Solar panel size (wattage wise)

ChrisK

Time to get the ball rolling with my solar.
I've picked up a Victron 75/15 MPPT controller, now I'm looking at panels. I see the Renogy has a 160w flexible panel. I was going to go with 2 100w panels but it is less $$ for that than 2 100s. Would 160w be enough for everyday boon docking or am I going to wish I had more. Also, would 32w be too much if I get the 160w panel and decide its not enough and add another?
Also, what's the latest best way to attach flexible panels to the roof. Thanks

Ratkity

Best way I attached panels to the roof was with 3M auto trim tape. You don't see automotive trim come off when people are speeding down the highway! Make sure you place the tape so water and debris doesn't get caught under the panel.

jkjenn

ChrisK said:

Time to get the ball rolling with my solar.
I've picked up a Victron 75/15 MPPT controller, now I'm looking at panels. I see the Renogy has a 160w flexible panel. I was going to go with 2 100w panels but it is less $$ for that than 2 100s. Would 160w be enough for everyday boon docking or am I going to wish I had more. Also, would 32w be too much if I get the 160w panel and decide its not enough and add another?
Also, what's the latest best way to attach flexible panels to the roof. Thanks

Good question. It will depend on your usage. 160w is usually considered the minimum people need to keep going. I like the design of the new Renogy flexible panel and have considered installing a couple of those. IIIRC, the 75/15 had a max input of either 300w or 400w, but I cannot rememeber for sure. That being said, it is very unlikely that you would actually reach an efficiency of 320w. 

IslandJo

Get 2 batteries. You can have all the wattage in the world coming from your panels but once a battery is full, it's full. 

ChrisK

Yup, that is in the plans. Not right away, but not too long.