Adding Additional Solar Panels to 2025 Gulfstream Vintage Cruiser 23BHS

[jwindgassen]

We bought a 2025 Vintage Cruiser 23BHS which came with a 100W solar panel and a deep cycle lead-acid battery. I upgraded the battery to a 100AH lithium iron phosphate battery and configured the solar charger and 12V converter for lithium. The existing solar controller (RLux RV p777c) specifies that it is rated for up to 30A and that you can connect up to 450W worth of solar panels to it, so I have lots of extra capacity on the charge controller.

I'd like to upgrade our camper to have somewhere between 300 and 400W of solar capacity. If I am going to augment the existing 100W panel, can I simply add 2 more 100W panels or a single 200W panel in parallel with the existing panel ? There appears to be plenty of space available on the top of the camper to add more panels.

Any recommendations on solar panels ? Does anyone know who Gulfstream used for the stock 100W panel ?

Thanks !

Jim

 

[KevinSchueler]

Our 2025 19ERD came with the same setup. The panel on the roof is a 100w RLux. I added 2 more 100w panels from Rich Solar in series. I also changed to the Rich Solar 40A flush mount pmmt controller and added another 300w of suitcase solar panels in parallel. We boondock camped this weekend. Battery charge never went below 87%

 

[Just two]

You should check your charge controller. If it is a PWM type, upgrade to an MPPT. 3 panels total, a 40 watt controller should be good. It would be best to match the existing panel for the voltage and amps if you are connecting in parallel.

 

[Just two]

From a Google search.

Mismatched solar panels, meaning those with different specifications like wattage, voltage, or amperage, are generally not recommended for a solar system. Connecting them can lead to reduced energy production, inefficiencies, and even potential safety issues. It's crucial to match panels for optimal performance and to avoid warranty issues.

 

[Just two]

200 Watt 12 Volt Solar Starter Kit w/ MPPT Charge Controller

The 200W Monocrystalline Solar Panel Kit with 20/40 AMP MPPT charge controller is easy to install and provides you with the most efficient system. Perfect for youï¼Free Shipping and shop now!

www.renogy.com

 

[KevinSchueler]

Mixing solar panels – Dos and Don’ts • SOLAR POWER SECRETS

Mixing Solar Panels: Discover Now Dos and Dont's of Mixing the Same Types or Different Types of Solar Panels. Act Now to Save Your Money!

solarpanelsvenue.com

If your going to stay with the pwm controller, you are going to want to maximize the voltage so the pwm controller is always stepping it down. It will also alow you to run a thinner gauge wire (cheaper).