Anyone add Solor to Factory package

[GreG L.]

I have a 2020 coming with solar and am wondering if anyone has added more panels to the factory setup, if so what brand and any changes to the stock setup?
Thanks

[2golfers]

Our 2019 3120 came with one solar panel, the inverted was bad and had to have that changed out. Still not sure about how to use, could sure use information if anyone has knowledge of this factory installed solar panel.

[penra]

Originally Posted by 2golfers

Our 2019 3120 came with one solar panel, the inverted was bad and had to have that changed out. Still not sure about how to use, could sure use information if anyone has knowledge of this factory installed solar panel.

I was wondering if it came with an inverter. I'm considering it too and wondering if it makes more sense to add it later. Solar is not much good without storage so swapping out the 12v for 6v batteries seems like a good plan.

[jetskier]

Originally Posted by GreG L.

I have a 2020 coming with solar and am wondering if anyone has added more panels to the factory setup, if so what brand and any changes to the stock setup?
Thanks

You'll have to upgrade the 30A Jaboni solar controller and add more battery storage before adding more panels. I posted what I did somewhere on this forum.

[Lakelife]

The factory solar should come with a 30 amp MPPT controller and a 2000 watt inverter as part of the package. I believe it also comes with a separate battery monitor that looks like the victor it’s 710 display. I’m curious is the controller is programmable myself. For the money we think the smaller solar flex system is worth it.

[Rollinspo]

Originally Posted by Lakelife

The factory solar should come with a 30 amp MPPT controller and a 2000 watt inverter as part of the package. I believe it also comes with a separate battery monitor that looks like the victor it’s 710 display. I’m curious is the controller is programmable myself. For the money we think the smaller solar flex system is worth it.

I asked at the dealer here in Mesa if I could add panels without changing things. I was told the system was set up to handle a total of 3 panels. I want to add 2 panels and was told to use the same brand and size. does anyone know what brand comes from the factory? I could buy them from the dealer but there price is seriously higher than what I'm seeing on line. Also any comments on the quality of the inverter and controller that come on these from the factory. As for my opinion of the battery monitor - I find it hard to read & understand. I was in a friends rig and his monitor is so much easier to read. power in power out , % of battery remaining.

[GreG L.]

Once I took possession of the 3561 I replaced the two batteries with two

Batter Born LiFe4 batteries in preparation of adding two more panels. We don't dry camp so we most likely wont make use of them but we do go cost to coast each year and could need them.
I found the best use for me is in storage, leave the battery switch on and they are always charged and the batteries run the residential frig all night if we pull over at a truck/rest stop.

[Lakelife]

Originally Posted by Rollinspo

I asked at the dealer here in Mesa if I could add panels without changing things. I was told the system was set up to handle a total of 3 panels. I want to add 2 panels and was told to use the same brand and size. does anyone know what brand comes from the factory? I could buy them from the dealer but there price is seriously higher than what I'm seeing on line. Also any comments on the quality of the inverter and controller that come on these from the factory. As for my opinion of the battery monitor - I find it hard to read & understand. I was in a friends rig and his monitor is so much easier to read. power in power out , % of battery remaining.

Does the battery monitor that comes with factory solar not have %of battery left?

[Rollinspo]

I was working on the solar this weekend and decided to make some changes. First I’m taking off the 265 watt solar panel that came from the factory. I found new panels that are 305 watt that I am replacing it with. The plan is to put up 3 panels. (I think that's all the factory wiring can take.) I'll have a 265 watt jaboni panel to sell if this all works. I ordered a 60amp charge controller, a new battery monitor since I can’t understand the factory one. Replacing the 2 12 volt batteries with 4 6 volts. I have everything ordered and hope to get started this week. I need to get it done before going to Lake Havasu in a few weeks.

[Lakelife]

I’ve read in other places that 3 panels is all the current set up can handle as well. Why are you switching out the 30amp controller for a 60amp one? Not impressed with the battery monitor so far either gonna install a victron 712 and a magnum remote start for the generator. I’d like to be able to set the discharge level for the auto start to kick on instead of just voltage. Lastly soft start modules for the AC.

[Lakelife]

Originally Posted by Rollinspo

I was working on the solar this weekend and decided to make some changes. First I’m taking off the 265 watt solar panel that came from the factory. I found new panels that are 305 watt that I am replacing it with. The plan is to put up 3 panels. (I think that's all the factory wiring can take.) I'll have a 265 watt jaboni panel to sell if this all works. I ordered a 60amp charge controller, a new battery monitor since I can’t understand the factory one. Replacing the 2 12 volt batteries with 4 6 volts. I have everything ordered and hope to get started this week. I need to get it done before going to Lake Havasu in a few weeks.

Love to see pics of the finished job. To include your battery install.

[Rollinspo]

Originally Posted by Lakelife

I’ve read in other places that 3 panels is all the current set up can handle as well. Why are you switching out the 30amp controller for a 60amp one? Not impressed with the battery monitor so far either gonna install a victron 712 and a magnum remote start for the generator. I’d like to be able to set the discharge level for the auto start to kick on instead of just voltage. Lastly soft start modules for the AC.

I'm changing out the controller on the advise of 2 people who know more than I about this stuff. (that's about everyone probably that know more) By adding 3 305 what panels by their math it would be to much for the 30 amp can handle. the controller I chose is the Renogy-500A-Battery monitor. I've seen it in a couple trailers and love how easy it is to read and understand.

[Rollinspo]

Well finished everything except new batteries. I'm still trying to decide on what batteries I want to use. Li-ion are to much $$$$ - Probably going to use 2 250 Amp AGM for now.
Anyway, I'm super happy with the 3 new 305 Amp Solar Panels & EPEVER 60Amp MPPT charge controller. I also added a Renolgy 500 amp battery monitor and a on / off switch inside for the inverter.
Since I was under the front I worked on the noisy water pump. I added a 1/4" silicone pad under the pump. I also added a accumulator tank to hopefully get a smoother water flow - less surging - fewer pump starts and longer pump motor life.
Excited about our first trip with the new install in a couple weeks to Lake Havasu.
I have the 265 Amp Jobani panel and 30 amp MPPT controller to sell if anyone is looking to add a second Jobani