diy solar

diy solar

Toyhauler dual solar charging?

Elevation

New Member
Joined
May 20, 2020
Messages
38
I have a 45ft fifth wheel toyhauler with 6 x AGM Interstate group 31 batteries 600 Ah, a GoPower 200 watt portable solar system, wired in with Anderson plugs. Which has a 30Amp PWM Controler. Also a Victron BMV 712 smart battery monitor W/temp sensor. My question is following Will’s recommendations, l am planning to add an Epever Tracer BN 40 amp MPPT charge controller and eventually a roof mounted 4 x100 Watt solar array. Will the charge controllers work together? (600 W total ) And is this the best avenue?
I might add the portable solar was to adjust for parking in the shade. But it will not keep up with residential refrigerator.
 
Will the charge controllers work together? (600 W total ) And is this the best avenue?
By "work together" do you mean can they be hooked to the same set of batteries? If so, then yes. Its actually not that uncommon of a practice to have multiple sources charging batteries at the same time.

You have to abide by your battery charging constraints of course taking all sources into consideration (or be sure to manage it properly).
 
Thank you. Yes the batteries most likely would be connected all at the same time. I have installed a battery group #1 & #2 switch, but I keep it in (both) mode. Your question/answer. Makes me think, I assume the MPPT controller will back down on charging amps as the batteries voltage tops and the PWM controller isn’t so intuitive??
I have not purchased the roof top panels or Epever MPPT controller yet and was looking for advice/ideas from those with more solar systems experience?
 
Makes me think, I assume the MPPT controller will back down on charging amps as the batteries voltage tops and the PWM controller isn’t so intuitive??
Each charger sees the battery voltage and applies a charge as it deems necessary based it its charging profile.
 
While I don't have it myself, I've read that the Victron solar charge controllers can talk amongst themselves. Is it worth the extra cost? I guess it would depend on how close to the margins your battery and solar array are. If the system is oversized, you probably don't need that level of coordination.
 
Back
Top