Adding Solar Panels

Rickman52
Rickman52 Member Posts: 3
in Battery/Electrical & Solar
Hey Folks, I have a 2022 Tab 320S that already has a solar panel on top, I am looking at the Renogy 200 Watt solar panels with 20 amp controller.  I have a 100ah Renogy 100AH  AGM  Battery. Is it safe to hook this up to the Battery?   Thanks, Rick
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Comments

  • Sharon_is_SAM
    Sharon_is_SAM Member Posts: 10,061
    Yes, it is fine to have 2 sources of solar.  It will charge faster.  300 AH solar will future proof your camper for a larger battery, too.
    Sharon / 2017 T@B CSS / 2015 Toyota Sienna Minivan / Westlake, Ohio
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  • Yoshi_TAB
    Yoshi_TAB Member Posts: 569
    Hi,

    Yes that would be safe to add additional solar panels wired in parallel.  Some good practices are;

    -use busbars rather than having multiple connections on each battery post.  

    -locate the solar charge controller as close to the battery as your set up allows to maximize charge current from the portable solar panel 

    -use fuse protection and wiring sized for  your circuit.
    2025 360 CS 
    2021 TAB 320 BD (w/new owner having fun)
    2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee
    Southern Maryland
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  • Basil48192
    Basil48192 Member Posts: 437
    Agreed.  I did the same thing, however I bypassed the controller on the Renogy 200w panel and added a second Victron controller inside the tub.  I often camp on state land deep in the woods and have to move my suitcase panel around to catch the sun.  So, as @Yoshi_TAB mentioned, I wanted the controller as close to the battery as possible.  Also, I really like the Bluetooth convenience of the Victron controllers.
    I also used a bus-bar as mentioned above.  You can see it in the photo below, just to the left of my battery monitor shunt. 
    Good luck! 

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  • Sharon_is_SAM
    Sharon_is_SAM Member Posts: 10,061
    @Rickman52 - are you referring to a solar suitcase or installed?
    Sharon / 2017 T@B CSS / 2015 Toyota Sienna Minivan / Westlake, Ohio
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