2 to 3 solar panels

[laura970]

Originally Posted by varmonter

Ive got much to learn..sigh.
This is a stock 28dbs ordered
from outdoors rv with the two
panels on the roof by the dealer. So is the converter/charger that comes with these 2022 models compatable with lifep04 batteries.?? I will have to ask the dealer..but they are a dealer.
Id rather get the info here.

It does help to know who your dealer is. We bought from Thompson RV and I would trust them with their advice. They have been great to deal with.

[MtCamper]

I'm not too bright and really have no desire to become a solar expert. We had just a single panel on our 20FQ and it was plenty. I installed a single panel on our AF along with 2-6v golf cart batteries. For how we camp, we're up to full charge by early afternoon. My suggestion would be to just go camping and see how it works for you. We've camped by folks who ran their inverter constantly and needed to go from 4-6v batteries to lithium and ran 6 panels to keep them charged. We've also been by some who could go all week on their single 12v with no solar. It all depends on how your rig and how you use it.

[Cumminsfan]

Pretty sure the roof mount Zamp box is only rated for 510W, so 3 170W would be max.

[varmonter]

Thanks all ..yes 510 so 3.
the dealer ordered it with 2
Not sure i need a 3rd. They want
a grand to install 1.

[JHinman]

Certainly try it out before you buy another panel. If you have good sun two panels can do a lot of charging.

It is pretty easy to add panels. Renogy has a 175-watt panel that matches the Zamp on your trailer pretty closely, and you could probably install it yourself for about $300. That includes a panel, some Dicor sealant, and a lead from your new panel to the existing combiner box.

[BrokeDown]

Originally Posted by ArtJoyce

The old rule of thumb use to be; For every 100 amps of battery you should have a 100w of solar.

I ordered the 250RKS with 3 solar panels and 4 Battle Born Batteries. I spoke to Battle Born about my configuration. They suggested that 200 amps of solar for every 100 amps of battery would be best but my configuration would work.... just not as well.

[BrokeDown]

Originally Posted by varmonter

Thanks all ..yes 510 so 3.
the dealer ordered it with 2
Not sure i need a 3rd. They want
a grand to install 1.

Assuming that your order is not on the assembly line (and maybe even if it is), the dealer can easily change your order.

[Kmlac]

You can fit 3 175W in 12V and 6 in 24 V 2 in series, 3 parallel strings, configuations

[varmonter]

Originally Posted by BrokeDown

Assuming that your order is not on the assembly line (and maybe even if it is), the dealer can easily change your order.

Yes this unit is on the dealers lot. we are driving there from the east coast. Our plan is to pick it up and continue to our winter
volunteer position. I want to
give them the time they need to
install any extras. Or order different batteries. They are giving me 2 marine deep cycles.
we currently have 2 6v GC batts
that are only a year old.
They ordered thevl unit with 2
170w panels on the roof.

[varmonter]

Originally Posted by BrokeDown

I ordered the 250RKS with 3 solar panels and 4 Battle Born Batteries. I spoke to Battle Born about my configuration. They suggested that 200 amps of solar for every 100 amps of battery would be best but my configuration would work.... just not as well.

How many amps does a 170 w
panel make?

[JHinman]

Originally Posted by varmonter

How many amps does a 170 w
panel make?

I wonder if Battleborne meant 200 watts of solar per amp-hour of battery, not 200 amps.

Watts = amps times voltage, so 170 watt panel with a nominal output of 18 volts provides 9.4 amps. Remember that the rated wattage is for ideal conditions, so in actual practice you might get 2 amps or less at times.

I am not clear on how the W = A x V relationship is affected by the solar controller. My panels produced at 18 volts, but the PWM controller provides 13 to 14 volts to the batteries. I don’t know if the power (watts) stays the same, or if there are significant losses in the controller itself. Maybe someone with more expertise than me can clarify.

[Titanium2022]

Originally Posted by varmonter

Just put a downpayment on a
28dbs. it came with 2 170watt
solar on the roof. since we will be
boondocking i was wondering
if a 3rd might be better. from what ive read i can install up to
4 with the stock controller and
batteries (2 12v) is this true or
will i need a different controller
and or more batteries??

In regards to the first question; Yes you can add a 3rd panel which to my understanding would max the roof input of 510 watts. If you add the same Zamp 170w panel.

I just bought a 260RLS with 2 panels on the roof and ordered a 3rd from Zamp only to find out I need a longer cable to reach the installed plug on the roof. The cable on the panel is around 9 feet and I need 17 feet because of available space for the panel. So I had to order another extension cable, still waiting...Your mileage may vary.
2nd ?
Also you probably have a Zamp 30amp PWM controller installed which is NOT MPPT but will still charge LifeP04 batteries just not as effiiciently. Our dealer, Bish's of Cheyenne-not recommended!, included 2 Interstate SRM-24 Deep Cycle Marine batteries. They are NOT true AGM batteries but a wet flooded acid type with only 81 amp hours each, group 24 size. NOT the best for sure.
I just ordered 2 LION Energy 1300 batteries to upgrade. They are comparable to the BattleBorns at 105 amp hours and rated to 150amps continous 900 peak. Which impresses me. Made in the USA and lifetime warranty! Not to mention they are on sale if you have the right coupon code that save you a few hundred $$$.
Hope this helps!

[JHinman]

Originally Posted by Titanium2022

I just bought a 260RLS with 2 panels on the roof and ordered a 3rd from Zamp only to find out I need a longer cable to reach the installed plug on the roof. The cable on the panel is around 9 feet and I need 17 feet because of available space for the panel. So I had to order another extension cable, still waiting...Your mileage may vary.

This is what I used to add panels to my trailer.

Oops. Wrong picture. I will try again.

[JHinman]

Try this.