Adding a Solar Panel

[BEAVERBOY]

I have a 2003 Beaver Monterey, it has one solar panel on it and i would like to add one more to the system.
I called Monoco and the service rep did not know if I could add one to the existing system, i informed him the book states that you can add a additional panel but does not tell me how many additional watts it will handle.
Does anyone have any experience with adding a solar system to the original Monoco system?

[Richard S.]

How big is your existing panel and what do you want to add. Also consider the size of your regulator if you have one. I have an 80 watt and used 10GA stranded jacketed wire.

[MegaRV]

Try AM Solar. They have some of their own products as well as some others. They are located in the Eugene/Springfield area.

They will answer most your questions in regards to solar power on RV's.

[BEAVERBOY]

I have one 100 watt panel which does very little to maintain the batteries while boondocking. I would like to add one more 100 watt panel to the system utilizing the existing charging system.

[Pusherpilot]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BEAVERBOY I have one 100 watt panel which does very little to maintain the batteries while boondocking. I would like to add one more 100 watt panel to the system utilizing the existing charging system.

Our 04 Imperial has one panel too. The book states that its purpose is to keep the chassis batterys up and does not charge the house batts.
Ron

[Richard S.]

If you have a 100 watt panel the wiring should be good for another panel.
You just need to see if your controler/regulator will handle the additional amps.

My 80 watt keeps my 2 6 votl's and chassis 12 volt topped off real well. With a little conservation I can get by for about 4 days in SO. CA.

[Lukeaa]

Two panels is never enough. If you have to buy a new controller, get one big enough for four panels. At some point in the future, panels will be cheap enoough to add a couple of more. And add tilting mounts. All of this costs money, but I don't think any of us using solar, wish we would have spent the money on something else.

[BEAVERBOY]

I did a little more reading and found all the info I needed was is the Manual- duh! On my 2003 Beaver Monterey the manual says the system can handle 150 watts total, so I could add a 50 watt panel. It also says 100 watts is only enough to maintain the coach house batteries without any load on them. It maintains all the memories in the computer's, transmission, aladin system and time and dates in various appliance's. 100 watts will not charge the house batteries when boon docking and obviously another 50 watts won't really make that big of a difference.
So how many watts do I need? what your experience's

[Richard S.]

How big of panels and how many batteries you will need is something you will need to work out. Some of the solar sites have work sheets that may help you.
150 watts with Two 6 volt batteries should stay at full charge. The more watts installed will require more storage ( batteries )

[Lukeaa]

You have a generator that is already paid for. Adding more solar is really a matter of how much money you want to throw at it. I think that 500 watts will get you off the generator when the sun is out. I stopped at 250 watts and use the gen set when that is not enough. Rule of thumb is probably $6-$7 per watt, installed.

Currently at Pioneer Trail in Anacortes, WA