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Old 02-24-2022, 05:49 PM   #1
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Adding Additional Panel- Need Guidance

I have had a 100 watt panel connected to (2) 6 volt batteries for few years. Most of the time has been fine when we are boondocking to meet our needs. Have always wanted just a little more charging so I do not have to run generator each evening to be sure.
This came up on sale at HD for 50% off so I ordered.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/NATURE-P...0216/317707444

Can this be installed as a separate unit with it's own controller and run in parallel with the 100 watt which has its own controller?
Also, my battery tray has room for 3 batteries and it soon time to refresh the 6 volts. With the added solar, would I be better off with (3) 12 volt batteries?
Advice appreciated.
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Old 02-26-2022, 07:24 AM   #2
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This article was very helpful to me with my solar question on mixing panels.
It sounds like you would be ok, and better off having second controller for that 215w panel. Since the difference is so great between the two.

https://solarpanelsvenue.com/mixing-solar-panels/
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Old 02-26-2022, 08:48 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TimLoon View Post
I have had a 100 watt panel connected to (2) 6 volt batteries for few years. Most of the time has been fine when we are boondocking to meet our needs. Have always wanted just a little more charging so I do not have to run generator each evening to be sure.
This came up on sale at HD for 50% off so I ordered.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/NATURE-P...0216/317707444

Can this be installed as a separate unit with it's own controller and run in parallel with the 100 watt which has its own controller?
Also, my battery tray has room for 3 batteries and it soon time to refresh the 6 volts. With the added solar, would I be better off with (3) 12 volt batteries?
Advice appreciated.
I'd say in your case you just need to make sure that which ever controller you choose to use is rated to take the wattage/volts/amps that you provide with the two panels combined. Regarding the 3-12v batteries vs 2-6v batteries, you'll probably have better results with the 2-6er's. There are very few "real deep cycle" 12v batteries. Even if they say 12v deep cycle they're probably not. I think if you do a lot of boon docking stacking up a pile of 6er's is the ticket. I run 4-6v batteries and can go for weeks at a time and never even get close to being concerned for power. There is some thought that if you run inverters in your daily life that a "true 12v deep cyle" is better when they're drawn down by inverters. Don't really know the deal with that as I have no inverter.
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Old 02-26-2022, 09:25 AM   #4
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The quick answer is yes. The two controllers will work together just fine. If I were to add to my existing system, that's what I'd do because my current controller is maxed out.
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Old 02-26-2022, 09:30 AM   #5
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Just add the new panel and controller in parallel to existing panel and controller. You may well be better off with 3ea 12 volt Deep Cycle batteries than 2 GC2 batteries. Group 31 true Deep Cycle would give you 50% more capacity. As mentioned most 12 volt RV batteries are not true Deep Cycle.
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Old 02-26-2022, 06:10 PM   #6
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Appreciate the Feedback

Will be installing when the snow stops flying and the cover comes off the camper
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Old 02-26-2022, 06:52 PM   #7
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2 - 100 amp hour lithium battery would be my first suggestion over 3 lead acid. You can use 95% of the compasity of the lithium but only 50% of lead battery. The SOK 206AH battery can be had for just a little more then 3 new lead battery , just a thought.
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Old 02-26-2022, 10:19 PM   #8
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If you need the AHrs, you can use two 6 volts in parallel with one 12 volt deep cycle batteries. Not best option, but doable.
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Old 02-27-2022, 06:06 PM   #9
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2-6V and 1- 12 Volt

I did this combo for a year and did not find a discernable difference. I am sure it was there but I did not take time to see it.
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Old 03-02-2022, 05:38 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by astrnmrtom View Post
The quick answer is yes. The two controllers will work together just fine. If I were to add to my existing system, that's what I'd do because my current controller is maxed out.
I can't say it won't as I have not tried it, nor looked into it, but how do 2 controllers work together to get more charging, if one sees full voltage does it not shut down "thinking" the batteries are charged?

I know its not the same, but I have 300 watts of solar and if I connect to shore power and the converter goes into boost mode, my solar charger will turn off since it sees enough voltage to think the batteries are charged.
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Old 04-06-2022, 09:23 AM   #11
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I ran 2 gc batts for 7 or 8 years. I finally upgraded to a single lithium 200 amp hour battery. Wow, it is so much lighter, and I think I quadrupled my useable amp hours. I can use almost all of the lithium's 200 amp hours, where on lead acid gc's I could only use maybe 40% of its 100 amp hours.

I bought a 200 amp/hr Chins for under $700 shipped. My controller was for a lithium or lead acid or agm so that was good. I added a20 amp dc to dc charger on the vehicle alternator charge line to protect the alternator just in case as lithium batteries will draw a lot of power fast unlike lead acid.

I will probably add additional solar and controller since the system is bigger now.

The lithium batteries will run circles around agm or lead acid. For boondocking do not even hesitate to spend the extra money. Your price per hour of use will be lower in the long run. You likely will not be able to use up all your lithium cycles in 10 years, but lead acid, you can and lead unlikely to even last ten years, after 5 you notice the decline in amp hours.
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Old 05-10-2022, 06:35 PM   #12
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Finally Received Panel

So Home Depot originally said the order would not be filled so I figured I would hold off. Today I get a message it is ready to be picked up.
So one more question.
The wire that cam with the panel is not long enough to make the 20 foot trip from panel to controller. What size wire will I need for a 200 watt panel?
The controller that came with the panel is rated at 13A.
Thanks for the continued info and assistance.
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Old 05-10-2022, 07:15 PM   #13
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I would go with 10 gauge on the roof to 8 gauge from the controller to battery unless its a long run. Controller should be as close as possible to battery, put a fuse close to the battery, 30 A should be ok.
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Old 05-10-2022, 08:03 PM   #14
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I would go with 10 gauge on the roof to 8 gauge from the controller to battery unless its a long run. Controller should be as close as possible to battery, put a fuse close to the battery, 30 A should be ok.
Only thing I would add is to use a high quality wire, high strand count, tinned copper. Marine wire is what ive used in the past.

https://www.amazon.com/Ancor-Marine-...937&psc=1&th=1
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