Thor class C solar - power controller

Snks

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 22, 2020
Messages
107
Location
Los Angeles
Advice please. I have a Thor class C and I’m looking to max out solar and have other questions. I put two 190 watt Sun Power solar panels on the roof. It looks like it was pre wired with 10 gauge to the roof. I am using a ROVER ELITE 40A MPPT CHARGE CONTROLLER.

Can I put another 100 watts or more panel on the roof with that wiring and controller. Will an extra 100 watts make much difference?

Also I have two 120 amp hr 12v batteries. I am using a 55 amp charge wizard converter to charge the batteries.

It seems when I use the generator it takes a long time to charge the batteries. I wonder if the charge board isn’t putting out full power or it might take longer to charge two 120 amp hour batteries compared to smaller amp hour batteries.
 

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Sure... you'll be fine with the 10AWG cable between panels and controller. I have three 200 watt panels in series on the roof feeding into a 40 amp charge controller. You could put another 200 watt panel up there (preferred) if room and still be good.

Ampacity of 10AWG cable is 30 amps. My 600 watts of panels typically produce no more than 25 amps in full sun, so you have plenty of breathing room.
 
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Sure... you'll be fine with the 10AWG cable between panels and controller. I have three 200 watt panels in series on the roof feeding into a 40 amp charge controller. You could put another 200 watt panel up there (preferred) if room and still be good.

Ampacity of 10AWG cable is 30 amps. My 600 watts of panels typically produce no more than 25 amps in full sun, so you have plenty of breathing room.

Ok great another 190 watt go power panel gives me 570 watts. I just need to figure out tying in another panel.
 
Ok great another 190 watt go power panel gives me 570 watts. I just need to figure out tying in another panel.

So it sounds like you'll have 3 x 190 watt panels. But if your panels are mismatched (all panels not the same wattage) your efficiency will be reduced. While no harm will be done, a lot of output from the larger wattage panels will be wasted. Here's some good info on that... just skip down to the mixed panel size section.

https://explorist.life/using-mismatched-solar-panel-sizes/
 
I have been getting the red solar panel blinking light when i return to the RV after a week or so. I would have to perform a hard reset each time.

I have decided to add a reset switch to the solar controller, this will negate the need to remove the panel, un screw the leads and hard reset the panel. Now i just hit the switch, it resets and i re-engage after a few min.
 

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My Chateau came with the exact PWM controller... which I replaced with a 40 amp MPPT. Have you investigated why this light is blinking? What is it telling you? It certainly doesn't sound normal... and installing a reset switch won't fix the root problem. Those 10 amp PWM controllers are a dime a dozen... it may be a faulty controller. Depending on how many solar amps you're dumping into it, it could even pose a fire hazard. Not good!
 
I have been getting the red solar panel blinking light when i return to the RV after a week or so. I would have to perform a hard reset each time.

I have decided to add a reset switch to the solar controller, this will negate the need to remove the panel, un screw the leads and hard reset the panel. Now i just hit the switch, it resets and i re-engage after a few min.

This is only a 10 amp controller. I replaced ours with a 30 amp Victron. If you have added solar panels you could be overdriving this controller.
 
I called GO POWER and we discussed a new controller, we just replaced the 10 AMP controller with the same controller, I can call them about upgrading to a 30 AMP, i think he said the 30 AMP MPPT controller might not fit in that tight spot. Good point, it seems like the panels maybe over driving the controller and a hard reset occurs.

I discussed with ACE and the flashing was showing solar panel failure, I am getting 22vdc out of the panel and some amperage on my voltmeter, so he ruled that the panel is bad.

Anyway, I installed the new unit, put a decal to show RESET switch.

I am now getting over 13 Vdc and 3-4 amps charging on the controller face. First time i have seen 13.3 Volt DC with only the solar panel installed and i was always getting like 0 amps when i cycle thru the settings.

Works great, i am staying with success! I have a 30 amp power pole next to my RV and i always hook up on the road, i just would like this too work...bought the RV new.
 

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