Solarflex 200 controller & setup

[mikehoyt]

Currently have a Cherokee Wolf Pup 16PF recently upgraded to Renogy 30A MPPT controller and 2 x 100watt panels. Works well and runs 12v fridge for weeks at a time (when not actually opening and closing fridge regularly).

In process of making a deal for a Passport 221BH that comes with Solarflex 200. I believe this includes Victron SmartSolar MPPT 75/15 controller. I was surprised to see only 15Amp controller. Is this a good controller since it is a Victron or is it like Sony a number of years back when they started putting their name on some very low end stuff ...

With the 10AWG wiring I am thinking of adding second 200 watt panel in Series as this doubles voltage but does not increase amperage. Our current trailer also had 10 AWG wiring so that is what we did to upgrade the 100 watt system to 200 watts.

One thing that made me like the Passport was that it uses a high quality name like Victron for charge controller rather than a less known (or unknown) name like Waree that we had in our current trailer when we purchased it. Also mppt vs PWM. Makes me think that this may be an indicator of overall quality?

Any thoughts? Am thinking that 400 watts with quality components should be quite a lot for a 22 ft trailer.

Thanks

Mike Hoyt

 

[NH_Bulldog]

Keystone “updated” the SolarFlex in 2024, so is the one you are looking at an older model?

Our Cougar came with a 220 watt system and an MPPT 100/30 controller. The system is also built to accommodate a second 220 watt panel without adding another roof port or changing any wiring or the controller.

I added a Victron Smart Shunt IP65 500A/50mV and a second 220 watt panel, along with two 100ah LiFePO4 batteries and have everything (except an inverter) that a factory SolarFlex 440i system has, (I don’t count the second inverted loop for potentially running an AC since that is ridiculously pointless on a 440 watt system).

My setup does everything we need and want it to. The only reason I bothered to upgrade anything at all is because of the 12v DC refrigerator that they forced on us in place of the formerly standard, then optional gas/electric model.

 

[drrelli]

Here is a great resource for RV solar…
https://amsolar.com/diy-solar-installation/rv-solar-education/

One thing to consider for series vs parallel wiring for the panels is that if one panel is in the shade, series wiring will mean power output will drop significantly. Parallel will allow each panel to output independently. See this link for more info…
https://www.renogy.com/learn-series-and-parallel/

 

[mikehoyt]

What panels are compatible with the 200w panel supplied with solarflex 200? Thinking adding a second 200w panel

Thanks

Mike hoyt
2022 passport 221bh

 

[drrelli]

When purchasing solar panels, matching the current panel is important. The panel advertised by keystone for my rig was not the one installed, so a trip to the roof is needed. Under your panel, you should find a sticker with your panel specs. Shop around for a panel with similar specs so you are not limiting any part of your system unnecessarily. You will see panels advertised as 12v and 24v. However, the spec sticker probably won’t state that. Instead, pay close attention to the various numbers and you should be able to match your current panel reasonably closely, or even find an exact match from your manufacturer You will also need roof mounting hardware and, if you are wiring parallel, a set of parallel connectors for the roof port. Maybe also an extension wire, depending how far apart your panels will be.

I bought my stuff at Rich Solar.