I envy your winter adventures in Yellowstone! It must be scenic that time of the year.
 
It would help to have more information on what you have now. Which coach do you have? Is there any solar now? What is your battery status? What is your power need?
 
I think that far north in winter or fall you will be disappointed in the performance of roof mounted solar panels. The angle of the sun is too extreme to yield much in the way of a charge current. The panels would need to be mounted so you can lift one side and angle them toward the sun to work well.

I agree a description of your current or perspective setup would be extremely helpful.


I have several panels that I can carry and place on the ground when I know I am boondocking to get the most sun I can. with this arrangement i am able to "chase the sun" to ensure the best angle for the highest yield if needed
 
Last edited:
Ok, I have a 2022 Imagine 260RB. It comes with a roof mounted solar panel which works surprisingly well. Before I bought this trailer I had acquired 2 new 100W solar panels which I have never used. They come with cables, connectors and more.
When I need extra solar power is early and dusk. That is a time of day when pointing at the sun won't really help. I just need more surface area. But I do have the freedom/option of "pointing" these 2 cells at the sun, if needed.
Again, thanks for your help.
 
Ok, I have a 2022 Imagine 260RB. It comes with a roof mounted solar panel which works surprisingly well. Before I bought this trailer I had acquired 2 new 100W solar panels which I have never used. They come with cables, connectors and more.
When I need extra solar power is early and dusk. That is a time of day when pointing at the sun won't really help. I just need more surface area. But I do have the freedom/option of "pointing" these 2 cells at the sun, if needed.
Again, thanks for your help.

It may be best to mount these on the ground where you can easily manage them. Do you have a solar charge controller? If so you could set your panels up as a separate system connected directly to your batteries. Don't try to connect them to your current charge controller, mixing solar panels leads to inefficiency. More battery storage would be a good investment. With winter camping, I'm guessing the major draw would be the furnace fan. A 12-volt frig draws a lot also.
 

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