Adding Solar Panel (1 Viewer)

[Silver-Fox]

Just after a pointer that may seem a bit stupid to those in the know but I haven't got a clue

If I add another panel to the roof can I join the outlet from the new panel to the existing one?
Or do I have to run another cable and controller to the leisure batteries?

Sorry if this is obvious I just don't have a clue

 

[andy63]

Most probably the easiest and best way to do it...
If you are happy to fit some new mc4 connectors just parallel the panels on the roof and the existing wires that run to the controller are already in place..
Is your controller up to an additional panel... in parallel it's the current rating you need to make sure of. And the added panel in parallel should have similar voltage characteristics to the original...
Andy.

 

[Just smiffy]

Rich,
When I looked into it, I was going to fit a junction box up on the roof and connect both panels in there so only one existing wire down. If memory serves me I believe a new controller would be required, based on a 100w already up there and another 100w added.. there was a thread I was following about it, I'll try and find it if not a search on it willl bring up loads of info..

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[mitzimad]

mine join together inside a waterprooof junction box sika fixed to the roof over the hole with 6 mm cable down to the controller i just cut the existing connectors of as they will not pass through the glands and used strip connectors

 

[Silver-Fox]

Rich,
When I looked into it, I was going to fit a junction box up on the roof and connect both panels in there so only one existing wire down. If memory serves me I believe a new controller would be required, based on a 100w already up there and another 100w added.. there was a thread I was following about it, I'll try and find it if not a search on it willl bring up loads of info..

Thanks Gary

Just lining up jobs for me to do when I'm actually allowed to "exert" myself

I would prefer to keep things simple as it fits it with what I understand

 

[Silver-Fox]

@mitzimad Thanks that makes sense

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[DBK]

There is also the issue of whether you connect the panels in series or parallel. Victron recommends series connection but others on here favour parallel because it may be less impacted by shading. Of course, the voltage limit on your controller needs to be taken into account. You can of course fit a separate controller for each panel to prevent the shading on one panel impacting on the other.

 

[Silver-Fox]

@DBK this is starting to sound complicated

 

[Just smiffy]

@DBK this is starting to sound complicated

Just tell penny that sat dish can't go up as it will shade solar...

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[Silver-Fox]

Just tell penny that sat dish can't go up as it will shade solar...

You would be surprised how little we actually have the tv on, any way there isn't much sun around at night and very little solar action gained from the stars

 

[DBK]

@DBK this is starting to sound complicated

TBH I don't think the difference is that great either way. I knew the cables going from the existing panel were a bit on the thin side so when I added a second panel I connected it in series so the losses would be less than they would be if they were connected in parallel. But I'm the only one who knows and any gains are more than offset by the sun going behind a cloud.

But the sat dish can shade one of the panels a bit when it is folded down and the sun is shining from a particular direction. Swinging the dish out of the way can give me an extra couple of amps and is worth doing sometimes.

Me, obsessive?

 

[funflair]

So the simple answer is "it depends" as a minimum your learned advisers really need to know what controller you have fitted for your existing panel and what if any connection boxes you already have on the roof, if you could find the spec of the existing panel that would be great but it will be on a label on the back which I assume is now stuck to your roof.

Martin

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[stevec]

If your existing panel is connected on the roof with MC4 connectors then an additional panel can be connected to the existing wiring using a "Y" connector. Assuming your controller can take the additional amps and that the wiring gauge is sufficient.

 

[Lenny HB]

Easiest way of adding a second panel is to link them in parallel on the roof using MC4 connectors .
Need to make sure your regulator can handle the power.
Don't get overly concerned about cable size 4mm will be fine, greatest loses over the cable is when you have maximum out put in summer so not a problem.