Electrical What is going on in this pic battery wise?

[Boots in Action]

I run my solar through the shunt, but the Anderson connects directly to the battery, so if I do plug a portable panel in the drifter won't know about it.

Probably unlikely I'll ever need to as I've never run out of solar with the 2x120w on the roof

That would certainly be the best way to connect a portable solar panel as there would be no conflict with the solar controller for your other solar panels. How do you go with 2 X 120w panels on the roof when the angle to the sun is not optimal as in early to mid morning and same in the afternoon depending on what direction your van is facing?? Not familiar with the drifter panel, but does it use PMP controller or MPPT type??

 

[Bellbirdweb]

That would certainly be the best way to connect a portable solar panel as there would be no conflict with the solar controller for your other solar panels. How do you go with 2 X 120w panels on the roof when the angle to the sun is not optimal as in early to mid morning and same in the afternoon depending on what direction your van is facing?? Not familiar with the drifter panel, but does it use PMP controller or MPPT type??

Have never had any issues with the angle of the panels. Always seem to get sufficient charge to keep up with consumption no matter the time of day. I have set up under trees and had plenty of cloudy days and the panels seem to still work remarkably well. I have a 100w solar blanket that I can connect through the Anderson should I need it, but I've never needed to use it. I generally connect it to the tug instead to keep the aux battery charged with the Engel running.

The Drifter panel does not include a solar controller, I just use the standard Jayco supplied TPS1230 Controller which is a PWM type and it works fine.

I did buy a MPPT controller for my solar blanket which has improved its output.

If the TPS1230 turns up its toes I would probably replace it with a MPPT, but if it aint broke, I don't need to fix it.

 

[Boots in Action]

Have never had any issues with the angle of the panels. Always seem to get sufficient charge to keep up with consumption no matter the time of day. I have set up under trees and had plenty of cloudy days and the panels seem to still work remarkably well. I have a 100w solar blanket that I can connect through the Anderson should I need it, but I've never needed to use it. I generally connect it to the tug instead to keep the aux battery charged with the Engel running.

The Drifter panel does not include a solar controller, I just use the standard Jayco supplied TPS1230 Controller which is a PWM type and it works fine.

I did buy a MPPT controller for my solar blanket which has improved its output.

If the TPS1230 turns up its toes I would probably replace it with a MPPT, but if it aint broke, I don't need to fix it.

Glad to hear that @Bellbirdweb . I have a 180w panel and another 80w (2 x 40w) - both portable - total 260w - and although I had a sophisticated Powertech PWM controller, increasing use of power hungry items when I am in the bush away from 240v, made me decide to lash out and purchase a proper genuine MPPT controller. Strangely enough, the MPPT was cheaper than the Powertech which I had fitted BEFORE I knew enough about controllers. That company did not give me any other options!! Before purchasing, I watched several videos on what to look for (large transformers inside) and how they use the extra voltage to get more power (watts) into the batteries. Using the Powertech PWM controller, I was getting over 12 amps into battery at 12.6volts when panels connected in parallel.
Still testing the new 30A MPPT controller with both panels in parallel (18v from panels) and also in series (up to 36v from panels) whilst connected that way). Should enable me to get more into battery when conditions are less than ideal, and avoid getting extra panels or another 120ah AGM. I will let you and members of this forum know the results after next excursion.
I would be happy to hear from other members who have had experiences with this sort of equipment.