Henry Walpole
Free Member
Hi
I'm looking to add two additional solar panels to my existing setup and would appreciate any advice.
I currently have 2x125w Wattstunde flexible solar panels factory fitted, linked to a Victron MPPT 100/50 controller. I have 300Ah of Lithium batteries.
I would like to add 2 more panels and can see that the biggest Wattstunde panel of the same type as mine is 150w so my thoughts were to add 2x150w panels to give me a total of 550w. I have checked the roof and there is plenty of space. The Victron controller is rated up to 700w according the manual.
I can see that the existing panels feed into a junction box which goes into the van as shown on the picture. My questions are as follows:
1. Can I simply add two panels and wire them into the existing junction box by just adding the new cables into the existing connectors shown?
2. I don't really understand the wiring, the red cable from one panel is joined to the black cable of the other panel but then doesn't go anywhere. The red cable from one panel is joined to a brown cable that goes into the van. The black cable from the other panel is joined to a black cable that goes into the van. Does this indicate they are joined in parallel or series?
3. If it is possible to add the two panels as per point 1) above would I just replicate how the panels are currently wired i.e. join one red / one black to the existing connector which goes nowhere and then join the other red / black to the brown / black going into the van?
4. Is it ok to add 2x150w to a 2x125w setup? I could get 2x125w panels if it's important that they match exactly.
Thanks in advance for any help.
I'm looking to add two additional solar panels to my existing setup and would appreciate any advice.
I currently have 2x125w Wattstunde flexible solar panels factory fitted, linked to a Victron MPPT 100/50 controller. I have 300Ah of Lithium batteries.
I would like to add 2 more panels and can see that the biggest Wattstunde panel of the same type as mine is 150w so my thoughts were to add 2x150w panels to give me a total of 550w. I have checked the roof and there is plenty of space. The Victron controller is rated up to 700w according the manual.
I can see that the existing panels feed into a junction box which goes into the van as shown on the picture. My questions are as follows:
1. Can I simply add two panels and wire them into the existing junction box by just adding the new cables into the existing connectors shown?
2. I don't really understand the wiring, the red cable from one panel is joined to the black cable of the other panel but then doesn't go anywhere. The red cable from one panel is joined to a brown cable that goes into the van. The black cable from the other panel is joined to a black cable that goes into the van. Does this indicate they are joined in parallel or series?
3. If it is possible to add the two panels as per point 1) above would I just replicate how the panels are currently wired i.e. join one red / one black to the existing connector which goes nowhere and then join the other red / black to the brown / black going into the van?
4. Is it ok to add 2x150w to a 2x125w setup? I could get 2x125w panels if it's important that they match exactly.
Thanks in advance for any help.