Opinions on simple expansion of factory solar

[De1taE1even]

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.

I'll admit, this one is a bit confusing to me. The panel is labeled as "24V", but it has identical specs as the existing panel on my roof. Same Voc, same Isc, same everything. I look at these specs and wonder what makes them "24V".

On a related note, as long as the charge controller handles the Voc/Isc of the panels, would it really matter? The batteries could still be 12V, as long as the wiring/fuses are sized appropriately. Or am I missing something?

 

[Riverbug]

I'll admit, this one is a bit confusing to me. The panel is labeled as "24V", but it has identical specs as the existing panel on my roof. Same Voc, same Isc, same everything. I look at these specs and wonder what makes them "24V".

On a related note, as long as the charge controller handles the Voc/Isc of the panels, would it really matter? The batteries could still be 12V, as long as the wiring/fuses are sized appropriately. Or am I missing something?

Oh boy. I shouldn't have responded before I have my coffee. Let's call that a brain bubble and forget I said anything if you would be so kind. That's embarrassing. You are correct. The charge controller is what regulates the voltage from the panels. The panel voltage is just based on the design and capability of the panel. Very sorry for that faux pa.

 

[De1taE1even]

Oh boy. I shouldn't have responded before I have my coffee. Let's call that a brain bubble and forget I said anything if you would be so kind. That's embarrassing. You are correct. The charge controller is what regulates the voltage from the panels. The panel voltage is just based on the design and capability of the panel. Very sorry for that faux pa.

Ha, no worries, at least it made me feel like I kinda know how all this works.

 

[Riverbug]

Ha, no worries, at least it made me feel like I kinda know how all this works.

I must have reverted to a few years back before I understood this stuff. Ha! I remember at the time being confused about the solar panel voltage vs battery voltage and it took me a while to understand how it all works with the controller. I had been used to those 12V solar panels that we had connected directly to a battery to keep it charged at the cabin. Took some time to understand how different these systems are. Appreciate your understanding.

 

[huntindog]

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.

The controller will handle the voltage.

 

[Soundsailor]

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

Go with the 2,000-watt if that supports your use case. A larger inverter will use more power even when you're not using it.

 

[CampKielbasa]

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!

I used COGrandDes 's photos and write ups to help when I started. Some great stuff there. This is not as clean as I would like but that is a this spring game for me. I ran that second MPPT through the wall to the pass through with an disconnect there so I could use the portable panel easily and not have to go in and out of the front bay.

 

[COGrandDes]

I used COGrandDes 's photos and write ups to help when I started. Some great stuff there. This is not as clean as I would like but that is a this spring game for me. I ran that second MPPT through the wall to the pass through with an disconnect there so I could use the portable panel easily and not have to go in and out of the front bay.

Great work. What I don't' know if I shared in the past is my secret for plugging in my suitcase panels that I take when I'm in super treed areas. I didn't want to make any holes in my exterior or have cords hanging out for my solar suitcase or my Star Link. I decided to fit-up my plugs for the solar and the Star Link right inside my right propane door. This gives me easy access through the bottom of the propane compartment since it's "open" to the air. The plugs then plug in there and the power transitions into the front compartment without me opening up other doors or leaving cords hanging out. Just one way to do it.....

 

[CampKielbasa]

Great work. What I don't' know if I shared in the past is my secret for plugging in my suitcase panels that I take when I'm in super treed areas. I didn't want to make any holes in my exterior or have cords hanging out for my solar suitcase or my Star Link. I decided to fit-up my plugs for the solar and the Star Link right inside my right propane door. This gives me easy access through the bottom of the propane compartment since it's "open" to the air. The plugs then plug in there and the power transitions into the front compartment without me opening up other doors or leaving cords hanging out. Just one way to do it.....

So smart! Probably much easier then how I ran my starlink and my solar disconnect through that wiring harness/wall, I probably made more work for myself as I didn't consider that, only the hole for the water hose! hahah Joke is on me

 

[straightshooter]

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!

Here is a link on expanding a solar system. 2023 22MLE Additional Solar Panel Installation - Grand Design Owners Forums. This was a 22MLE expansion. I followed it and it was very easy. I added a Rich Solar charge controller, the solar breaker, Blue Sea MRBF fuses at the battery, didn't bother with a smart shunt, My LiTime batteries came with an app that give me the basics, and I stayed away from the inverter. We take a dual fuel generator along for A/C, Microwave and TV if we need it.