Adding to Existing Go Power Roof Mounted Solar Panel on Geo Pro.
Question:
If my trailer has a 190 W panel on the roof top, with a 1000 W inverter and the charge controller....but it also has a port for solar-on-the-side- how large of a portable kit can I add to my system? The sticker on the side port says 20 amp maximum, but the 200 w rigid panel kit is described as a 30 amp charge controller, while delivering 11.6 roughly amps in full sun. My existing panel could be delivering 9.3 amps in full sun. So adding those together is 20.9 amps.... is that too much? Or do I not need to add in the 9.3 from the roof panel? And lastly, if I did upgrade with the 200 w panel set, how many batteries would be required? I am planning to switch my one 12v flooded to two 6v in parallel.
asked by: Steve
Expert Reply:
Adding solar panels and building a battery bank for off-grid camping camping is great, we can definitely help with most of the items needed for this. If your Geo Pro already has a fixed 190W panel mounted to the roof running through a 30 amp charge controller then you are off to a good start. It sounds as if you are prepped for ground deployed solar in addition but the wiring used is rated for 20 amp max, I would not exceed the rating. You need to verify that the ground solar prep does run through the current controller, if so you will add any additional amp from the ground deploy panels to the existing fixed mounted panels for total value. Yes, under optimal conditions this would place your value at a slightly higher value than max rating. I think you will be okay since one rarely is able to pull the max. However, if you are in a situation where you can draw max, monitor it and adjust the ground deployed panels in a way that they do not draw max. a benefit of the situation have is with something such as the Go Power Portable Solar Panel, # 34282610, you can park camper in available shade and use the ground deployed panels in the sun.
Another option is to use the expansion kit to increase the solar power of your current Go Power setup with a second fixed mounted panel. For this, we have the 190 watt kit part # 34282182 available with different extension cables depending on what is needed, # 34276216 for 10 feet, # 34279532 for 15 feet, or # 34276215 for 30 feet.
When matching your solar power to your battery bank there it is not that there is a requirement of X battery to Y solar panel capability. It is that you want to balance your capability to recharge your battery bank against usage. There is no need to oversize your solar panels relative to your battery bank unless you want to ensure you have a fully charged bank in a short amount of time. Conversely, it is best to have enough solar to replace the energy used from your battery bank during the limited day light hours.
With the set-ups discussed above, you will have approximately 400 watts. If going with something such as the 6V golf cart battery, personally, I would consider 4 batteries in the neighborhood 0f 200-225Ah.
I have attached a couple of help articles, please see links below. Let me know of any follow-up questions you have. Happy Camping!
Products Referenced in This Question
Go Power MC4 Output Cable with Male and Female Connectors - 30' Long
- Accessories and Parts
- RV Solar Panels
- Cables and Connectors
- Go Power
more information >
Go Power MC4 Output Cable with Male and Female Connectors - 10' Long
- Accessories and Parts
- RV Solar Panels
- Cables and Connectors
- Go Power
more information >
Go Power MC4 Output Cable with Male and Female Connectors - 15' Long
- Accessories and Parts
- RV Solar Panels
- Cables and Connectors
- Go Power
more information >
Go Power Overlander Expansion Kit - 200 Watt Solar Panel
- Accessories and Parts
- RV Solar Panels
- Expansion Kit
- Go Power
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Go Power Portable Solar Panel with Digital Solar Controller - 200 Watt Solar Panel
- Portable Solar Panel
- With Solar Charge Controller
- 101 - 200 Watts
- 10.1 Amps or More
- AGM
- Flooded Lead Acid
- Gel
- Lithium - liFePO4
- Go Power
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Blue Ox TrackPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - 7-Hole Shank - 6K GTW, 600 lbs TW
- Shop: RV Camera
- Shop: Go Power Overlander Expansion Kit - 200 Watt Solar Panel
- Search Results: trailer brake controller
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Shop: TorkLift PowerArmor Locking Battery Box - 6V and 12V Lithium Batteries - Powder Coated Aluminum
- Video: Review of Blue Ox Weight Distribution Hitch - 6K WD With Sway Control - BLU36FR
- Video: Installation of a Tekonsha P3 Brake Controller on a 2018 Nissan Pathfinder 90195
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Shop: Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars - Aluminum - Silver - 53" Long - Qty 2
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Q&A: Do I Need A Weight Distribution System To Pull A 3,300 Pound Camper With My 2005 Honda Pilot?
- Article: 2 Steps for Finding the Right Weight Distribution Hitch Size
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: Furrion Vision S Wireless RV Backup Camera Installation - 2022 Forest River Salem FSX Travel Trailer
- Shop: Furrion Vision S Wireless RV Backup Camera System w/ Night Vision - Rear Mount - 5" Screen
- Shop: Trailer Valet 5X Swivel Jack and Trailer Mover - Topwind - 15" Lift - 5,000 lbs
- Shop: RV Covers
- Q&A: Recommended Add On Solar Panel for 2019 Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro
- Video: TorkLift Battery Boxes - Trailer Battery Box - TLA7710RS Review
- Video: Furrion Vision S Wireless RV Backup Camera Review
- Search Results: furrion
- Video: Furrion Vision S Wireless RV Backup Camera with Night Vision Installation - 2019 Keystone Cougar Fif
- Q&A: How Level Does 12-Volt RV Refrigerator Need To Be?
- Search Results: trailer dolly
- Search Results: military discount
- Search Results: trailer valet
- Search Results: cargo carrier
Mad M.
3/21/2024
I am a geo pro 15 tb owner and can confirm that the solar on the side runs directly to the battery so controller required