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PV critique for RV upgrade

B

BoonieBasher

New Member
Joined
Jan 3, 2025
Messages
114
Location
Spring Creek, NV
I have 2 150w (+100w) PVs on my 5th wheel. 10 years old. I don't remember the configuration - I installed it with and via AMSolar 10 years ago but have since learned mixing panels is not optimal. I don't even remember the configuration; series/parallel wise and will have to open the junction box to figure it out - hey! I'm old. I have a PowerWerx meter so will verify output of the existing PVs.

30a MPPT SCC. Not LiPo compatible.
4 6v 225ah wet cells 2S/2P for 450ah (1 year old).
Victron shunt is in place, 2000w PSW inverter is in place. All the correct fuses and disconnects are in place.
OEM RV 50a converter is also not LiPo compatible.
I expect to leave all this in place until the time comes to move to LiPo

Primary Load: O2 Concentrator (not Cpap) that draws 2.37kw in 8 hours overnight IIRC. I can retest with the KiloMeter if necessary.
When my wife isn't along I can run for weeks without the Hondas (2000i & 2200i paralleled). The O2 is a HOG!
AC is not an issue. If it gets 90*+ at 7000' in Montana I fire up the Hondas for 1 AC.

I will add panels on a separate SCC (Victron 100/50 - sound ok? Open to suggestions)

Looking to add 800w of PV to get me at or above 1kw solar so reached out to Green Tech Renewables in SLC on recommendation from a forum member on another thread. @HRDKT. I asked for either 4 200w panels or 2 400w panels and got a quick response, but they're limited on selection.

Tyson's concern at Green Tech:
"I have a 400W option, though I think the voltage will be off from what you are looking for. I added a spec sheet and a quote, this will be all I really have available unfortunately, as we don’t deal in the smaller voltage panels."

Wondering if these panels are a good choice and whether the SCC will adequately modify the output with the 45v Voc?

Hyundai YH Series Dual Black Max Bifacial HiS-S400YH(BK) Mono
I've not considered Bifacial before but I will tilt. My RV roof is tan, not white so I don't know if that will be beneficial. Is there a reason to avoid Bifacial?

Voc 45.3
Isc 11.25
Vmpp 37.7
Impp 10.61

20% Efficiency
3 diodes
Max V 1500v

Converting from mm dimensions are 75.75" x 40.86".
Available space (before removing the 100w panel) is:
153" x 50.
A section of 68" width when the 100w goes away. These are 'ish' measurements but if these panels will fit the bill I'll draw dimensions on the roof. Also, FWI I have little on the roof that might cause shading (space to spread out).

My initial though is to put the 2 400w in parallel and separated with some distance to minimize effects of shading.

I had been looking at Renogy ShadowFlux 'N-type' and also Renogy 'N-type' (not sure the difference) but they are considerably more moola/W.
Yes, shading is an issue where we camp. The 'N-type' supposedly address shading, but I don't know how much more that the diodes?
I will have them tilt-able and will dial that up according to latitude.
I'll have to drive 240 miles each way to get them but shipping costs seem to be as much as the panels. Looks like they'll fit in a pickup and I'll ask if and how to pack & transport safely. Not finding a weight but I'll figure out how to get them up there..lol.

TIA for critique, advise, recommendations and your patience.
 
Last edited:
I got 370 watt panels also 40 inches wide .... they fit nice and give you a usable (but a bit cramped) walkway between them

get a good MPPT or two of them ...
100/50 will do about 800w of panels
make sure if you use series ..... that you select a controller that is beg enough for the voltage
2 x panels at 45v is getting close .... you might look at controller that can go higher voltage ---->150/60
or go parallel connection for the string?


2 controllers 100/50 = 2 strings of panels

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
consider going 24v if you getting more than 4 panels
 
Aussieguy said:
I got 370 watt panels also 40 inches wide .... they fit nice and give you a usable (but a bit cramped) walkway between them

get a good MPPT or two of them ...
100/50 will do about 800w of panels
make sure if you use series ..... that you select a controller that is beg enough for the voltage
2 x panels at 45v is getting close .... you might look at controller that can go higher voltage ---->150/60
Click to expand...
Aussieguy said:
or go parallel connection for the string?
Click to expand...
Plan is to run in parallel and somewhat physically separated (if that's not taboo) to minimize shading effects.
So, I'm looking at 20+amps and 45-ish volts, correct? I can go 150/60 but looks to me in 2P config the 100/50 will suffice - correct?
I've not checked price difference yet.
I get input to run in series but shading is the fly in that ointment.
Aussieguy said:
2 controllers 100/50 = 2 strings of panels

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
consider going 24v if you getting more than 4 panels
Click to expand...
2 @ 400w will be the end point.
(Plus 2 x 150w on a separate SCC - Blue Sky Solar Boost 3000i. At 10 yrs old, I will be verifying performance soon.)
If, by chance, the 150s are subpar, can I run 3 400w parallel to reach my goal? Or 1S/2P? Spitballing.

Thanks for the input.
 
BoonieBasher said:
I have 2 150w (+100w) PVs on my 5th wheel. 10 years old. I don't remember the configuration - I installed it with and via AMSolar 10 years ago but have since learned mixing panels is not optimal. I don't even remember the configuration; series/parallel wise and will have to open the junction box to figure it out - hey! I'm old. I have a PowerWerx meter so will verify output of the existing PVs.

30a MPPT SCC. Not LiPo compatible.
4 6v 225ah wet cells 2S/2P for 450ah (1 year old).
Victron shunt is in place, 2000w PSW inverter is in place. All the correct fuses and disconnects are in place.
OEM RV 50a converter is also not LiPo compatible.
I expect to leave all this in place until the time comes to move to LiPo

Primary Load: O2 Concentrator (not Cpap) that draws 2.37kw in 8 hours overnight IIRC. I can retest with the KiloMeter if necessary.
When my wife isn't along I can run for weeks without the Hondas (2000i & 2200i paralleled). The O2 is a HOG!
AC is not an issue. If it gets 90*+ at 7000' in Montana I fire up the Hondas for 1 AC.

I will add panels on a separate SCC (Victron 100/50 - sound ok? Open to suggestions)

Looking to add 800w of PV to get me at or above 1kw solar so reached out to Green Tech Renewables in SLC on recommendation from a forum member on another thread. @HRDKT. I asked for either 4 200w panels or 2 400w panels and got a quick response, but they're limited on selection.

Tyson's concern at Green Tech:
"I have a 400W option, though I think the voltage will be off from what you are looking for. I added a spec sheet and a quote, this will be all I really have available unfortunately, as we don’t deal in the smaller voltage panels."

Wondering if these panels are a good choice and whether the SCC will adequately modify the output with the 45v Voc?

Hyundai YH Series Dual Black Max Bifacial HiS-S400YH(BK) Mono
I've not considered Bifacial before but I will tilt. My RV roof is tan, not white so I don't know if that will be beneficial. Is there a reason to avoid Bifacial?

Voc 45.3
Isc 11.25
Vmpp 37.7
Impp 10.61

20% Efficiency
3 diodes
Max V 1500v

Converting from mm dimensions are 75.75" x 40.86".
Available space (before removing the 100w panel) is:
153" x 50.
A section of 68" width when the 100w goes away. These are 'ish' measurements but if these panels will fit the bill I'll draw dimensions on the roof. Also, FWI I have little on the roof that might cause shading (space to spread out).

My initial though is to put the 2 400w in parallel and separated with some distance to minimize effects of shading.

I had been looking at Renogy ShadowFlux 'N-type' and also Renogy 'N-type' (not sure the difference) but they are considerably more moola/W.
Yes, shading is an issue where we camp. The 'N-type' supposedly address shading, but I don't know how much more that the diodes?
I will have them tilt-able and will dial that up according to latitude.
I'll have to drive 240 miles each way to get them but shipping costs seem to be as much as the panels. Looks like they'll fit in a pickup and I'll ask if and how to pack & transport safely. Not finding a weight but I'll figure out how to get them up there..lol.

TIA for critique, advise, recommendations and your patience.
Click to expand...
Have you marked off your roof for the panels you want to use? I wanted to go with 400 watt panels but wjen I got on the roof and the way redwood put stuff on it, there was no way I could fit more than 3.

Rich solar has 335 watt panels that fit between the ACs and the edge. I was able to fit 10 on the roof and I separated into two arrays.

Are you buying them from A1 solar store in Las vegas by chance? If so they say las vegas pick up but they were ever available. So becareful. You may end up driving to ca.

Don't buy any panels unless you know they will fit. I don't like bi-facial. My panels are flat and currently only get 1550 watts with the low angle winter sun. I use my rv in the mountains during the summer.

With your 6 volts, you have 450 AH, but only 225 is usable. I used them in my previous 5th wheel. Lifepo4 is cheap now. I have 4 230 ah litimes, All is usable.
 
Aussieguy said:
I got 370 watt panels also 40 inches wide .... they fit nice and give you a usable (but a bit cramped) walkway between them

get a good MPPT or two of them ...
100/50 will do about 800w of panels
make sure if you use series ..... that you select a controller that is beg enough for the voltage
2 x panels at 45v is getting close .... you might look at controller that can go higher voltage ---->150/60
or go parallel connection for the string?


2 controllers 100/50 = 2 strings of panels

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
consider going 24v if you getting more than 4 panels
Click to expand...

My roof is like walking a mine field. I have to put one foot behind or in front of an ac then kinda step over it to a spot I left between panels for my foot. 🤣
 
Craig Castleberry said:
Have you marked off your roof for the panels you want to use? I wanted to go with 400 watt panels but wjen I got on the roof and the way redwood put stuff on it, there was no way I could fit more than 3.
Click to expand...
Preliminary measurements say 2 400s will fit with the 2 150s on there. Will confirm and mark soon.
Craig Castleberry said:
Rich solar has 335 watt panels that fit between the ACs and the edge. I was able to fit 10 on the roof and I separated into two arrays.

Are you buying them from A1 solar store in Las vegas by chance? If so they say las vegas pick up but they were ever available. So becareful. You may end up driving to ca.
Click to expand...
Name of the vendor is in my op. SLC area and he says in stock for pickup. 500mi round trip, but there's Costco and good eats in the area. Beats paying shipping.
Craig Castleberry said:
Don't buy any panels unless you know they will fit. I don't like bi-facial. My panels are flat and currently only get 1550 watts with the low angle winter sun. I use my rv in the mountains during the summer.
Click to expand...
Ditto. Summer in Montana & NE NV. I don't care about bifacial if their strength isn't compromised, but plan to angle perpendicular when possible.
Craig Castleberry said:
With your 6 volts, you have 450 AH, but only 225 is usable. I used them in my previous 5th wheel. Lifepo4 is cheap now. I have 4 230 ah litimes, All is usable.
Click to expand...
Yup, I get that. Considering 2 280ah parallel - gives me 560ah usable? So a single LiPo 280ah gives me more usable than 4 6v 225ah?
But would want to upgrade my OEM converter ($270ish), $1000 for batteries, and my LA are a year old - could try to sell I suppose.

Thanks for stretching my noggin.
 
BoonieBasher said:
Preliminary measurements say 2 400s will fit with the 2 150s on there. Will confirm and mark soon.

Name of the vendor is in my op. SLC area and he says in stock for pickup. 500mi round trip, but there's Costco and good eats in the area. Beats paying shipping.

Ditto. Summer in Montana & NE NV. I don't care about bifacial if their strength isn't compromised, but plan to angle perpendicular when possible.

Yup, I get that. Considering 2 280ah parallel - gives me 560ah usable? So a single LiPo 280ah gives me more usable than 4 6v 225ah?
But would want to upgrade my OEM converter ($270ish), $1000 for batteries, and my LA are a year old - could try to sell I suppose.

Thanks for stretching my noggin.
Click to expand...
Your old mppt on the original panels get grumpy with the victron charging as well. Might be worth getting small victron mppt for the originals to go with your new one. The two victrons can talk to each other over Bluetooth.

Yes 2 280s is 560 usable. I'd advise not running a single 280. These batteries are great, but with a computer inside I'm a big fan of running a minimum of two in parallel for redundancy in case one has a moment.
Maybe a pairs of 230s suits your needs batter, though generally to cost per KW is better on the larger batteries.

Lots of budget lifepo out there that can work now, I'd recommend at minimum getting one with Bluetooth so you can tell if the cells are balanced, common to have difficulty charging cheap ones I told they balance out. If you camp in freezing conditions make sure they have low temperature charging protection.
 
BoonieBasher said:
Preliminary measurements say 2 400s will fit with the 2 150s on there. Will confirm and mark soon.

Name of the vendor is in my op. SLC area and he says in stock for pickup. 500mi round trip, but there's Costco and good eats in the area. Beats paying shipping.

Ditto. Summer in Montana & NE NV. I don't care about bifacial if their strength isn't compromised, but plan to angle perpendicular when possible.

Yup, I get that. Considering 2 280ah parallel - gives me 560ah usable? So a single LiPo 280ah gives me more usable than 4 6v 225ah?
But would want to upgrade my OEM converter ($270ish), $1000 for batteries, and my LA are a year old - could try to sell I suppose.

Thanks for stretching my noggin.
Click to expand...
Yes. With LiFePO4, all is usable. I went with victron equipment this time, sometimes I have to leave the mountains and come home for a week or two and love I can check on the system, even make adjustments. With victron, you can now buy an additional 5 year warranty on your equipment, for about 10% of the retail price. You just have to do it before the standard warranty expires. This is really good equipment.

Also use chatgpt. It can help with technical issues and questions. I rewired my battery system based concerns I had with heat coming off one battery. It told me to use a balanced load approach which ended up costing money as I had to buy cables, but was able to wire it with 2/0 and not 4/0 like I was doing and it took the heat off the battery I was concerned about.

Chatgpt will digest manufacture manuals. Can give you load calculations for your cables etc. I have the 20.00 subscription and chatgpt has memory. Not sure it does with the free version though.
 
Shouldn't be discharging lead acid battery's below 50% or the cycle life goes down the toilet. So half of your advertised capacity should not be used. Here's the cycle chart in a rolls Surette 6v GC battery, one of the better lead acid battery's you can buy.
 

Attachments

BoonieBasher said:
Looking to add 800w of PV to get me at or above 1kw solar so reached out to Green Tech Renewables in SLC on recommendation from a forum member on another thread. @HRDKT. I asked for either 4 200w panels or 2 400w panels and got a quick response, but they're limited on selection.

Tyson's concern at Green Tech:
"I have a 400W option, though I think the voltage will be off from what you are looking for. I added a spec sheet and a quote, this will be all I really have available unfortunately, as we don’t deal in the smaller voltage panels."
Click to expand...

Vendors that primarily sell to installers are going to carry residential panels exclusively. They won't carry the smaller panels. Price out a ~400w panel against some of the smaller panels and you may find that there isn't much difference. In 2020 I had initially intended to go with four 200 watt panels on my first camper but after checking the layout in a CAD tool I found that I could fit no more than three of the 200 watt panels. I ended up using 320 watt panels, which were common residential size. In 2024 I had a new camper and put four 420 watt panels on it because that was the more-or-less common size.

To maximize roof space, I would remove the existing panels. They may not be putting out what they once did. With the larger panels you can get more watts per square foot. Check to make sure the existing solar charge controller is really MPPT. Some knockoff solar charge controllers are labeled as MPPT but under the covers they're really PWM.
 
Craig Castleberry said:
Have you marked off your roof for the panels you want to use? I wanted to go with 400 watt panels but wjen I got on the roof and the way redwood put stuff on it, there was no way I could fit more than 3.

Rich solar has 335 watt panels that fit between the ACs and the edge. I was able to fit 10 on the roof and I separated into two arrays.

Are you buying them from A1 solar store in Las vegas by chance? If so they say las vegas pick up but they were ever available. So becareful. You may end up driving to ca.

Don't buy any panels unless you know they will fit. I don't like bi-facial. My panels are flat and currently only get 1550 watts with the low angle winter sun. I use my rv in the mountains during the summer.

With your 6 volts, you have 450 AH, but only 225 is usable. I used them in my previous 5th wheel. Lifepo4 is cheap now. I have 4 230 ah litimes, All is usable.
Click to expand...
Why the dislike of bi-facial?
I'm not looking for them, have a tan rubber roof, but at $150 for a new Hyundai 400w panel, I thought it might make sense.
Not finding anything for nearly double the price. Renogy 200w from $200 - $300.
The search continues and lots of preliminary stuff to check.
 
BoonieBasher said:
Why the dislike of bi-facial?
I'm not looking for them, have a tan rubber roof, but at $150 for a new Hyundai 400w panel, I thought it might make sense.
Not finding anything for nearly double the price. Renogy 200w from $200 - $300.
The search continues and lots of preliminary stuff to check.
Click to expand...
Up to 30% of the displayed wattage is from the backside which is going to depend on reflected light. I just don't see any advantage on an RV.

You can get 4 250 watt panels, not bifacial for a decent price from rich solar, ecoworthy I think has them. I was going to go with the 250s when I found the 335s that would fit.

I like rich solar panels. I would have bought others but in the end, the 34 in wide panels allowed me to put as much solar as I could. I had 4 200 watts in the last RV when I was running Spruces Campground out of cedar city. My gas golf cart went to the shop, the gave me an electric one, and when I had to charge it once, the 60amp controller was reporting 850 watts from a 800 watt array.
 
Craig Castleberry said:
Up to 30% of the displayed wattage is from the backside which is going to depend on reflected light. I just don't see any advantage on an RV.

You can get 4 250 watt panels, not bifacial for a decent price from rich solar, ecoworthy I think has them. I was going to go with the 250s when I found the 335s that would fit.

I like rich solar panels. I would have bought others but in the end, the 34 in wide panels allowed me to put as much solar as I could. I had 4 200 watts in the last RV when I was running Spruces Campground out of cedar city. My gas golf cart went to the shop, the gave me an electric one, and when I had to charge it once, the 60amp controller was reporting 850 watts from a 800 watt array.
Click to expand...
Looking at Renogy 320 4 panel kit for $900. Will check Rich's.
Dang FB commenter call Rich's junk but no rational.
Starting from scratch is what I'll likely do.
You have 4 320s? Config S/P?
Controller(s)?
 
BoonieBasher said:
Looking at Renogy 320 4 panel kit for $900. Will check Rich's.
Dang FB commenter call Rich's junk but no rational.
Starting from scratch is what I'll likely do.
You have 4 320s? Config S/P?
Controller(s)?
Click to expand...
They worked for me. In 22 when gas was 5.00 a gal, the panels saved me a grand in 10 weeks on fuel costs for the generator.

I have 10 325s split into 2 arrays, with 2 250/100 victron mppts. What was cool, Rich Solar said well match any legitimate price. One of their dealers had them at 500 off for 10. They honored the price. Shipped free to. I tried to fit Jinko topcon n panels 425 watts, 185.00 a piece, but couldn't fit them at what I have now. There are cheaper options but I wanted what I wanted. 🤷‍♂️
 
Craig Castleberry said:
They worked for me. In 22 when gas was 5.00 a gal, the panels saved me a grand in 10 weeks on fuel costs for the generator.

I have 10 325s split into 2 arrays, with 2 250/100 victron mppts.
Click to expand...
I'll have to figure out the Victron needs.
2S/2P for 4 320w panels, or 4 250s possibly.
Craig Castleberry said:
What was cool, Rich Solar said well match any legitimate price. One of their dealers had them at 500 off for 10. They honored the price. Shipped free to. I tried to fit Jinko topcon n panels 425 watts, 185.00 a piece, but couldn't fit them at what I have now.
Click to expand...
Hoping to get on the roof with tape today to lay things out for fitment for each option.
Craig Castleberry said:
There are cheaper options but I wanted what I wanted. 🤷‍♂️
Click to expand...
I get that.

I'm looking hard at either the 'N-type' or "ShadowFlux N-type" since shading will always be where we camp. More moola but they say @ 25% shading output is still 65%. Fairly new tech so kinda hoping for some expertise.

Out with the old 150 panels, 30A BlueSky SCC and LA batteries. Might as well get what I want this time around (and last).
 
Last edited:
BoonieBasher said:
I'll have to figure out the Victron needs.
2S/2P for 4 320w panels, or 4 250s possibly.

Hoping to get on the roof with tape today to lay things out for fitment for each option.

I get that.

I'm looking hard at either the 'N-type' or "ShadowFlux N-type" since shading will always be where we camp. More moola but they say @ 25% shading output is still 65%. Fairly new tech so kinda hoping for some expertise.

Out with the old 150 panels, 30A BlueSky SCC and LA batteries. Might as well get what I want this time around (and last).
Click to expand...

200W P-Type HPBC Technology High-Efficiency Solar Panel​

Thanks for the Eco-Worthy heads up. Haven't been there before. These P-Type are also 'N-Type' that I'm so (unduly?) excited about. On sale, so will check on shipping.
 
Installed Victron Smart Shunt 500a today. SOC and the good stuff showed up. App shows 1.xx amp draw when I power up the inverter. I fired up the furnace, expecting to see output, and zip. Also, I had the PV covered with blankets and expected to see input when I removed them (batteries were down to 12.57 is and the SCC showed 11a incoming).. nothing on the App. It's wired according to instructions on the ground from batteries to inverter (as was the older V500, 512 or whatever, with the display) that replace. I don't have a temp sensor and did not wire the grey to "mid-point". Is that an issue
Only place I can see data on output is in History. Was I mistaken to expect more?
Also, the App isn't great at connection from 20' with the compartment door closed.

Just an aside
 
BoonieBasher said:
Installed Victron Smart Shunt 500a today. SOC and the good stuff showed up. App shows 1.xx amp draw when I power up the inverter. I fired up the furnace, expecting to see output, and zip. Also, I had the PV covered with blankets and expected to see input when I removed them (batteries were down to 12.57 is and the SCC showed 11a incoming).. nothing on the App. It's wired according to instructions on the ground from batteries to inverter (as was the older V500, 512 or whatever, with the display) that replace. I don't have a temp sensor and did not wire the grey to "mid-point". Is that an issue
Only place I can see data on output is in History. Was I mistaken to expect more?
Also, the App isn't great at connection from 20' with the compartment door closed.

Just an aside
Click to expand...

Show a picture of the connections.

The SmartShunt isn't known for great Bluetooth strength.
 
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