Solar help, again. Setting up 400 watts

[PrimalPRIMATE]

I had to reregister since my old login wasn't working. I have a renogy 200 watts Pwm system I want to upgrade.I found these panels
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082PHRFJ2/ref=twister_B07WCTN5W9?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
 And this adapter
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074GF6FX...olid=2T7X0JNLL3XIN&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Can I just add the new panels to the existing controller with this adapter? I will set the current panels aside for now. I was hesitant to mix brands of panels.

 

[wayne49]

The question that you need to find the answer to is "How much solar input can my current charge controller handle?"

 

[PrimalPRIMATE]

It's a Renogy 30A wanderer PWM so I am pretty sure it can handle 4 100 watt panels.

 

[abnorm]

What was your username before ???

Yes the Maximum the Wanderer can handle is 400 Watts

 

[PrimalPRIMATE]

I was primal1 before but it's been several years I guess since I posted, I was reading but it wou!dnt let me post so I finally made a new account. We are at on our second year off grid in our Honda Element thanks to this awesome forums advice.

 

[abnorm]

https://vanlivingforum.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=17219

Mod edit, the above link is to primal1 profile.

 

[barleyguy]

Instead of four 100 watt panels I personally would (and did) go with two 200 watt panels. They are 12 volt panels, so they are only slightly larger in size. So it will take up less roof space.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2-200-Watt...-Off-Grid-RV-Boat-400-watt-total/264238196616
Or
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Kosta-2pcs...r-Solar-Panel-Off-Grid-RV-Marine/143541619995

If you switched to an MPPT controller you would get probably 20-30% more charging amps as well. The Tracer MPPT controllers are probably the best for the price. But you could stick with the PWM and upgrade later.

 

[DannyB1954]

When I put solar on my van, I found the 160 watt panels from Renogy fit sideways on the roof real well with a standard gutter clamp roof rack.

 

[PrimalPRIMATE]

I don't have my panels mounted, I keep them in the element except for when we are boondocked. The 100s fit well in the space I have. We had them mounted and it drew too much attention when we went into town. Essentially I was double checking myself that aside from the new panels all I need is the mc4 adapter cable to connect to the charger.