Can I Run Two Solar Systems?

[ljheptig]

Needing help, I have a question, my camper came with a ZAMP-30 Solar Controller, with a 160 Watt Solar Panel, I now have upgraded to three 100AH Battle Born Batteries,
I will be putting on four 200 Watt Solar Panels, running them to a separate Victron 100/50 Solar Controller.
Can I leave the original panel and controller hooked up, and run both systems, the ZAMP and the Victron to the batteries at the same time?

[Country Campers]

Needing help, I have a question, my camper came with a ZAMP-30 Solar Controller, with a 160 Watt Solar Panel, I now have upgraded to three 100AH Battle Born Batteries,
I will be putting on four 200 Watt Solar Panels, running them to a separate Victron 100/50 Solar Controller.
Can I leave the original panel and controller hooked up, and run both systems, the ZAMP and the Victron to the batteries at the same time?

You should be fine with that set up. What model RV do you have? Zamp is not a stock item, is the RV used?

Brian

[ljheptig]

I bought the camper used the original owner had the system installed

[howson]

ljheptig -- moved your question (and subsequent responses) here.

[acoleman43]

Needing help, I have a question, my camper came with a ZAMP-30 Solar Controller, with a 160 Watt Solar Panel, I now have upgraded to three 100AH Battle Born Batteries,
I will be putting on four 200 Watt Solar Panels, running them to a separate Victron 100/50 Solar Controller.
Can I leave the original panel and controller hooked up, and run both systems, the ZAMP and the Victron to the batteries at the same time?

Yes, that will work (assuming it will be wired correctly). Make sure the 100/50 MPPT charge controller is sufficient for the 800W of solar you will be adding. I'm not concerned with the voltage, but with the amperage.

[TucsonJim]

If you can provide all the panel specifications, I can verify that the MPPT controller is sized correctly. My initial thought is that you'd need a 150/60 controller for that set up.

Jim

[ncitro]

Should be no problem running both systems, I am not familiar with the Zamp, but if its charging specs are adjustable it would be best if you could set it and the Victron (as well as your converter for that matter) to charge at the same voltage.

[allenrude]

While we are talking about modifying solar systems, as i consider pulling the original lead acid battery in my 28BH and replacing with a lithium, i was wonder is it really necessary to switching out the converter so it tops off the new battery? While the stock converter will not get it to the max volts it needs, assuming we have the sun, will not the solar get it the rest of the way? BTW I dumped the Furrion 100/50 and did the Victron 100/30. Really happy with it. Just being able to monitor whats happening with the solar and batteries is great.

[ncitro]

While we are talking about modifying solar systems, as i consider pulling the original lead acid battery in my 28BH and replacing with a lithium, i was wonder is it really necessary to switching out the converter so it tops off the new battery? While the stock converter will not get it to the max volts it needs, assuming we have the sun, will not the solar get it the rest of the way? BTW I dumped the Furrion 100/50 and did the Victron 100/30. Really happy with it. Just being able to monitor whats happening with the solar and batteries is great.

You do not need to and it will not hurt anything. Assuming you get sun then the Victron should get you the rest of the way. Assuming you have some kind of shunt battery monitor, keep an eye on your SOC and you can always swap the converter later if it's an issue.

Another benefit is with lithium you can usually use a larger capacity converter (check your battery spec and wire size) to charge them faster when on a generator.

[allenrude]

Thanks Neil, that was my belief but wanted to check. Anything i dont need to buy now, all the better.

[bellis]

Needing help, I have a question, my camper came with a ZAMP-30 Solar Controller, with a 160 Watt Solar Panel, I now have upgraded to three 100AH Battle Born Batteries,
I will be putting on four 200 Watt Solar Panels, running them to a separate Victron 100/50 Solar Controller.
Can I leave the original panel and controller hooked up, and run both systems, the ZAMP and the Victron to the batteries at the same time?

Agree with the other comments. I see no problem with running 2 separate solar controllers - and in fact - I would recommend connecting/networking them if both victron. Per other comments of course you need to size everything appropriately and I would recommend breakers for each charge controller AND each solar set between the charge controller and the panels.

Let us know if you have other questions or need more info!

[Jims94vmx]

Be mindful of how you wire the 4 panels. You do NOT want to be over 100v with that controller. I would consider 2S 2P and you will be fine.