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Old 01-04-2017, 03:57 PM   #1
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Solar Panels

I currently have a 100 watt panel (factory installed) and want to add more sola panels. How many watts can be added to the solar management system and can I just add each to each other.
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Old 01-04-2017, 04:26 PM   #2
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Depends-- what solar controller do you have, what gauge of wire is coming down from the from the roof to the controller, wire gauge between controller and battery as starters? Do you know the output voltage for the existing solar panel?

I'd guess that you have a minimum solar system right now with components sized for only for a small system. A solar system is just that a SYSTEM where all components have to be matched and work together. Otherwise if you just start adding parts that's what you'll have a bunch of parts. There are several good threads on IRV2 about solar systems, some are quite long.

Provide us with more information and perhaps we can better answer your question(s).
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Old 01-04-2017, 05:43 PM   #3
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If you want to add more solar , leave the current Winnebago OEM as is. It is sized to float charge the coach batteries when coach is using minimum 12 volt power when parked outside. It can not be expanded, the OEM wires are too small.
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Old 01-04-2017, 06:05 PM   #4
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I would just design a new system from scratch. The existing is sized for minimal functionality of battery maintainance. With no or limited room for expansion.
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Old 01-04-2017, 06:14 PM   #5
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It depends on the year of your coach. I ordered a 2017 with 300 watts of solar power and the system can handle up to 480 watts. The system, Zamp Solar, is plug and play on the roof (up to 3 panels) and an additional connector on the side for a portable panel.
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Old 01-05-2017, 05:57 AM   #6
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Solar panels

Winnebago View, 2 additional panels added to existing system.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B-...S1udlhjSDM2dVE
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Old 01-05-2017, 06:31 AM   #7
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2016 Winnebago View with Zamp 30 amp system with 1 -100 watt panel, there is room for 2 additional panels to plug in on the roof, for a total of 300 watts.

Some discussion about adding more panels because of wire size, during my add on I think the factory wire was #6 or #8, #10 for sure. This would be more than adequate for 300 watts or in my case 420 watts.
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Old 01-06-2017, 04:34 PM   #8
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I also had 100 watts on my 2014 Itasca 36m. Went with an MPPT controller that alowed me to stick with the "10 wire going to the existing controller. I added 5 more 100watt panels and it is working out well. We do a lot of boondocking and it has cut generator use in half. Works well with res. fridge.
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Old 01-07-2017, 01:00 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gene Holcomb View Post
I also had 100 watts on my 2014 Itasca 36m. Went with an MPPT controller that alowed me to stick with the "10 wire going to the existing controller. I added 5 more 100watt panels and it is working out well. We do a lot of boondocking and it has cut generator use in half. Works well with res. fridge.

By way of explanation, if you go to an mppt and add panels in parallel upping the voltage, you keep the voltage drop down. Good way to go if you want to keep the system the way it is wiring wise.
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Old 01-07-2017, 02:02 PM   #10
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Originally Posted by garbonz View Post
By way of explanation, if you go to an mppt and add panels in parallel upping the voltage, you keep the voltage drop down. Good way to go if you want to keep the system the way it is wiring wise.
You mean add panels in series. That ups the voltage.

MPPT controlers take the high voltage, low amp input and convert it to a usable charging voltage at a higher amprage.
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