Upgraded solar panel?

[Shadious]

Good morning- I have been on an ambitious project- fully compounding, polishing and ceramic coating our new to us 2014 21C. I saved the roof for last and am finally about to finish it.
We bought the trailer used, the build sheet indicated a 95 watt panel, however, when I pulled the panel to clean that area, I noticed the panel sticker indicated 160 watts. I am guessing that the panel was upgraded, but wanted to get your input as well. We are considering adding a second panel, so the two would need to match as closely as possible wattage wise, I’ve been told.

 

[alanmalk]

It is possible that you were misunderstanding something: Wattage doesn't need to match at all. Occasionally Voltage needs to match - in the case where the lower voltage panel does not have a blocking diode. Most do, so that rarely is an issue.

But there is a practical consideration of size. You might have to add a smaller panel on the roof if other items are in the way. The best way to match Voltage is to count cells in the panel. 36 cells in your current panel equals roughly 18 Volts while under load. Aim for another panel of 36 cells that fits the space available. If the panels are quite mis-matched then the one with fewer cells - A. Should have a blocking diode to be safe, and B. Won't in fact be producing any usable power until the load is very heavy (run down batteries). Of course, if the batteries are run down then that's when you need the second panel the most. If you are thinking Dollars per Watt delivered then the best ($$) solution is matched panels. All of which means you were originally Correct but perhaps for the wrong reason.

 

[John in Santa Cruz]

I took the 160W off my 2014 21C and managed to fit a 360W in the same place. the 360W is a much higher voltage panel, so it requires a MPPT controller.

 

[alanmalk]

And that probably gets the most bang for the $$.

 

[John in Santa Cruz]

i should qualify that. 'managed' included making new mount rails, and removing and capping off the propane fridge roof vent.

The panel is a LG NeON R series monocrystaline, probably intended for home rooftop mounting, that I got on clearance when LG got out of the solar panel business. Its performed very nicely on my trailer in the couple years since I installed it.

 

[Centex]

We are considering adding a second panel, so the two would need to match as closely as possible wattage wise, I’ve been told.

Just FYI

carmanah cti-160 - Google Search

It seems that same panel, perhaps originally sourced from GoPower, may still be available on the market, if so inclined.