Adding to RV

[Watsy270]

Hi folks,
I am searching for opinions.
We currently have 2 x 100watt Zamp Obsidians in parallel with Zamp 30amp PWM controller, 1000 watt inverter and 2 AGM 105amp/hr batteries
Looking to expand by adding 2 x ~200 watt panels, 2000watt inverter, Victron 100/50 MPPT and put in 200 amp LiFEpO4 or possibly single 280amp if it fits.

• Current panels are Zamp 100w at 26 OCV and 5amps.
• Potential Renogy 195W 16BB Type N are 37.4 OCV and 6.68 amps
• Potential Eco-Worthy are 'ordinary' mono at 24 OCV and 10 amp.

My questions are:

1. Trying to decide on panels...Renogy (195watt for $245) Eco-Worthy (195watt for $175). Any preferences from your experiences?
2. Should or could I set up the 2 x 195w panels in series with the 100/50 MPPT controller as a separate system but feeding the same batteries as the current system?
3. Would the two controllers trick each other or fight in any way?

Thanks for your time!
Cheers

 

[Watsy270]

Honestly didn't think it would take this long for a reply with 44 views.
Doesn't anyone have experience combining separate arrays with different controllers to one battery bank?
Cheers

 

[rodrick]

Multiple scc’s is no problem as long as each has its own panels

 

[Watsy270]

Multiple scc’s is no problem as long as each has its own panels

Thanks for taking the time to reply.
I have read this as well and felt comfortable to a point but also watched videos about needing to sync 2 Victron MPPT's so one doesn't go to float early because its reading the others higher voltage?? Any thoughts? Could this be a scenario where I don't get full performance from both?
Cheers

 

[Whinny]

Nothing needs to sync when connecting multiple controllers. You can use different brands and mix MPPT with PWM.
Try to find panels that match and use 1 controller. In the photo the 2 old poly panels are in series and then parallel to the higher voltage 315 watt. There is a supplier for panels in Edmonton and Vancouver who has quite a selection, he is on facebook.

Mixing solar panels – Dos and Don’ts • SOLAR POWER SECRETS

Mixing Solar Panels: Discover Now Dos and Dont's of Mixing the Same Types or Different Types of Solar Panels. Act Now to Save Your Money!

solarpanelsvenue.com

Edit.....Your Zamp panels are quite a high voltage and would benefit from a MPPT controller.

 

[Watsy270]

Nothing needs to sync when connecting multiple controllers. You can use different brands and mix MPPT with PWM.
Try to find panels that match and use 1 controller. In the photo the 2 old poly panels are in series and then parallel to the higher voltage 315 watt. There is a supplier for panels in Edmonton and Vancouver who has quite a selection, he is on facebook.

Mixing solar panels – Dos and Don’ts • SOLAR POWER SECRETS

Mixing Solar Panels: Discover Now Dos and Dont's of Mixing the Same Types or Different Types of Solar Panels. Act Now to Save Your Money!

solarpanelsvenue.com

Edit.....Your Zamp panels are quite a high voltage and would benefit from a MPPT controller.

Thanks Whinny,
This solar stuff is anything but straight forward lol.
In between panel and controller choices I have changed gears more than a few times.
I am now set on going with two separate arrays and controllers.
The factory Zamp will stay the same until I upgrade the controller and the new system will be 2 x 195w N Type Renogy panels in parallel and a 100/30 controller.
Appreciate your reply.. Cheers