Supplementing existing solar with direct-connect to battery?

Fiddlinmike · August 2021

I have a 2019 Tab 320 with factor-installed solar and a Victron 75/10 controller. Like many, I often camp in shaded spots. If I want to grab some sun with a supplemental solar panel that has its own controller, can I simply attach that extended system to my battery terminals without harm to the existing system/battery? In other words, will the controllers safely work in concert?

pthomas745 · August 2021

Basically, yes.

See this thread. Many owners have added "supplemental" panels with separate controllers and it works fine.

A thread about it with a couple of options, like "networking" controllers, etc.

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/12663/how-to-connect-add-on-solar?fbclid=IwAR2mw2ukDbG2gYg7rTDwP9u3tubuk-0jSjtpWP1JXEcSYHzCP0FTPXeoSSc

Fiddlinmike · August 2021

Thanks @pthomas745! That was quick! And the thread link is very helpful. I kinda like the idea that @Sharon_is_SAM suggested - purchase a panel without the pre-packaged controller and buy a Victron controller that can be networked with my existing one through the app. I think I have a plan now.

Denny16 · August 2021

Nice, however, you need the Victron Blue Tooth Smart Battery Monitor to network the two MPPT controllers with. (Edit using the BMV makes networking easier, bu per Sharon, not required. There are also other available options shown in Sharon’s link)
cheers

Sharon_is_SAM · August 2021

@Denny16 - I just shared a link on another thread that indicated that you can network without a BMV. Has something changed?
https://community.victronenergy.com/questions/64684/syncing-two-different-mppt-smartsolar-controllers.html

ChrisFix · August 2021

Sharon_is_SAM said:

@Denny16 - I just shared a link on another thread that indicated that you can network without a BMV. Has something changed?
https://community.victronenergy.com/questions/64684/syncing-two-different-mppt-smartsolar-controllers.html

That is correct (to my knowledge), but if you want to also use voltage, temperature and current sense then you need a BMV on the same VE.Smart Network. And the BMV provides better battery stats for the charger to work with...

Denny16 · August 2021

Thanks, corrected my post.
cheers

Supplementing existing solar with direct-connect to battery?

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