Rockwood 190W Solar + 1000W Inverter Option?

[jsk125]

I am waiting for a 2021 2511 with the solar package and 12v fridge to come from the factory (hopefully May/June)

I'd like to add a 100w portable battery. Renogy site says they are designed to connect to the battery, but can go to the external solar connector with the right cords, and checking to see if +/- is correct (I've heard)

1. Does anyone just go to the battery directly? And if it is a two battery system, do you just charge one battery at time?

2. For Renogy, what cable to use for the 2511 (Zamp plug on rv I think?). Will I need the SAE polarity reverse adapter

3. Other ideas? Knowledge sharing? FYI I'm using my 12v lead batteries this season, will upgrade over winter. Can't afford lithium now. AMG?

Thanks

[slbroug74]

This is in reply to a question from Criscowles

Solar Panel Specs

Specification GP-PV-190M RS-M200

Cell type Monocrystalline Monocrystalline

Rated output (W) 190 200

Rated current (A) 9.45 9.8

Rated DC Voltage 20.4 20.4

Open circuit voltage 24.09 24.3

Warranty 25 years 25 years

Blocking Diodes Yes Yes

Dimensions 59.1 X 26.3 x 1.58 58.7 x 26.8 x1.4
(L x W x H )
Price (Amazon) $430.19 $205.99

I can see no reason that using these panels in parallel will not work.

[chriscowles]

Originally Posted by slbroug74

This is in reply to a question from Criscowles

Solar Panel Specs

Specification GP-PV-190M RS-M200

Cell type Monocrystalline Monocrystalline

Rated output (W) 190 200

Rated current (A) 9.45 9.8

Rated DC Voltage 20.4 20.4

Open circuit voltage 24.09 24.3

Warranty 25 years 25 years

Blocking Diodes Yes Yes

Dimensions 59.1 X 26.3 x 1.58 58.7 x 26.8 x1.4
(L x W x H )
Price (Amazon) $430.19 $205.99

I can see no reason that using these panels in parallel will not work.

Seems like a good match, except on price. <smile>

[jsk125]

My bad, meant panel not battery .. in my post

[robcrawford]

Originally Posted by slbroug74

I will report my results after I have the system operational for anyone interested. I intend to test the LiFePO4 capacity as well. It is a Scream Power unit that I purchased for $490 from Amazon. I'm a retired Electrical Engineer, so this camper and solar upgrades are doubling my pleasure in getting back into camping.

Stay tuned.

Please do keep us posted.

[chriscowles]

Originally Posted by jsk125

I am waiting for a 2021 2511 with the solar package and 12v fridge to come from the factory (hopefully May/June)

I'd like to add a 100w portable battery. Renogy site says they are designed to connect to the battery, but can go to the external solar connector with the right cords, and checking to see if +/- is correct (I've heard)

1. Does anyone just go to the battery directly? And if it is a two battery system, do you just charge one battery at time?

2. For Renogy, what cable to use for the 2511 (Zamp plug on rv I think?). Will I need the SAE polarity reverse adapter

3. Other ideas? Knowledge sharing? FYI I'm using my 12v lead batteries this season, will upgrade over winter. Can't afford lithium now. AMG?

Thanks

Conventional wisdom is that using unmatched lead-acid batteries in the same bank a bad idea. The less-capable battery is a drag on the other. What kind of battery(ies) do you have now on the tongue. The only way that might be feasible is if they're isolated and used independently. That is, only one is connected at a time.

Don't worry about Lithium. Lead-acid will serve you well, if configured and maintained properly.

[olbutru]

I just took delivery on 2509S. I ordered a 2 battery upgrade thru the dealer at $400 but turned it down because of low aph. They gave $400 back and put in the start up pack battery a Die Hard Silver group 24 marine battery. They offered a 2nd for $150. I did not get it.

I could go ahead and get a 2nd locally for $140 or pull this one out and pedal it thru Craig’s. If I did the latter it would leave me with $400 and whatever I could get from this battery for my total budget. My dilemma is what to do?
A footnote is I ordered (2) roof top panels but got (3) 190 W panels on the roof because DW wanted the ability to dry camp.

I would appreciate any advice.

[chriscowles]

Originally Posted by olbutru

I just took delivery on 2509S. I ordered a 2 battery upgrade thru the dealer at $400 but turned it down because of low aph. They gave $400 back and put in the start up pack battery a Die Hard Silver group 24 marine battery. They offered a 2nd for $150. I did not get it.

I could go ahead and get a 2nd locally for $140 or pull this one out and pedal it thru Craig’s. If I did the latter it would leave me with $400 and whatever I could get from this battery for my total budget. My dilemma is what to do?
A footnote is I ordered (2) roof top panels but got (3) 190 W panels on the roof because DW wanted the ability to dry camp.

I would appreciate any advice.

Is $400 a hard limit? If you can stretch to ~$600 you can get a much better LFP battery. Tell your wife that 3rd panel would be a waste with a plain old lead-acid battery.

A 12V 100Ah SOK battery, for example, is $570 + shipping from MI. They're well reviewed. The problem is they sell out instantly when they get a shipment but they should be caught up with demand in a few months.

There are other respectable economy LFP batteries available now that others can recommend. The common gold standard is BattleBorn but those are way outside your budget and, in my opinion, aren't necessary.

If your budget is strict, consider 2 6V GC2 batteries in parallel. They have a Group 24 footprint and will fit in a Camco double battery box. They're available at multiple sources. Some people prefer Crown or Trojan over brands available at discount stores.

[CivEngPE]

For those wondering about the real-world performance, here is a graph of our trailer over the past 24 hours.

This is idle in the yard, with the DC system and fridge on. We have (2) 190W panels and a 200AH LiFePO4 battery.

[18LT]

Originally Posted by CivEngPE

For those wondering about the real-world performance, here is a graph of our trailer over the past 24 hours.

This is idle in the yard, with the DC system and fridge on. We have (2) 190W panels and a 200AH LiFePO4 battery.

That’s pretty neat. I might need to update my battery meter and shunt with a Victron.
Your chart is a bit blurry on my kindle (I never use a real computer any more) but it’s legible.
I’m really happy with the HQST 190-watt panel I added. It’s in basically the same location as yours, maybe a foot to the rear. The biggest noticeable gains are in low light conditions, early morning and late evening.
An mppt controller would probably make an improvement too. As it is now, I haven't had the converter on since I installed the second panel.

[Rjfvt]

Hi Jeff, just wondering if you upgraded to lithium yet. We reveived our 2608bs and We are close to ordering our upgrade through Battle Born. I would like to talk with you to send a few idea to see what you think. 802.353.7373

[robcrawford]

For those of you with the Go Power "solar on the side", are you limited to Go Power's offerings, or is it possible to use a portable kit from another manufacturer such as Renogy?

[CivEngPE]

Originally Posted by robcrawford

For those of you with the Go Power "solar on the side", are you limited to Go Power's offerings, or is it possible to use a portable kit from another manufacturer such as Renogy?

You can use any you would like. Just make sure to check the polarity of the connection on the side of the trailer.

[Sid_the_Cat]

Renogy is having a prime sale on their batteries 12V 100AH for $699. Very well reviewed battery. One of the only comparable to BB batteries but $300 cheaper. I just nabbed two and the Bluetooth dongle. Just an FYI.

[rvflyer57]

I’m still learning all about my new MiniLite 2513s, so no expert here. I ordered mine with two 190w panels, and put in two 6v deep cycle batteries (AGM). We boondocked one night on a 7-day trip from Indiana, but had to use the generator in order to run the AC. Not a good opportunity to test. I have left it in the driveway since we’ve been home with the refrigerator running and a complement of lights to somewhat simulate boondocking. At the end of the day, the batteries are fully charged (13+ volts), and by morning it hasn’t been below 10 volts. It’s fully charged again by mid-afternoon. I like the refrigerator so far. Quiet and cold. I have a lot to learn, so I’ll keep reading as posts come in.

[Sid_the_Cat]

Great feedback, sounds decent.

[chriscowles]

Originally Posted by rvflyer57

... I ordered mine with two 190w panels, and put in two 6v deep cycle batteries (AGM). ... At the end of the day, the batteries are fully charged (13+ volts), and by morning it hasn’t been below 10 volts. ...

10V is seriously discharged. Conventional wisdom is that lead acid batteries shouldn't be discharged > 50% or you risk the cycle life, though that may differ for AGM batteries. That said, when you discharge it that deeply you're getting more Ah per cycle so the reduction in lifetime capacity is not as significant as it might seem. You have to get the cycle life data from the manufacturer to assess that accurately.

[rvflyer57]

Thank you for catching that. Typo on my part. Per the panel the lowest It showed was just over 60%/12 volts.

[RedRoverComeOver]

Fifth week of owning a G16BH with stock solar, 12V fridge and dealer 12V batteries. Been on three trips since and only plugged into shore power the day of purchase before heading out the following day. It's in outside storage and let the sun do it's thing. Been a rain magnet on trips since every one involved some or all rain.

The worse one was 4 days of cloud cover/rain and never hit 100% charge; being in a wooded area with heavy tree cover didn't help either. Did get down to 38% battery one night before bed and heard heat (set to LP) kick on a couple of times through the night. Turned off individual lights since it's way too bright for my taste. Watched movies on TV with my phone and external HDD drive connected to USB power. Did some minor music listening streaming SiriusXM but service was spotty and gave up even through I have over 100GB of music on my phone's µSD card. Kept my AC inverter off too. Also charged phones and went about life not being wasteful of limited resources. It was 40°s F at night and 50°s F during the day.

Before anyone rips out a new functional system, test the thing yourself and don't let others tell you what they think you need to get it right. You'll be surprised at what you can actually do with what you have.

[Sid_the_Cat]

How many total AH do you between your two batteries? I’m assuming you have the 190v solar right? Great write up. Thank you.