Two renogy 100watt solar panels managed by one controller?

[Indiobravo]

i have two renogy 100watt solar panel kits. Each comes with it's own Wanderer Li 30A PWM Charge Controller. My question is, can one of those controllers manage both panels or do i need to get another controller to manage two panels at the same time? (would be a shame to be sitting here with two controllers that i couldn't use if i wanted to use the two panels at the same time)

And if i need a new/special controller to handle both panels, would that controller also be able to handle one panel if my needs changed for a short trip?

 

[Johneliot]

Best is to talk to Renogy. They are great with customer service. This way you know exactly what you can do.

 

[Firehawk068]

One controller will handle both panels no problem.
Each panel will put out around 6-amps max in full sunlight. One 30-amp controller is fine.

 

[OTR1522]

Sounds like you have two solar suitcases that you want to run to 1 controller? No issue - I run 4 100W Renogy Panels to a 100/30 Victron Charge Controller
I would talk with Renogy first as I recall when I wanted to add a second suitcase they said no issue but would void the warranty- the pic below is what the Wanderer can handle- up to 400 watts and like Firehawk said above 6amps per panel so you should be good- Renogy is great to talk to and they might give you some good ideas on how to get the most out of your system

 

[Indiobravo]

i have two renogy 100watt solar panel kits. Each comes with it's own Wanderer Li 30A PWM Charge Controller. My question is, can one of those controllers manage both panels or do i need to get another controller to manage two panels at the same time? (would be a shame to be sitting here with two controllers that i couldn't use if i wanted to use the two panels at the same time)

And if i need a new/special controller to handle both panels, would that controller also be able to handle one panel if my needs changed for a short trip?

Sounds like you have two solar suitcases that you want to run to 1 controller? No issue - I run 4 100W Renogy Panels to a 100/30 Victron Charge Controller
I would talk with Renogy first as I recall when I wanted to add a second suitcase they said no issue but would void the warranty- the pic below is what the Wanderer can handle- up to 400 watts and like Firehawk said above 6amps per panel so you should be good- Renogy is great to talk to and they might give you some good ideas on how to get the most out of your system

i will call renogy to verify. i just see inputs for one panel (2 wires) in the existing controller. i guess i want to know if i just jump the wires from both into that one set of inputs.

thanks

 

[OTR1522]

Need these to bring 4 wires to two wires to go to controller

 

[Patrick w]

Parallel the panels with the mc4 adapters shown above. 30 is actually overkill for 200w

 

[Anthony Hitchings]

i run 2-3 panels in parallel on my renogy charge controller. Including mixed brands but the same type of solar cells

 

[ccarley]

I'm using 2 100 watt panels on the same 30amp controller, wired in parallel as has been mentioned. The system works great; I used 10 gauge wire and it's nice to have the ability to add another panel in the future if we wanted to. See this thread for my installation:

200 watts of Solar installed

We've been using a 77 watt panel connected via the 7-way plug on the trailer for a while. After installing a voltage monitor inside, I wasn't super impressed with the results. On one hand, it did get the battery up over 12 volts every day (even when running the furnace overnight.. in the cold)...

www.popupportal.com

I didn't get photos of the controller, but it's mounted in the compartment under one of the seats near where the converter is. 10 gauge wire is used from the controller to the battery directly (fused), and 10 gauge wire is used from the controller to the jack on the side of the trailer, with a 10 gauge "extension" from the panels to the jack limiting the holes in the roof.

Good luck with your installation!
Clay

 

[rmihalcin]

I recommended this device from harbor freight to my son-in-law. Works great. I agree with ccarley with the 10GA cable between the controller and combiner. The voltage loss from the wire can be pretty high at such low voltages.

400 Watt Universal Solar Connector

Amazing deals on this 8 Panel Universal Solar Connector at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[Hilldweller]

I'm also running 200w through one controller.

 

[Sandy Simmons]

i have two renogy 100watt solar panel kits. Each comes with it's own Wanderer Li 30A PWM Charge Controller. My question is, can one of those controllers manage both panels or do i need to get another controller to manage two panels at the same time? (would be a shame to be sitting here with two controllers that i couldn't use if i wanted to use the two panels at the same time)

And if i need a new/special controller to handle both panels, would that controller also be able to handle one panel if my needs changed for a short trip?

Better to call the company that makes them then to get incorrect informtion..
I'm in high end sales. I don't give advise without checking it out with my vendors first.

 

[Westcoast]

i run 2-3 panels in parallel on my renogy charge controller. Including mixed brands but the same type of solar cells

 

[Indiobravo]

thanks guys. i dove in, installed the one kit, and ordered Y connectors for the second panel. everything is working like a champ!