Solar Controller for Go Power Solar Extreme Charging System with Additional Panel(s)

Question:

Can you add a 4th panel without changing the controller. I am being told no that you need a 40 amp controller rather than the 30 amp in the kit

asked by: Ken S

Expert Reply:

Yes, you will need to increase the capability of your solar controller to add panels to this system. The Go Power Solar Extreme Charging System, # 34282185 has a total of 570 Watts, 190 watts and 9.3 amps per panel under optimum conditions and paired with and a 30-Amp PWM solar controller. Adding a 4th panel will increase the output, under optimum conditions, to slightly more than 37 amps which is above the rating of the kits controller.

If you want to add the Go Power Overlander Expansion Kit, # 34282182 that adds another 190 Watt Solar Panel. I suggest you change to the Go Power MPPT Solar Charge Controller, # GP54FR. This is a 60-Amp solar controller with MPPT technology that optimizes solar panel output to provide maximum amperage to your batter bank. This will easily support up to three additional 190 watt panels.

Another option to consider is to deploy a portable system when there is a need for increased energy collection. You can use the Go Power Portable Solar Panel with Digital Solar Controller, # 34282610. This 200 Watt Solar Panel with its own 30-Amp PWM solar controller can be deployed, connected to your battery bank and used in parallel with your roof mounted system each operating of its respective solar controller. The added benefits of the portable system being that you can park in the shade and place the solar panel in the sun for maximum charge efficiency.

expert reply by: Michael R