Opinions on simple expansion of factory solar

[De1taE1even]

Hello everyone,

We just bought a 2025 reflection 303rls. It comes with a single 370W panel, a 60A charge controller, and inverter prep. I don't want to get too crazy with a huge system, but I'd like to max out the existing components of this system as simply as possible. This is what I'm thinking:

1. Add a second 370W panel to max the charge controller
2. Replace battery with ~300Ah lithium (probably epoch)
3. Add a 3000W inverter with ats (probably renogy) using factory inverter prep

I think this would be a great small/medium sized system that would work well without breaking the bank. There will be other small additions as well, like a solar breaker, smart shunt, and fuses as needed. I figure that all in, I can keep this at about $2k or slightly under. Our goal is just to have a simple~ish system that is enough for a 3-4 day boondock without a/c. We'll have a generator for times when a/c is essential.

What do y'all think about this plan? Anything obvious I'm missing? Other suggestions/alternatives for this budget? Thanks!

 

[huntindog]

Hello everyone,

We just bought a 2025 reflection 303rls. It comes with a single 370W panel, a 60A charge controller, and inverter prep. I don't want to get too crazy with a huge system, but I'd like to max out the existing components of this system as simply as possible. This is what I'm thinking:

1. Add a second 370W panel to max the charge controller
2. Replace battery with ~300Ah lithium (probably epoch)
3. Add a 3000W inverter with ats (probably renogy) using factory inverter prep

I think this would be a great small/medium sized system that would work well without breaking the bank. There will be other small additions as well, like a solar breaker, smart shunt, and fuses as needed. I figure that all in, I can keep this at about $2k or slightly under. Our goal is just to have a simple~ish system that is enough for a 3-4 day boondock without a/c. We'll have a generator for times when a/c is essential.

What do y'all think about this plan? Anything obvious I'm missing? Other suggestions/alternatives for this budget? Thanks!

IME, factory systems are not usually expandable.
Need more info to be sure. Panel specs and controller specs.

 

[De1taE1even]

IME, factory systems are not usually expandable.
Need more info to be sure. Panel specs and controller specs.

There's not much else to tell, tbh. Charge controller is 60A, so it should handle 720W solar. 2x370W panels won't ever exceed that in real world use. I'm pretty sure grand design went with a 370W panel and 60A controller for this very reason. It's the standard Furrion controller that most manufacturers are going with these days.

I'm not opposed to replacing the controller with something like a Victron eventually, but I don't see the need to replace it until it gives me a reason to.

EDIT: Update on compatibility: Furrion charge controller user manual specifically states 2x370W panels is good in either series or parallel.

 

[De1taE1even]

Two bathrooms, no waiting

That gave me a good chuckle.

 

[huntindog]

There's not much else to tell, tbh. Charge controller is 60A, so it should handle 720W solar. 2x370W panels won't ever exceed that in real world use. I'm pretty sure grand design went with a 370W panel and 60A controller for this very reason. It's the standard Furrion controller that most manufacturers are going with these days.

I'm not opposed to replacing the controller with something like a Victron eventually, but I don't see the need to replace it until it gives me a reason to.

EDIT: Update on compatibility: Furrion charge controller user manual specifically states 2x370W panels is good in either series or parallel.

To keep from writing a book... I encourage you to search my old posts and read about what I went thru trying to expand on my factory system.
In a nutshell, doing so was a waste of time and money. The factory stuff was of poor quality, not even able to do what the manual stated, and way too much money. I recommend leaving it alone. If you want more, build a seperate system and use them both.
The only part left of my factory system is the original panel...And it is still there only because removing it would leave holes in the roof.

 

[Riverbug]

To keep from writing a book... I encourage you to search my old posts and read about what I went thru trying to expand on my factory system.
In a nutshell, doing so was a waste of time and money. The factory stuff was of poor quality, not even able to do what the manual stated, and way too much money. I recommend leaving it alone. If you want more, build a seperate system and use them both.
The only part left of my factory system is the original panel...And it is still there only because removing it would leave holes in the roof.

x2 with @huntindog response. Don't waste extra money on a Furrion panel. For the same price you can get a Victron controller and a couple of panels.

 

[Butcher]

A 3k inverter takes a lot of current. Make certain whatever battery you choose can deliver that much. I would plan for a 300A draw. You will probably never use that much, but I've always believe it is better to over vs under build.

 

[De1taE1even]

To keep from writing a book... I encourage you to search my old posts and read about what I went thru trying to expand on my factory system.
In a nutshell, doing so was a waste of time and money. The factory stuff was of poor quality, not even able to do what the manual stated, and way too much money. I recommend leaving it alone. If you want more, build a seperate system and use them both.
The only part left of my factory system is the original panel...And it is still there only because removing it would leave holes in the roof.

I will do that, thank you. For clarification though, when you say "system", correct me if I'm wrong but basically we're just talking about the charge controller. If the Furrion really is that bad, then I don't mind replacing it with a Victron now. Other than that though, I don't see an issue continuing to use the factory panel and lines. Would you agree, or am I missing something?

x2 with @huntindog response. Don't waste extra money on a Furrion panel. For the same price you can get a Victron controller and a couple of panels.

Fair point, but I'd like to at least compare the prices, and see if you'd agree. Adding one more 370W panel will cost me $600 straight from Lippert. If I instead remove the existing panel and go with new panels, to get a similar output ~740W, I'm not seeing that as a cheaper option. I also don't love the idea of the patches and new holes in the roof from different panels. But maybe I'm overthinking that?

Admittedly, I don't know the best places/manufacturers to source the panels, so I could be way off with my comparison.

 

[De1taE1even]

A 3k inverter takes a lot of current. Make certain whatever battery you choose can deliver that much. I would plan for a 300A draw. You will probably never use that much, but I've always believe it is better to over vs under build.

Honestly, I could probably go with a 2000W. I like the idea of more overhead, but 3000W is likely overkill for our use case.

 

[COGrandDes]

Hello everyone,

We just bought a 2025 reflection 303rls. It comes with a single 370W panel, a 60A charge controller, and inverter prep. I don't want to get too crazy with a huge system, but I'd like to max out the existing components of this system as simply as possible. This is what I'm thinking:

1. Add a second 370W panel to max the charge controller
2. Replace battery with ~300Ah lithium (probably epoch)
3. Add a 3000W inverter with ats (probably renogy) using factory inverter prep

I think this would be a great small/medium sized system that would work well without breaking the bank. There will be other small additions as well, like a solar breaker, smart shunt, and fuses as needed. I figure that all in, I can keep this at about $2k or slightly under. Our goal is just to have a simple~ish system that is enough for a 3-4 day boondock without a/c. We'll have a generator for times when a/c is essential.

What do y'all think about this plan? Anything obvious I'm missing? Other suggestions/alternatives for this budget? Thanks!

I did several of the same upgrades to my 2022 Reflection 303RLS just two years ago to prepare for our boondocking excursions. I have several posts on this forum noting eveything I did. I basically added more solar panels to the Furrion 165 watt panel that came with the camper and then removed the lead acid batteries and upgraded to 560 aH hours of LiP04 lithium to run everything we wanted. This included our 12v fridge and Star Link. I also added an auto transfer switch and a 2000 watt inverter to utilize the "inverter prep" feature from GD. All our plugs work in the camper and it allows us to use our Pit Boss smoker and any other electrical devices that we'd like without issue. I also upgraded my converter/charger to one that's Lithium capable and moved it to the front storage compartment where all my electrical devices and connections are now. I added a Victron shunt monitor to keep an eye on everything and a Victron Solar Controller as a replacement for the Furrion. All in all, everything works amazing and we love it. I also keep a generator in case I need to run our AC units (which now both have soft starts installed) but that's few and far between. My upgrades did not compare with some on this site who have spent thousands on the Victron components. We are weekend warriors and wanted something simple that worked and didn't cost thousands. I hit the mark with my upgrades.

 

[De1taE1even]

I did several of the same upgrades to my 2022 Reflection 303RLS just two years ago to prepare for our boondocking excursions. I have several posts on this forum noting eveything I did. I basically added more solar panels to the Furrion 165 watt panel that came with the camper and then removed the lead acid batteries and upgraded to 560 aH hours of LiP04 lithium to run everything we wanted. This included our 12v fridge and Star Link. I also added an auto transfer switch and a 2000 watt inverter to utilize the "inverter prep" feature from GD. All our plugs work in the camper and it allows us to use our Pit Boss smoker and any other electrical devices that we'd like without issue. I also upgraded my converter/charger to one that's Lithium capable and moved it to the front storage compartment where all my electrical devices and connections are now. I added a Victron shunt monitor to keep an eye on everything and a Victron Solar Controller as a replacement for the Furrion. All in all, everything works amazing and we love it. I also keep a generator in case I need to run our AC units (which now both have soft starts installed) but that's few and far between. My upgrades did not compare with some on this site who have spent thousands on the Victron components. We are weekend warriors and wanted something simple that worked and didn't cost thousands. I hit the mark with my upgrades.

Thanks SO much for this! I'll definitely look back at your posts to check it out. Looks like you did exactly what I'm wanting to do, give or take. For 2025, GD moved the converter to the front bay, so that'll make things a bit easier.

 

[huntindog]

I will do that, thank you. For clarification though, when you say "system", correct me if I'm wrong but basically we're just talking about the charge controller. If the Furrion really is that bad, then I don't mind replacing it with a Victron now. Other than that though, I don't see an issue continuing to use the factory panel and lines. Would you agree, or am I missing something?


Fair point, but I'd like to at least compare the prices, and see if you'd agree. Adding one more 370W panel will cost me $600 straight from Lippert. If I instead remove the existing panel and go with new panels, to get a similar output ~740W, I'm not seeing that as a cheaper option. I also don't love the idea of the patches and new holes in the roof from different panels. But maybe I'm overthinking that?

Admittedly, I don't know the best places/manufacturers to source the panels, so I could be way off with my comparison.

My factory controllerwould not support another panel, even though the specs said it should. It became unusable within a year, and I replaced it with another Victron.
The problem with factory panels is that they tend to be proprietary ...Their specs just do not match up with anything else on the market...Mismatched panels ALWAYS reduces output.
This is why I say if yours is working now, say a prayer of thanks and leave it alone. If you want more, just build another system using quality components. You can run two systems together just fine...And if your furrion dies, you will still have a working system until you replace it

 

[De1taE1even]

My factory controllerwould not support another panel, even though the specs said it should. It became unusable within a year, and I replaced it with another Victron.
The problem with factory panels is that they tend to be proprietary ...Their specs just do not match up with anything else on the market...Mismatched panels ALWAYS reduces output.
This is why I say if yours is working now, say a prayer of thanks and leave it alone. If you want more, just build another system using quality components. You can run two systems together just fine...And if your furrion dies, you will still have a working system until you replace it

Very good points, I understand what you're saying. I was trying to keep roof holes/patches/modifications to a minimum, but now that I've researched a bit more, I see that solar panels are a lot cheaper these days, and it'd be cheaper even if I replaced the existing one. Thanks for the input. Now to learn about panel installation...

 

[Riverbug]

Fair point, but I'd like to at least compare the prices, and see if you'd agree. Adding one more 370W panel will cost me $600 straight from Lippert. If I instead remove the existing panel and go with new panels, to get a similar output ~740W, I'm not seeing that as a cheaper option. I also don't love the idea of the patches and new holes in the roof from different panels. But maybe I'm overthinking that?

Admittedly, I don't know the best places/manufacturers to source the panels, so I could be way off with my comparison.

Yeah, it's good to compare prices and also the reliability/quality of the panels and controller you might get. Furrion isn't known for having great solar controllers, and in my experience the panels do not provide power as stated over time. I still have the original Furrion 165W panel that came with my camper, but plan to remove that this year. In it's place I'll add two more Renegy panels.

I replaced the Furrion solar controller when I installed my off-grid system. Just for comparison purposes, I see Renegy has 2x320W panels for $619. You can also get packages to include everything you need. I see Furrion sells your 370W panel for about that price. If I wanted to add another 165W panel, they want over $500. Your larger panel appears to be much more cost effective.

But frankly, I personally would do as @huntindog suggests and leave the panel and controller in place until such time that you decide to replace them. Just purchase new panels of your choice and a decent controller. I believe you will be happier in the long run. Especially if you jump into a Victron where you have control over all the settings and know it's going to be reliable.

 

[De1taE1even]

Yeah, it's good to compare prices and also the reliability/quality of the panels and controller you might get. Furrion isn't known for having great solar controllers, and in my experience the panels do not provide power as stated over time. I still have the original Furrion 165W panel that came with my camper, but plan to remove that this year. In it's place I'll add two more Renegy panels.

I replaced the Furrion solar controller when I installed my off-grid system. Just for comparison purposes, I see Renegy has 2x320W panels for $619. You can also get packages to include everything you need. I see Furrion sells your 370W panel for about that price. If I wanted to add another 165W panel, they want over $500. Your larger panel appears to be much more cost effective.

But frankly, I personally would do as @huntindog suggests and leave the panel and controller in place until such time that you decide to replace them. Just purchase new panels of your choice and a decent controller. I believe you will be happier in the long run. Especially if you jump into a Victron where you have control over all the settings and know it's going to be reliable.

Thanks! Y'all have convinced me that it's worth replacing the furrion stuff. Especially since it frankly isn't THAT much more expensive. I was looking around today, and look what I found:

Grape Solar 370W 24V Mono Solar Panel (Black) | GS-M120-370W-FAB1

Boost your solar energy system with the Grape Solar 370W 24V Mono Solar Panel | GS-M120-370W-FAB1. Available at Signature Solar for efficient and sustainable energy solutions.

signaturesolar.com

This panel is darned near identical to the furrion, both in tech spec, AND in dimensions. So I can re-use the existing roof brackets, which is great. I have to buy a batch of 4, but that's fine, I'd like to use 3 of them on the RV, then I have a spare, or I could use the 4th in a hobby project. Based on charge controller calculators, 3 of these in series would pair nicely with the Victron 250|85.

So, modified plan:

1. Replace furrion panel with linked panel above (and add 2 more)
2. Replace furrion charge controller with linked Victron above
3. Add Victron smart shunt, panel breaker, and fuses as appropriate
4. Use the inverter prep wiring to install a Renogy 2000W (or maybe 3000W) inverter with built in transfer switch
5. Replace stock battery with epoch 460Ah lithium

I still think this is a reasonably priced setup for what I'm getting. 1100W of solar can charge that battery 0-100 in anywhere from 5-10 sunlight hours (conditions pending, of course). Seems like that's a nice pairing.

What do y'all think?

 

[huntindog]

Thanks! Y'all have convinced me that it's worth replacing the furrion stuff. Especially since it frankly isn't THAT much more expensive. I was looking around today, and look what I found:

Grape Solar 370W 24V Mono Solar Panel (Black) | GS-M120-370W-FAB1

Boost your solar energy system with the Grape Solar 370W 24V Mono Solar Panel | GS-M120-370W-FAB1. Available at Signature Solar for efficient and sustainable energy solutions.

signaturesolar.com

This panel is darned near identical to the furrion, both in tech spec, AND in dimensions. So I can re-use the existing roof brackets, which is great. I have to buy a batch of 4, but that's fine, I'd like to use 3 of them on the RV, then I have a spare, or I could use the 4th in a hobby project. Based on charge controller calculators, 3 of these in series would pair nicely with the Victron 250|85.

So, modified plan:

1. Replace furrion panel with linked panel above (and add 2 more)
2. Replace furrion charge controller with linked Victron above
3. Add Victron smart shunt, panel breaker, and fuses as appropriate
4. Use the inverter prep wiring to install a Renogy 2000W (or maybe 3000W) inverter with built in transfer switch
5. Replace stock battery with epoch 460Ah lithium

I still think this is a reasonably priced setup for what I'm getting. 1100W of solar can charge that battery 0-100 in anywhere from 5-10 sunlight hours (conditions pending, of course). Seems like that's a nice pairing.

What do y'all think?

Large panels are cheaper by the watt. Make sure you have the room, leaving yourself room to get around on the roof for maintainence .
Get some cardboard cut to the size of the panels so you can do a layout on the roof. My Momentum has a huge roof, but it also has a lot of stuff on it.
I found it eaiser to use more, smaller (120 watt) panels.
Of course your RV is not my my RV...So they may be fine for you.

 

[CampKielbasa]

Thanks! Y'all have convinced me that it's worth replacing the furrion stuff. Especially since it frankly isn't THAT much more expensive. I was looking around today, and look what I found:

Grape Solar 370W 24V Mono Solar Panel (Black) | GS-M120-370W-FAB1

Boost your solar energy system with the Grape Solar 370W 24V Mono Solar Panel | GS-M120-370W-FAB1. Available at Signature Solar for efficient and sustainable energy solutions.

signaturesolar.com

This panel is darned near identical to the furrion, both in tech spec, AND in dimensions. So I can re-use the existing roof brackets, which is great. I have to buy a batch of 4, but that's fine, I'd like to use 3 of them on the RV, then I have a spare, or I could use the 4th in a hobby project. Based on charge controller calculators, 3 of these in series would pair nicely with the Victron 250|85.

So, modified plan:

1. Replace furrion panel with linked panel above (and add 2 more)
2. Replace furrion charge controller with linked Victron above
3. Add Victron smart shunt, panel breaker, and fuses as appropriate
4. Use the inverter prep wiring to install a Renogy 2000W (or maybe 3000W) inverter with built in transfer switch
5. Replace stock battery with epoch 460Ah lithium

I still think this is a reasonably priced setup for what I'm getting. 1100W of solar can charge that battery 0-100 in anywhere from 5-10 sunlight hours (conditions pending, of course). Seems like that's a nice pairing.

What do y'all think?

I did that same thing as you listed and purchased the grape solar panel, its identical to the furrion and works great. I went with the Renogy 2000W with built in automatic transfer switch. I added a second MPPT controller as well to have some portable ones ands a 50' cable in case I'm parked in the shade or need to power charge Good luck and have fun!

 

[Riverbug]

Thanks! Y'all have convinced me that it's worth replacing the furrion stuff. Especially since it frankly isn't THAT much more expensive. I was looking around today, and look what I found:

Grape Solar 370W 24V Mono Solar Panel (Black) | GS-M120-370W-FAB1

Boost your solar energy system with the Grape Solar 370W 24V Mono Solar Panel | GS-M120-370W-FAB1. Available at Signature Solar for efficient and sustainable energy solutions.

signaturesolar.com

This panel is darned near identical to the furrion, both in tech spec, AND in dimensions. So I can re-use the existing roof brackets, which is great. I have to buy a batch of 4, but that's fine, I'd like to use 3 of them on the RV, then I have a spare, or I could use the 4th in a hobby project. Based on charge controller calculators, 3 of these in series would pair nicely with the Victron 250|85.

So, modified plan:

1. Replace furrion panel with linked panel above (and add 2 more)
2. Replace furrion charge controller with linked Victron above
3. Add Victron smart shunt, panel breaker, and fuses as appropriate
4. Use the inverter prep wiring to install a Renogy 2000W (or maybe 3000W) inverter with built in transfer switch
5. Replace stock battery with epoch 460Ah lithium

I still think this is a reasonably priced setup for what I'm getting. 1100W of solar can charge that battery 0-100 in anywhere from 5-10 sunlight hours (conditions pending, of course). Seems like that's a nice pairing.

What do y'all think?

Edit: My following italicized statement is incorrect and I addressed it further down in the thread...
You don't mention going 24V with your battery or anything, so you'll have to remember that those 24V panels will require conversion to 12V if everything else is remaining 12V. Otherwise, sounds like you have made a decision and that's half the battle. I'll just reiterate that I necessarily dump the Furrion system immediately unless you plan to sell it or something. Since it's in place already, there's no harm leaving it alone and installing a new separate system. You'll be happy whichever way you go at this point.

 

[De1taE1even]

Large panels are cheaper by the watt. Make sure you have the room, leaving yourself room to get around on the roof for maintainence .
Get some cardboard cut to the size of the panels so you can do a layout on the roof. My Momentum has a huge roof, but it also has a lot of stuff on it.
I found it eaiser to use more, smaller (120 watt) panels.
Of course your RV is not my my RV...So they may be fine for you.

That's the plan! From what I see on my roof, a second panel is no problem at all, and I see where the 3rd panel would go, if there's room, and it'll still allow room to walk from front to back with no trouble. I'm going to get up there and measure today. If I can't fit that 3rd panel, I'll just stick to 2 for now.

 

[De1taE1even]

I did that same thing as you listed and purchased the grape solar panel, its identical to the furrion and works great. I went with the Renogy 2000W with built in automatic transfer switch. I added a second MPPT controller as well to have some portable ones ands a 50' cable in case I'm parked in the shade or need to power charge Good luck and have fun!

You read my mind! I was thinking one of my spare panels could be used for a similar purpose. But that's a BIG panel to make portable, so maybe not. But we'll see!