Solar Panel Upgrade - Desert Fox

[Rail_Dawg]

Only have the 20-watt solar panel on my Desert Fox 21sw and would like to put the 160-watt one up there.

Any suggestions on doing this?

Thanks!

[OkieGene]

You need to get up to the roof and eyeball and measure what layout and space you have. Take photos. Draw a simple drawing of the layout and space.

Then go internet shopping. For example, go to Northern Arizona Wind & Sun website and look at their section of panels for sale. Dimensions will be listed, length width and weight. (I have no affiliation with them, I just found their website interesting and useful.). I

Get a good charge controller, wiring, etc etc etc, as well as a battery monitor display.

Please let us know how this works out and what you ended up with.

Best wishes to you.

I'd look for the highest wattage panel that would fit your physical space, and make sure it would pretty much evenly match your battery bank.

[2oldman]

You mean fit physically? Got tape measure?

[deltabravo]

Rail Dawg wrote:
Hey thanks for the info.

I am wondering about size and if a 160 would fit.

No need to call Northwood to ask them if a 160 watt panel will fit on the roof of you 21SW.

I will tell you, it will fit, along with probably 4 more just like it. The roof of a 21SW is big.

[ScottG]

Rail Dawg wrote:

ScottG wrote:
If your solar system is like the one on our AF, it's a ZAMP system designed for 10A max.
So 160 is just too much for it. You would need to replace the controller too which is no big deal since the Zamp is rather mediocre at best (although it does put on a great show).

Hey thanks for the info.

I am wondering about size and if a 160 would fit.

I'll contact Northwood and ask!

Thanks again.

You can install a bigger system like a 160 watt without issue - the wires are big enough for it. You just need a better controller.

[corvettekent]

Install a 160 watt or 175 watt panel for each battery that you have plus a new controller and bigger wire. You should be able to find panels for $1 per watt on Amazon or E bay.

[dudeonit]

You should be able to install this system.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JK12544/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have 400 Watts in panels and a 30 Amp Controller.
Works Great and easy install.

[Rail_Dawg]

ScottG wrote:
If your solar system is like the one on our AF, it's a ZAMP system designed for 10A max.
So 160 is just too much for it. You would need to replace the controller too which is no big deal since the Zamp is rather mediocre at best (although it does put on a great show).

Hey thanks for the info.

I am wondering about size and if a 160 would fit.

I'll contact Northwood and ask!

Thanks again.

[ScottG]

If your solar system is like the one on our AF, it's a ZAMP system designed for 10A max.
So 160 is just too much for it. You would need to replace the controller too which is no big deal since the Zamp is rather mediocre at best (although it does put on a great show).

[2oldman]

I doubt it would fit.

[Lwiddis]

What’s the wire size from the panel to the controller? And from the controller to the batteries? And both distances? Is the controller rated to handle about 14 amps?

[Rail_Dawg]

Is it easy to replace the 20-watt and install a 160-watt?

Just remove bolts and bolt the new one on?

Thanks.

[2oldman]

Yes, do it. 🙂