As warm as it was today (87 degrees) in southwest Michigan, I didn't let that deter me from installing some "icing on the cake" solar on the roof of my Bullet 308BHS. Sourced from positive reviews online, I went with two 100 watt polycrystalline panels by Rich Solar. I swapped out power inverters as well. I installed a Giandel 2200 Watt pure sine wave inverter with an onboard 20 amp PWM solar charge controller. I did purchase a Renogy Wanderer 30 amp PWM with the intent of installing it as a separate component. But with the new inverter/solar charge controller combo, I leaves me with more space in the passthrough and I don't have to run another set of cables to the battery bank.
I compared both the Renogy and Giandel output from the panels at full sun overhead. The Victron 712 indicated the exact same amps, about 10.5. The Renogy controller is being returned.
I also discounted the need for a MPPT solar controller as the panels are the same watts (PWM technology will ramp down all panels to the lowest panel rating whereas an MPPT can better manage the differences). With such a small solar array, I didn't want to invest too much money into the system.
At just under $240 for all the panels, connectors, cables, brackets, and Dicor, it was a relatively affordable upgrade. The only nail biter was getting the fasteners into metal rafters. Out of 16 fasteners, I missed only once. The other option was to use well nuts in my 1/4 inch roof decking. I think I made the right decision.
