Which Panel to choose?

[Moto GBR]

Morning All,

I am looking to add another solar panel to my MH. It is a Bessacarr 597 so I seem to have plenty of roof space to add one. It has a standard 100w fitted with the standard 100ah battery. I was thinking something along the lines of a 200w panel fitted in parallel? along with upgrading to Victron 30a MPPT. I will eventually add another or replacement battery to around 200ah / 300ah possibly lithium?
Can anyone with more experience than me advise on this (will not be hard) on what panel I should use? Looking through Ebay there is unlimited supplies and choosing the right one is a mine field?

Thanks Steve

 

[dpsuk999]

Iam currently selling my Relion 300ah lithium battery if you are interested it’s in the classified ads

 

[Moto GBR]

It may be a little early looking at my outlay at the moment?

 

[Just smiffy]

I have bought two of these, good service and I’ve had one on test for a while and it performs admirably…

200w Solar Panel — Craig Solar

148x68cm, Craig Solar. 21.2% Monocrystalline High Efficiency. Bypass Diodes in junction box to protect partially shaded cells.

www.craigsolar.co.uk

 

[dpsuk999]

It may be a little early looking at my outlay at the moment?

No prob, just letting you know

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[VXman]

I bought a Victron one from Van Junkies. Good service from them.

Solar Panels

Solar panels are an increasingly popular and practical option for powering your Camper, Motorhome or Yacht. When it comes to choosing the right solar panel, there are two main types to consider: rigid and flexible. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice ultimately depends...

vanjunkies.co.uk

I got a 175 watt as it matched my current one in terms of power and size/looks (looks not important I know but hey) Also, Victron are a good well known brand but it was also competitively priced. There are a lot of non branded solar panels out there. Might be fine but I felt a little more confident with a 'name'.

Others will maybe know better than me but I believe that if wiring in parallel you will be better off having matching panels in wattage terms. i.e. 100 + 200 will not equal 300. Not such an issue if you wire in series. As I said - please check this as I am not totally sure.

 

[Moto GBR]

Is that right? If I use a 100w panel along side a 200w panel in parallel I will not get the benefit?

TA Steve

 

[headlight]

Moto GBR have a read of this article, it explains parallel and series wiring and the effects of using different wattage panels together .

Using Mismatched Solar Panel Sizes in the Same Array

This blog post will teach you how using mixed and mismatched sizes of solar panels in the same array will affect the output of the entire array.

www.explorist.life

 

[Moto GBR]

Thank you.

 

[Moto GBR]

I have bought two of these, good service and I’ve had one on test for a while and it performs admirably…

200w Solar Panel — Craig Solar

148x68cm, Craig Solar. 21.2% Monocrystalline High Efficiency. Bypass Diodes in junction box to protect partially shaded cells.

www.craigsolar.co.uk

How do you get in touch with Craig Solar?

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[Just smiffy]

How do you get in touch with Craig Solar?

I’ve never spoke to them, just ordered of the website, their address and email is on the bottom of their website page…

 

[Moto GBR]

I have emailed a few days ago but had no reply?

 

[Mikeco]

My existing panel was at least 16 years old and would not top up the batteries when in Spain so I have removed it and bought two 150w panels from Craig Solar, not had the chance to see them in action much yet but the early signs are good compared to what I had.

 

[Stealaway]

Morning All,

I am looking to add another solar panel to my MH. It is a Bessacarr 597 so I seem to have plenty of roof space to add one. It has a standard 100w fitted with the standard 100ah battery. I was thinking something along the lines of a 200w panel fitted in parallel? along with upgrading to Victron 30a MPPT. I will eventually add another or replacement battery to around 200ah / 300ah possibly lithium?
Can anyone with more experience than me advise on this (will not be hard) on what panel I should use? Looking through Ebay there is unlimited supplies and choosing the right one is a mine field?

Thanks Steve

I would buy the one that fits best.
Although there are many different makes and labels, there are only a few manufacture's and probably all in China.
What size are your cables going to the controller? It could be easier to make a joint on the roof and use the existing cable to the controller.

 

[Moto GBR]

I would buy the one that fits best.
Although there are many different makes and labels, there are only a few manufacture's and probably all in China.
What size are your cables going to the controller? It could be easier to make a joint on the roof and use the existing cable to the controller.

I think they are the 4mm cables. The size of the existing panel is 75cm x 35.5cm 100w, I was considering leaving that in place and adding another two panels of higher around 175w / 200w and then disabling the existing???

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