Adding 200 watt solar kit to 2016 Interstate

[Artemus]

Hello forum members!
I've decided to add a Renogy 200 Watt solar kit on the roof of my 2016 Interstate, and would appreciate your feedback concerning any potential problem areas.

The OEM 100 watt solar panel system is functioning well but really can't keep up with running the refrigerator/freezer for very long.
My goal is to minimize the amount of time that I run my small inverter generator while boondocking.

The Renogy solar kit is a stand alone system that will connect directly to the two Lifeline AGM 80 Ah batteries. I figure that the OEM 100 watt system and the separate Renogy system can negotiate the charging between themselves.

However, there is Battery Isolation Monitor (BIM) involved and four methods of house battery charging:
1. OEM 100 watt solar panel
2. Shore power
3. Onan Generator
4. Mercedes Alternator

I don't want the Renogy solar kit to cause any BIM related problems.
I would install a PV disconnect switch between the Renogy solar panels and it's charge controller, and only flip the switch on when the van is parked at the campsite.
I'd flip the switch off, when connected to shore power or driving the van.

I welcome any feedback about any potential problems I might be setting myself up for.
Cheers!

[Schmitte]

I'm not familiar with the Renogy kit you describe, but I can tell you what I did on my 2015 GT. And this was one of the first of many many mods.

1) Ditch the flex panel and Atkinson controller. Both are garbage

2) Add 3 x 200 watt rigid panels (2 behind AC one in front where the flex panel was , I believe) I wired the 3 panels in series so I could use existing (10 g?) wiring. Has not been an issue for 5 years

3) Add a Victron MPPT controller with bluetooth app. It should fit under the jump seat electrical area if you have the stock magum inverter.

Now you are just swapping components with the existing wiring. No need to worry about the BIM or anything else... at least until your next mod

I also did this for my brother in law's AI. Probably 6 - 8 hours work as a DIY

[Artemus]

Thank you Schmitte,
I appreciate the advice.
The Renogy kit has all the items you mentioned, and the controller has extra capacity for more panels.
I can expand by replacing the flex panel with a rigid one.
May I ask how you handled the issue of shooting screws through the roof to secure the panels, and not hitting any wiring?
Cheers!

[Schmitte]

No screws are needed. Use 3M VHB double sided tape and cover the feet with sikaflex. Mine have been on for 5 years

[Rig Rat]

Originally Posted by Schmitte

I'm not familiar with the Renogy kit you describe, but I can tell you what I did on my 2015 GT. And this was one of the first of many many mods.

1) Ditch the flex panel and Atkinson controller. Both are garbage

2) Add 3 x 200 watt rigid panels (2 behind AC one in front where the flex panel was , I believe) I wired the 3 panels in series so I could use existing (10 g?) wiring. Has not been an issue for 5 years

3) Add a Victron MPPT controller with bluetooth app. It should fit under the jump seat electrical area if you have the stock magum inverter.

Now you are just swapping components with the existing wiring. No need to worry about the BIM or anything else... at least until your next mod

I also did this for my brother in law's AI. Probably 6 - 8 hours work as a DIY

************************************************** *********

On our 15 lounge in addition to what Schmitte suggests, we also 1. replaced the stock Battery Isolation Manager (BIM) with a Blue Sea 7622.
This controller allows the batteries to be fully charged by the vans alternator or solar panels .
2. We replaced the stock 12v AGM batteries (160 AH) with two 6V giving us 225 amp hours. They fit inside of our battery box & increased our available usage almost 30%.

[Artemus]

Thank you all for the great advice!
I’ll start by adding the 200 watt kit, I tend to be conservative in my approach. Then after seeing how my needs are met, make more modifications.
Cheers

[Northerngirl]

I have 3 100w Renogy panels and I am happy with them. I also have 100 W portable panel from them with a built in controller.

On the trailer I only used their panels. Used the Victron MPPT controller with bluetooth app. Also Victron Bluetooth shunt.

[Artemus]

Thanks for your help, I’ve installed the system and all is well !

[waninae39]

Don't use screws

3m vhb tape. Cover with sikaflex tape