2021 3120 Montana single solar panel- help buying second panel

Hemiallen

Senior Member
Joined
Jan 8, 2008
Posts
246
Location
Ca
I finally decided to try and locate a second panel. Mine is a Jaboni factory panel, and the information I have from the panel : It is stamped PV-LS08, and ip65 1000v 4mm 2 ( squared).

Future sales has them available at about 1k, and shipping is between $175 to $325. It is a 300 watt unit ( thought 320 when purchased but might be 300) and calculations were the Victron mppt has capacity for one more panel. The Victron is a MPPT 100/ 20 48V

Anyone know what panel might work, at less $ and less shipping? I , currently, am at sticker shock, but if others are a poor option I guess I'll bite the bullet. I use a portable generator when dry camping, but think a second panel might be worth the funds.

Thanks for any suggestions. I assume someone here probably upgraded theirs and knows the answer.


Curious if this is a way to go, maybe switch mine with these, or add one and use the other ( or the Jaboni) on my other trailer?

Thanks for any suggestions
Allen
 
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BiFacial panels are great for a gazebo, or Pergola or boat Bimini where sunlight can illuminate BOTH sides (reflectivly) otherwise they are not worth it, especially for RVs where the panels are closely mounted to the roof.
When choosing aftermarket panels it is best to get the same. If not, then panels closely matching the electrical properties of the original.
If all else fails, replace the original with panels you want to go forward with (future expansion).
I installed two 200w Rich Solar panels originally with a Victron 100/30. Since then I have expanded to five 200W panels (in series) into a Victron 150/70, a 3000w inverter and an ATS. Everything works great.

Excellent article regarding mixing solar panels.

Mixing solar panels, Do's and Don'ts
 
Just my $.02. You can try and match or you can buy another SCC and run a separate run with a different panel brand. We opted for an install at Future Sales. They installed a third SCC and three 200 watt panels on the new SCC. Mine are all identical SCC’s and compatible with the rest of the system. It didn’t cost much more than just your panel cost with shipping.
 

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