Best solar panels for 2 panel 12v system to get to 400+ watts

[Shipwreck2]

It looks like I posted this in the wrong forum so I moved it over to the mobile section, but I did not see now to delete it from here. My apologies for the duplicate post.

I am putting together a system for a 2003 Ford E350 van, with a LiTime 12V 280Ah Bluetooth Deep Cycle Battery. I purchased a black Friday special Renogy 200 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Panel Starter 20A Rover MPPT Charge Controller kit.

Key things to note:

1. I have the LiTime 12V 280Ah Bluetooth Deep Cycle Battery (I am fine buying another if I need to)
2. I want the auto/alternator to charge the LiTime battery too
3. I live in the Seattle area, so clouds are a concern, and I will only have space for two panels.
4. I am only limiting myself to 400 watts as I understand that is my limit with two panels on a 12v system, let me know if I am wrong on that.

I was thinking about returning the "Renogy 200 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Panel" bundle as these are 100Watts each/max out at 200 watts and getting the "Renogy 200W (each panel) ShadowFlux Anti-Shading N-Type Solar Panel12V 200 Watt Solar Panel 25% High-Efficiency" kit.

I read some things about staying away from black panels and then some other things with the volts on these. I just want the best 2 panels for a 12v system. I am sure I will have followup questions like what controler/inverter.

What would be my best option for maxing out a 12 volt system with two panels? If the battery is too small I am fine getting another.

 

[Rocketman]

The best panels are the ones that fit best!

First figure out the space you have to work with.
On my MotorHome 200w panels were the best fit.
On my Dad’s 5th wheel he has three old second hand 250w panels - that’s what was best there.
On my brother-in-laws 5th wheel he has two 390w panels- they fit great there.

So try to find the perfectly sized panels for your van.

What does your battery say is the max charge rate? (My guess is your battery can handle all the solar you can fit on the roof - but verify it first).

You can also look at Dc-Dc chargers.

I love and use Victron components- Renogy has a very poor reputation on this site.

Look locally for panels - maybe you can find some local.

 

[Shipwreck2]

Thanks for the heads-up on the renogy, I'll return them.

Regarding the battery i see the chargeing data as:
Charge Method：
CC/CV
Charge Voltage：
14.4±0.2V
Recommend Charge Current：
56A(0.2C)

Would you do 20 or 30 or 40 amp system?

 

[Rocketman]

Start the other direction…

Find the panels that fit your roof space the best- (don’t worry if they are 12v, 24v- the mppt will take care of it). Look at Rich brand panels, and many more. Figure out your mounting system.

Once you know how many and have the specs of the panels- then you pick out the mppt solar charge controller. (With 56amps of charging potential- that will be more panels than you can fit on a van - so you good there).

Plan first - the get your entire plan done- then post it here and ask others to look it over.
We will find:
1. Errors (maybe not if you are careful)
2. Missing items - (fuses, etc)
3. Improvements

Then redo your plan and repost.

Finally when you are really happy either it - start buying stuff.

Too many times - people buy stuff - then find out it wasn’t the best stuff for their system (and sometimes it is not even useable in their system).

Good Luck

 

[Shipwreck2]

Find the panels that fit your roof space the best- (don’t worry if they are 12v, 24v-

This is great, thanks!