Adding additional solar panel to 2021 Gemini 23TE

[kwantz]

Interested in knowing if anyone has added a second 100W solar panel and, if so, where was it positioned exactly? Also, would there be enough footprint left to add still a third one? Appreciate any advice.

[Chateau_Nomad]

I might suggest adding a 150 watt (or more) panel... a little more expensive up front, but more space efficient if roof real estate is limited.

[kwantz]

Thanks for that suggestion. I might consider larger wattage panel if I had the space available for it. I just don’t know how much space is available on the Gemini. Hopefully, someone who has added a second panel will be able to tell me.

[DavidEM]

Perhaps the more pertinent question is what type and what rating is your solar controller. You may need to upgrade.

David

[kwantz]

Because of the various apparatus on the roof (AC, Winegard antenna, vents, etc, ) I am simply asking is there enough physical space available on the roof to add an addtional 100W panel. I haven't been able to get on the roof to check for myself.

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by kwantz

Because of the various apparatus on the roof (AC, Winegard antenna, vents, etc, ) I am simply asking is there enough physical space available on the roof to add an addtional 100W panel. I haven't been able to get on the roof to check for myself.

You are going to have to get on the roof and take measurements yourself unless someone with the exact same configuration as you has already done so, and that may be doubtful.

[taylorbob1]

Originally Posted by DavidEM

Perhaps the more pertinent question is what type and what rating is your solar controller. You may need to upgrade.

David

I assume that Thor OEM solar controller is a PWM (vs MPPT).
Therefore, upgrading a PWM controller is very cheap.
A 30 amp PWM can be found on Amazon for under $15.

Regarding adding panels…
I’m now on the camp of using flex panels on RV’s under 30’
Very lightweight & easy to install, even though they have shorter warranty.
Several in this Forum have created an efficient way to mount which limits overheating.

And this from someone who currently has three 100 amp solid panels on my Vegas roof.

[richardtc]

What is the amp hours of the house battery that came with the vehicle?

Thanks!

[taylorbob1]

Originally Posted by richardtc

What is the amp hours of the house battery that came with the vehicle?

Thanks!

For my rig…
I’m still using two matching Group 24’s Costco or Sam’s Flooded Lead Acid 12v batteries. Some use Group 31’s which have a few more amp hours.

I know, I know…AGM is much better and there’s no maintenance. I get that.

But for me, I monitor the water levels on a regular basis, and change out the batteries in pairs every 3-4 years.
Old tech, but works for me.

[Obiwan57]

Hello taylorbob1, I have a 2022 Vegas 24.3, and I am interested in your solar panel upgrade, which I definitely want to improve on. Thank you!

[taylorbob1]

Originally Posted by Obiwan57

Hello taylorbob1, I have a 2022 Vegas 24.3, and I am interested in your solar panel upgrade, which I definitely want to improve on. Thank you!

Not sure what you’re looking for…
- my ‘17 did not come with anything Solar, not even pre-wired
- I had to run wiring from roof fridge vent to area behind kitchen cupboards
- I used three Renogy 100w solid panels, fastened with drill-less mounts and Sikaflex adhesive
- I’m using an in-expensive PWM solar controller
- finally, two lead acid flooded batteries under the entry steps

That said, since the panel prices have significantly dropped recently, I’d be more inclined to try flexible panels, mounted on corrugated twin-walled plastic sheets. Then fastened to roof with Eternabond tape.

[Chateau_Nomad]

Caution using flexible panels... some have been known to have the thin cell connectors break from flexing. Problem #2 is solar panels tend to get rather hot in warm weather... mounting them without allowing for air circulation underneath could shorten their life. But without a benchmark for lifespan and power output, it's difficult to determine lifespan.

Don't get caught up too much in the "weight saving" mindset for your solar panels. Dollar for dollar and pound for pound, higher wattage aluminum frame panels have never been cheaper. And the size difference between a newer 200watt vs 100watt is negligible compared to the gain in efficiency.

[taylorbob1]

This was a good article (two years ago) by the RV Geeks (also hosts of the RVers show on Great American Country).

Spells out differences between rigid vs flexible.
Back then, the price difference was significant.
Today, not so much.

Either way, they spell it out like Chateau_Nomad does.

Flexibles get hot at times, thus produce less (that’s why I suggested the twin-wall corrugated sheets).
But simple install for those who are timid of staging brackets and drilling into roof.

Different strokes for different folks.

https://www.thervgeeks.com/flexible-...nels-vs-rigid/