Auxiliary Portable Folding Solar Panels

[Bear]

Greg,
Looking to add/upgrade to my Acopower 120 watt panels. How are your 200 watt Lensun portable solar panels working out for you?

Would it be possible to added the 200 watt Lensun panels with a “y connectorl to my existing system?

Your suggestion above has worked out great.

Thanks
Don

[boywonder]

Originally Posted by Bear

Greg,
Looking to add/upgrade to my Acopower 120 watt panels. How are your 200 watt Lensun portable solar panels working out for you?

Would it be possible to added the 200 watt Lensun panels with a “y connectorl to my existing system?

Bear, I'm not Greg but I can provide some info.

The short answer is yes, but you need to get the specs of the different panels kinda close to each other when mixing panels to keep the efficiency up.

What Make/model solar controller do you have? Do you know if it's an MPPT or PWM controller?

Are you Acopower panels wired in parallel or in series?

[Scalf77]

I sold the Lensun panels when I sold that van. I haven't replaced them yet for the new van. In the time I had them they held up well, the new 200 watt is a four panel design versus the older that I had was a 5 panel design. My only real complaint was setting them up, Not difficult but just a little more tedious then a hard foldable kit. The 4 panel would be easier, and again it wasn't really that bad.

Here are the specs for the new four panel set.

Item Specifications:

Model: LS-200FD-9BB
Rated Power Output: 200W
Optimum Operating Voltage [Vmp]: 18V
Optimum Operating Current [Imp]: 11.11A
Open Circuit Voltage [Voc]: 21.24V
Short Circuit Current [Isc]: 12.22A
Cell Technology: Monocrystalline Solar Cells
Solar Cells Efficiency：23.5%
Production Tolerance: +3%
Output Type: Solar Cables, Solar Controller
Dimensions(unfolded): 2185x570(86x22.5in)
Dimensions(folded): 570x550x45 mm(22.5x21.6x1.8 in)
Net. Weight: 6kgs/13 lbs
Cable: 16ft/5m cable with solar connectors
All Technical data at standard test condition AM=1.5, E=1000W/mm, Tc=25℃

you really want Vmp or operating voltage to be as close to each other as possible as boywonder was referring too. Your controller would need to handle the total of the individual amps also. Some controllers will give you a limit as total panel wattage instead of current.

-greg

[Bear]

Thanks boywonder and Greg
Existing system
Solar controller - Zamp ZS-30a PWM type controller +7 years old
Portable Solar Panel - Ecopower 120 watt - 3 panel folding configuration 5 years old

After reading about the PWM vs MPPT difference and the rule of keeping the panels output close to equal as possible.

Is it worth to upgrade to a MMPT? If so a recommended make and model?


Upgrade the folding solar panels to say a 200 watt or add another 120 watt panel?

Thanks for the input and information.

[boywonder]

Originally Posted by Bear

Thanks boywonder and Greg
Existing system
Solar controller - Zamp ZS-30a PWM type controller +7 years old
Portable Solar Panel - Ecopower 120 watt - 3 panel folding configuration 5 years old

After reading about the PWM vs MPPT difference and the rule of keeping the panels output close to equal as possible.

Is it worth to upgrade to a MMPT? If so a recommended make and model?


Upgrade the folding solar panels to say a 200 watt or add another 120 watt panel?

Thanks for the input and information.

Your existing PWM controller will handle up to 30A, so you have the extra capacity.

Can you post the Vmp and Imp for the panels you currently have?

[Twoxentrix]

Originally Posted by Bear

Upgrade the folding solar panels to say a 200 watt or add another 120 watt panel?

The larger the panel configuration, the more you'll experience some awkwardness - setting up, finding a good spot to deploy, etc.
I have two EcoPower 120 watt panels that set at the end of a long cord - both connect to the end of this single cord using an MC4 "Y" connector. Essentially I can position both at a slightly different angle to capture sunlight through more of the day vs having to tend one large unit throughout the afternoon.
A smaller suitcase panel also allows for more creative options in placement (hanging from trees, rocks on the river, and the list goes on). Plus, there are just as many instances I find I only need to setup with one suitcase vs both.
So I'd suggest adding another 120 watt suitcase to your arsenal.

[boywonder]

Since you have a PWM controller you will have to run RV (12V) panels in parallel. RV/12V panels typically have an open circuit voltage around 17-19V or so.

Here's the (easy) math for combining different panels in parallel:

When connecting different panels in parallel the closer the voltage specs are the closer you will get to the rated power.

For parallel connections, add the currents (Imp) and multiply by the lowest panel voltage.

For the Lensun panels:

Vmp=18V
Imp=11.11a

For the Acopower panels:

Vmp=20.88V
Imp=5.97A

So for these panels...

(5.97A+11.11A)*18V=307.4W

307/320=96% of rated power.

[Bear]

Great feedback.

Things have changed so much with the solar controllers and panels in the years since we had our Sportsmobile built - 2015. Would the additional cost to change out the PWM solar controller to a new MPPT controller?

Adding a matching panel to the existing seems the best option, for KISS method to work, especially for guys like me.

Thanks again for the information. This forum again shows how a great community we have.

[Bear]

Forgot the needed information on the Acopower 120 watt panels.

VMP - 20.88 IMP - 5.97

[boywonder]

Originally Posted by boywonder

For the Acopower panels:

Vmp=20.88V
Imp=5.97A

Got it.......