2021 external solar input

LammyWinn

The 2021 does it have an external solar input?

EDIT: called nuCamp. 

bergger

It was not standard on the early 2021 that were built.  Ours did not have one but I requested one so they added it with no charge since they were going to make it standard on future 2021 models.  So yes it is now standard on the 2021 400 but on the first few months of the builds it was not.  Very easy to install though if you want one.  

LammyWinn

Thanks @bergger. Not really at no charge, per nuCamp. But glad to know it wasn’t forgotten, but rather it’s for a 2021 T@B 400 BD version 2. 

rhyno

The newer 2021 400s have the stock solar port located right below the 30 Amp plug in and it is wired directly the battery bank.

ColoradoSun

We are considering replacing the charge controller on our 100W Renogy suitcase portable panels with another Victron MPPT 75/15. From what I've heard the two different controllers may not work well together, with the lower voltage panel being cancelled out. Another Victron controller could be networked with the factory installed controller and the Victron battery monitor I installed. At first I thought I would just swap out the controllers right on the portable panel but the Victron is not rated for outdoor use. I'm looking for the easiest location to install the second Victron on the wire running between the external solar port and the batteries. 
I am hoping someone owning a 2021 T@B 400 BD has already done this. Any description of an accessible location for the controller and identification of the wire would be helpful.

bergger

The solar plug is wired directly to the battery and is independent of the roof mounted system.  You should just be able to plug in the Renogy suitcase be just fine.  I don't believe the controllers every work together.  

ColoradoSun

I've heard some sources say with two independent controllers, only the one generating the higher voltage will actually be charging the battery bank. I suppose now that we have a battery monitor I should be able to test whether that is true.

MarkAl

Since both outputs of the controllers are connected in parallel they will both see the same voltage and will attempt to deliver as much current as the solar panel allows based on the specific algorithm of the controller. One reason to have compatible controllers and networked (like the Victron if you have an integrated shunt). BUT having any 2 controllers whether they are the same or not is usually better than hooking up two panels that don't get the same sunlight. Note that MPPT controllers are more responsive to solar conditions than the older PWM controllers.

Sharon_is_SAM

@ColoradoSun - if you have 2 panels of different wattage on a single charge controller, then the output is limited by the smaller of the 2 panels.  If you have 2 separate arrays on their own controller, they work independently of one another.

bergger

Sharon_is_SAM said:

@ColoradoSun - if you have 2 panels of different wattage on a single charge controller, then the output is limited by the smaller of the 2 panels.  If you have 2 separate arrays on their own controller, they work independently of one another.

That is my understanding as well.  They should be completely independent.  

ColoradoSun

Thank you for the clarification. I know most grid-tied roof top solar arrays now use micro-inverters or a power optimizer on each module so they perform independently.

dlb

I added a second Victron MPPT 75/15 on the inside connecting it between the solar port and battery.  I will be testing the system as soon as my portable panels arrive.

LammyWinn

@bergger, when nuCamp say they will send the item out...do they actually do it or does it require following up?
Update: Got it

TomCanada

bergger said:

Sharon_is_SAM said:

@ColoradoSun - if you have 2 panels of different wattage on a single charge controller, then the output is limited by the smaller of the 2 panels.  If you have 2 separate arrays on their own controller, they work independently of one another.

That is my understanding as well.  They should be completely independent.  

Kind of.. If the panels are in parallel, and you match the Vmp, you won't have much loss.  If the panels are in series and you match the max current, you won't have much loss either.  So in theory you could have different panels of different sizes that work perfectly well together.  You could also have same-wattage panels that don't work well together because they have different maximum current/voltage point.

In general, for installing parallel panels on the same controller, assuming your controller can handle the total current, it's more critical to match the Vmp.

Here's a great site explaining this: https://solarpanelsvenue.com/mixing-solar-panels/

ColoradoSun

dlb I am considering doing the same thing. What T@B are you working with? I'm trying to figure out where in the wiring from the outside port to the battery bank would work best install the Victron controller.

jkjenn

If you two identical panels and no shade, you can really get some great output by running them in series.  I ran a Victron 100/30 solar controller, used  #8 wire, and had 2 6v lead acid batteries. I was working from my T@b and FT for about 3 months. Only one day did I not get 100% recharge, and it was the only day of all cloud cover in that period. I had more than enough battery to get me to the next day when I recharged. High voltage will recharge faster, which is nice if you have to be checking out of a campsite at 11:30.

If you want plan on running them in parallel, the longer cable will cost you some efficiency. You can mitigate that by going with a thicker gage wire.

dlb

I have a Tab 400 BD delivered in January 2021.  I pulled the drawer out from under the closet to get access to the wiring.  You will need your miniature elf suit to get in there to work comfortably.

ColoradoSun

dlb Thanks, that is where I suspected and I took a peek in there but haven't figured out how to get the drawer yet!

dlb

There are latch levers on the side of the rails.  Pull the draw out and you will see the extended levers with the hook on them.  Push them up or down, you will feel them release and pull the drawer out.

ColoradoSun

Thank you!