Roof top solar with Zamp add on

ColinsTab400

Hey all,   I am wondering if I purchase a 400 with 200W solar,  if I can also utilize a stand alone 200W Zamp solar at the same time.
Not sure if this is overkill,  but probably will not always want to position the trailer in the blazing sun.   Thoughts?

Sharon_is_SAM

I know @Michigan_Mike has a 400 with solar and a backup solar suitcase, so I am guessing it will work.  I am not sure if you can tie into the stock solar charge controller or if you need to use a separate charge controller.

Jilong

My T@B 400 came with the factory-installed solar package which includes the SR-HP2440-B PWM solar charge controller. That controller is rated for 40A of input. My understanding is that each 100W of solar panels generates about 6-8A, so an extra 200W of solar panels should be okay to tie directly into the existing charge controller.

jkjenn

Jilong said:

My T@B 400 came with the factory-installed solar package which includes the SR-HP2440-B PWM solar charge controller. That controller is rated for 40A of input. My understanding is that each 100W of solar panels generates about 6-8A, so an extra 200W of solar panels should be okay to tie directly into the existing charge controller.

You have to be careful when you pair panels that are not recommended. The general advice Inhave read is that if not identical, it is best to run the 2 different set ups in series. You would be unable to do this with a PWM and some MPPT controllers.

Michigan_Mike

There is available information out there regarding this approach using different solar arrays to charge the same battery bank and since the Zamp panel is independent of the rooftop system it should work without issues.  The solar controllers are monitoring and reading the same voltage from the battery, both systems are fused (should a short or over voltage issue arise) and would allow the batteries to charge quicker.  Here is a link (Google different arrays charging the same battery or battery bank) that alludes similarly to this same scenario and gives some information to the above.  

https://www.solarpaneltalk.com/forum/off-grid-solar/off-grid-solar-panel-systems/313556-two-charge-controllers-one-battery

Sharon_is_SAM

Oh, I forgot, the Zamp suitcase probably has the charge controller built in, so, as Mike said, you would be good to go.  Just hook up the suitcase directly to the battery.

Jilong

I'm so glad to be in this forum and continually learning new things, especially correcting wrong things before I try them on my 4-week-old 400, lol. So thanks to @jkjenn and @Michigan_Mike!

Tabfortwo

I have roof mounted and suitcase works great. 
The suitcase charges through the 7pin on trailer I can be fully charged by 9am daily.