Adding a solar panel

[SailorV]

Hello everyone.
I have one 100W solar panel on top of my 2016 Leisure Travel Libero and would like to add another 100W panel.
My question is, would I have to adjust the solar panel "controller" in any way
or could I get away with just wiring the new one with the old one?
Thank you in advance.

[John Hilley]

You wouldn't have to do any thing to the controller. Just get a MC4 Parallel connector for both positive and negative and it is just a plug and go install.

MC4 Y Branch Parallel Connectors

[SailorV]

Thank you John! Sounds simple enough.

[ajohansson]

Originally Posted by SailorV

Hello everyone.
I have one 100W solar panel on top of my 2016 Leisure Travel Libero and would like to add another 100W panel.
My question is, would I have to adjust the solar panel "controller" in any way
or could I get away with just wiring the new one with the old one?
Thank you in advance.

what type of controller do you have? If you have an MPPT I would put them in series.

[twinboat]

Make sure you have a 15 amp or more controller.

If it has a 10 amp controller, you will be a bit over that, with 200 watts. You can swap in a 15 or 20 amp one, pretty cheaply.

It most likely is a PWM controller, so you won't be able to wire in series, unless you get a MPPT one.

[okmunky]

I was going to add an addition solar panel to my 272 watt Unisolar system until I realized I would also need to increase my battery capacity. My 2 golf cart batteries are typically at 100% by noon, as measured by a Trimetric battery monitor. Since I have very little daytime power usage I figured adding another panel would be a waste of money. My battery box is under the steps so adding more is neither cheap or easy.

Have I got this right?

[twinboat]

Originally Posted by okmunky

I was going to add an addition solar panel to my 272 watt Unisolar system until I realized I would also need to increase my battery capacity. My 2 golf cart batteries are typically at 100% by noon, as measured by a Trimetric battery monitor. Since I have very little daytime power usage I figured adding another panel would be a waste of money. My battery box is under the steps so adding more is neither cheap or easy.

Have I got this right?

A benefit of extra solar is getting more input in lower light conditions.

In late afternoon, you may be able to maintain the 100% charge, rather then starting to draw down the batteries.

You may also get some needed charge on the rainy days.

Added solar will not overcharge your batteries, as long as you have a controller.

Only you can decide if it's needed.

[okmunky]

From what I've been told the monocrystaline Unisolar panels already do a good job of charging under less than optimal conditions. There was NO sun in Tucson today but we started the night off with 100% charge. The only nights we have dropped below 70% was when we were in an area too cold and the furnace ran almost all night.

I appreciate your input. It helps me know I made the right decision based on my system.

[SailorV]

Thanks again everyone. I need to check my controller, to get a more accurate picture.
I have no more space to add batteries where my 2-6volt batteries are located now.
I wanted 1 more 100w panel to charge up my batteries quicker.
Thanks again.