310 Watt Solar Panel from a 400 T@B on a 320

AnOldUR · February 19

For a while now I've been considering replacing our 100W rooftop solar panel. I have a 200W suitcase, but I'm looking for more rooftop solar input when going down the road and when parked in the shade. The one that the factory puts on the 400 looks like a good wattage and size, but I'm having trouble finding out who supplies it to nuCamp. Does anyone know the manufacturer and part number? Also, if you have one, could you tell me the dimensions?

I have contacted nuCamp about them selling one through my local dealer. While waiting, I hoped someone here would have some answers. TIA

AnOldUR · February 19

nuCamp got back saying that I can go through my dealer to purchase, but they did not share the manufacturer. I've sent an email to Miller in PA for a price. Pass that along when they get back for anyone interested.

Still would like to know the actual dimensions to see if it will fit on a 320 rooftop?

elbolillo · February 19

I was told that they are SunFlare. However, there are no references to that wattage of panel on SunFlare’s site.

AnOldUR · February 19

Thanks @elbolillo. I got conformation from nuCamp that it is a SunFlare panel. I went to their website, but like you, I couldn't find this panel. I sent them an email to find if it's available to the public, but I'm guessing that I'll have to go through my nuCamp dealer.

Yoshi_TAB · February 19

Hi,

Not sure if this is the same panel, but I had reached out to GTFO a few years ago in regards to the panel on my 320 and they were very responsive with technical questions.

Sunflare Xplor - Best Portable Solar Panels for Camping, RV – GTFOverland

pthomas745 · February 19

There are a number of Sunflare threads that might help.

https://www.google.com/search?q=sunflare+site:tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com&client=firefox-b-1-d&sca_esv=96ee89d9f9e65c74&sxsrf=AHTn8zq4I7ZZe2SGk4MtY5w8o90EPW1BcQ:1739998614386&ei=lkW2Z_OVF-_ckPIPhtiH6Aw&ved=0ahUKEwjzuMf6z9CLAxVvLkQIHQbsAc0Q4dUDCBE&uact=5&oq=sunflare+site:tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiKXN1bmZsYXJlIHNpdGU6dGFiLXJ2LnZhbmlsbGFjb21tdW5pdHkuY29tSPwrUIEKWJslcAF4AJABAJgBL6ABygeqAQIyNLgBA8gBAPgBAZgCAKACAJgDAIgGAZIHAKAHuAg&sclient=gws-wiz-serp

AnOldUR · February 19

Thanks @pthomas745. Some good information there, but I couldn't find anything specific to the 400's 310W panel. An AI search gave dimensions of 38.9 inches by 65.4 inches, but it also said they were based on similar 310-watt flexible solar panels, so I was hoping someone could confirm them.

Cherokee · February 19

Just note that a portable solar cells will allow you to park in the shade while you place the solar in the sun. More expensive trailers like MDC mount their solar on the roof with spacers to allow air to dissipate the heat retained in the panels - they are far more efficient mounted that way

SLJ · February 19

Don't know about your tow vehicle but mine charges the batteries with high enough voltage so the roof solar panel/controller doesn't do any charging when towing. Only time it goes into charge mode is if I happen to stop early into the trip with the engine off and the batteries under 100%.
As far as Sunflare, the panels NuCamp uses have the connectors on the bottom of the panel so the wiring is hidden and holes in the roof would be necessary. Most panels sold to the public have the connectors on the top so you would have to decide how you want to connect them.

elbolillo · February 19

Cherokee said:

Just note that a portable solar cells will allow you to park in the shade while you place the solar in the sun. More expensive trailers like MDC mount their solar on the roof with spacers to allow air to dissipate the heat retained in the panels - they are far more efficient mounted that way

Yeah, but it is hard to charge with a portable solar panel when traveling.

And while a portable panel vs one that is surface mounted certainly will be more efficient (17% vs 23%), mounting a panel on the roof of a Tab with room for airflow would certainly be a bit more of a challenge.

AnOldUR · February 19

Exactly @elbolillo. I'm choosing to spend money on tripling my rooftop solar rather than going with a dc-dc charger in our tow vehicle. It will be much more versatile for the type of camping that we do and will compliment the 200W suitcase that we already use.

elbolillo · February 20

@AnOldUR

We drove 1400 miles and arrived to our campsite with 100% charge on the batteries. Having panels on both the front and the back of our 400 gave us great charging opportunities.

rfuss928 · February 20

SunFlare is one of very few flexible solar panels that has a hail resistance specification for roof installations. IMO a very important characteristic for T@B (and many other) roof installations.
Some of their products are exclusive to "partner" OEM businesses.

AnOldUR · February 20

elbolillo said:

We drove 1400 miles and arrived to our campsite with 100% charge on the batteries. Having panels on both the front and the back of our 400 gave us great charging opportunities.

I was just revisiting your Solar Capacity post from December of last year. I was considering doing something similar at the time, so it was helpful. With time for one more project this winter, I'm getting serious now. The thing that has me most concerned is the dimension. The 180W BougeRV that you used seems to have close to the same dimensions as the 310W SunFlare. Almost seem too good to be true. Hoping to get some verification soon.

AnOldUR · February 20

nuCamp got back to me about the 310W factory panel:

"That is correct, this panel is specific to us, they do not sell it on their website so the only option would be through the dealer. The measurement is 64.5" x 39"."

Once I hear from Miller, I hope to get an order in and move on this project. My biggest fear is sticker shock. The Sunflare panels are not cheap. Anxiously waiting to see whether nuCamps buying in bulk takes some of the bite out or if it's the opposite?

rfuss928 · February 20

AnOldUR said:
nuCamp got back to me about the 310W factory panel:

"That is correct, this panel is specific to us, they do not sell it on their website so the only option would be through the dealer. The measurement is 64.5" x 39"."

Once I hear from Miller, I hope to get an order in and move on this project. My biggest fear is sticker shock. The Sunflare panels are not cheap. Anxiously waiting to see whether nuCamps buying in bulk takes some of the bite out or if it's the opposite?

As a point of reference, in June '23 we had a Sunflare panel added to our UT at the NuCamp Service Center.
This is the panel cost from the invoice:
- SOLAR PANEL - TAB 400 - 162W - $639.52
Installation was about the same cost. They did a very nice, OEM style installation with no wiring exposed. I had installed and wired the second controller ahead of time.
We're very satisfied with the system performance with this added to the standard front panel.
Have fun!

Cherokee · February 20

elbolillo said:

Cherokee said:

Just note that a portable solar cells will allow you to park in the shade while you place the solar in the sun. More expensive trailers like MDC mount their solar on the roof with spacers to allow air to dissipate the heat retained in the panels - they are far more efficient mounted that way

Yeah, but it is hard to charge with a portable solar panel when traveling.

And while a portable panel vs one that is surface mounted certainly will be more efficient (17% vs 23%), mounting a panel on the roof of a Tab with room for airflow would certainly be a bit more of a challenge.

Gee, if your TV's electrical system can't charge your T@B going down the road with factory solar, I'd recommend getting a stronger alternator. Boondocking with the trailer in the shade and portable solar setting in the sun was what II was talking about. If one doesn't have the skill to meet the "challenge" of mounting cells on the roof, a good Trailer shop like Pack West in Sacramento can do it for you. We can't let the Aussies have all the fun.

AnOldUR · February 20

rfuss928 said:
As a point of reference ... - SOLAR PANEL - TAB 400 - 162W - $639.52

Thanks. That gives me an idea of what to expect. Curious/nervous to find out how much difference there will be between that 162W panel and the 310W that they are now using. The newer panel is not much bigger, but that doesn't mean a lot.

Looks like a nice clean job that nuCamp did on your installation. It's very tempting to have someone else do this. I'm mostly nervous about damaging the roof when removing the old panel, but still looking forward to the challenge in a sick sort of way.

B0atguy · February 20

We have a 24 400 , without the Black Canyon package (wish we had it !) . So , we have the single 310w solar panel on the rear . Was interested in adding the 2nd 310w solar panel to the front , so basically the Black Canyon solar part of the package.
Well .........that was until we heard the price . Are you sitting down ???
I was talking to another T@B 400 owner a little while ago , and they had the NuCamp factory in Sugarcreek install the 2nd 310w panel on their 400 . The price - just shy of $2400 . The cost also included an upgrade of the Victron Mppt as well , but still ! The panel alone was just under $1k .
As much as I would like to have the additional 310w panel on our roof , not sure I can justify that kind of $$$ . I will prob bite the bullet and pick up the Renogy 400w portable for closer to $400.
I will attach the NuCamp invoice on the 310w solar panel install. NOTE: - this is not my invoice, but from another member that had this done.

AnOldUR · February 20

B0atguy said:

.... Are you sitting down ???

It doesn't completely surprise me, but it does make this mod harder to justify.

AnOldUR · February 25

Found the spec sheet for the 310W panel. The thing that stood out is the Vmp being 39.6V. I think it should work, but my Victron 75/15 controller may need an upgrade to a 100/30. That's what the invoice posted by @B0atguy included in the upgrade package.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/ty/mx1g5jqej51m.jpg

elbolillo · February 25

AnOldUR said:

Found the spec sheet for the 310W panel. The thing that stood out is the Vmp being 39.6V. I think it should work, but my Victron 75/15 controller may need an upgrade to a 100/30. That's what the invoice posted by @B0atguy included in the upgrade package.

The FLEX-SI panels are a newer offering from Sunflare: https://www.sunflarexplor.com/flexsi

These are silicon panels vs their CIGS offerings.

AnOldUR · February 25

I found this interesting ...

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/pu/ocvej5mxizkw.jpg

elbolillo · February 25

AnOldUR said:

I found this interesting ...

Not sure where you got this from, but the 310w Flex-SI is NOT a CIGS panel, but rather a SI (Silicon panel)

CIGS panels are made without any silicon.

elbolillo · February 25

FLEX+

Made with CIGS (Copper-Indium-Gallium-Selenide) cells, FLEX+ is built for rugged durability and extreme conditions, making it ideal for off-grid adventurers, overlanders, and those facing tough outdoor environments.

Low-Light Performance: CIGS cells perform exceptionally well in low-light situations, such as overcast weather or shaded areas.
Walkable: Designed to be walkable, these panels are perfect for overlanding rigs where additional gear might be stacked on top of the vehicle, and durability is critical.
Bypass Diodes: Each cell has bypass diodes, which prevent power loss when parts of the panel are shaded or obstructed.
Use Case: It’s perfect for those who need reliable power in unpredictable conditions or environments where the panels may not always receive full, direct sunlight.

FLEX-Si

Made with A-grade silicon cells, FLEX-SI modules provide more power with a smaller footprint.

Efficiency in Direct Sunlight: Silicon cells perform efficiently in direct sunlight, offering a cost-effective solution for maximizing solar energy.
Customizable: FLEX-Si can be designed with half-cut cells to fit irregular surfaces, allowing for more flexible installations where space is at a premium.
Cost-Effective: It is a more affordable option while still delivering high-quality, reliable power.
Use Case: It’s ideal for users with limited roof space or those looking for a lightweight, efficient, and affordable solar solution for their RVs, vans, or boats.

AnOldUR · February 26

My mistake @elbolillo. I should not have trusted AI to be intelligent. Feeling dumb after realizing that Si stands for silicon. Thanks for the correction.

B0atguy · February 26

Just wondering if @AnOldUR happen to get a price for one of these panels from a dealer yet ?
Still would love to have another panel on our 400 . Kind of kicking myself for not getting the Black Canyon Package (even though I didnt know it existed at the time ! lol) .

Not really loving the hole size needed to contain that junction box on the underside of the panel though . Thats a HUGE - 4" hole in the roof , just covered by a "panel" !

elbolillo · February 26

B0atguy said:

Just wondering if @AnOldUR happen to get a price for one of these panels from a dealer yet ?
Still would love to have another panel on our 400 . Kind of kicking myself for not getting the Black Canyon Package (even though I didnt know it existed at the time ! lol) .

Not really loving the hole size needed to contain that junction box on the underside of the panel though . Thats a HUGE - 4" hole in the roof , just covered by a "panel" !

The install without wires showing certainly looks nice. However, on my install with the external connectors and wiring, at the end of the day it isn't something I pay much attention to.

elbolillo · February 26

Cherokee said:

elbolillo said:

Cherokee said:

Just note that a portable solar cells will allow you to park in the shade while you place the solar in the sun. More expensive trailers like MDC mount their solar on the roof with spacers to allow air to dissipate the heat retained in the panels - they are far more efficient mounted that way

Yeah, but it is hard to charge with a portable solar panel when traveling.

And while a portable panel vs one that is surface mounted certainly will be more efficient (17% vs 23%), mounting a panel on the roof of a Tab with room for airflow would certainly be a bit more of a challenge.

Gee, if your TV's electrical system can't charge your T@B going down the road with factory solar, I'd recommend getting a stronger alternator. Boondocking with the trailer in the shade and portable solar setting in the sun was what II was talking about. If one doesn't have the skill to meet the "challenge" of mounting cells on the roof, a good Trailer shop like Pack West in Sacramento can do it for you. We can't let the Aussies have all the fun.

You and I both know that a stronger alternator isn't the only factor in play. Most don't have upgraded wiring between the alternator and the batteries, like you do. Blanket statements like "they are far more efficient mounted that way" just don't hold water.

AnOldUR · February 26

B0atguy said:

Just wondering if @AnOldUR happen to get a price for one of these panels from a dealer yet ?

Not really loving the hole size needed to contain that junction box on the underside of the panel though .

I haven't yet heard back with a price from my nuCamp dealer. I do have a line on one, but don't want to jinx it, since the details are still being worked out. I'd much rather support my local dealer, Miller in PA, so hoping to hear from them soon.

As for the roof hole, this is a concern. I'll be replacing a factory mounted 100W panel that is a flush mount. The concern is if the hole from that panel will line up with the new one. I'm thinking that the odds are not good. I'm hoping there will be a workaround to be able to use the existing wire run. I've poked around the existing panel, but can't locate junction box. I might see if Sunflare has a diagram to compare.

SLJ · February 26

If getting the factory SunFlare panel make sure the panel connections on the bottom can be oriented so the hole in the roof for the new underside connection is over a cabinet somewhere so you can easily get at the underside when you drill the hole in the roof. It's a good size hole that's needed.

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310 Watt Solar Panel from a 400 T@B on a 320

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