Parts Needed To Added A Portable Solar Panel System To A Fixed-Mounted System's Charge Controller
Updated 11/17/2025 | Published 12/02/2024
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Question:
want to add a portable 100w solar pnl to chRGE my rv in storage that connects to my 30 controller in rv. Thinking of putting pnl in the windsheild and then run cabloes to charge conntroller. will need a way to connect pnl to a connection i install on my wall next to controller.
asked by: Roger S
Expert Reply:
Hi Roger,
What charge controller do you currently have? Most fixed charge controllers will only have a port for bare wire to slot into and a screw to hold it down so adding in a portable panel at the controller might not be possible unless you have a second input port for the extra panel. You would also need to ensure that adding the 100w panel in wouldn't put you over the capacity of the charge controller with your other panels.
Another factor to consider is that if your other panels are a different wattage you'd be limiting each panel to whichever is the lowest wattage. For example, if you have two 200 watt panels and you tie in this 100 watt panels instead of getting 500 watts you would only get 300 watts, which is less than you started with. If you just separate the different wattage panels and have them run to their own charge controllers and then to the battery then you can avoid this issue.
Honestly, your best choice here is to get a portable panel with a charge controller included, like part # e28VV, and either run the cables included to the battery or install an inlet # GP49QR that you can run to the battery and plug into the inlet each time you use the panel. Personally, I would go with the inlet for a fast and easy hookup for the panel to make your life easier.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Portable Solar Panel - 100 Watt
- Portable Solar Panel
- Panel Only
- RV Solar Prep
- 51 - 100 Watts
- 0.1 - 5 Amps
- etrailer
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Jameson C.
11/17/2025
Hey Roger, how did things go with adding that portable 100-watt solar panel to your RV setup? Did the panel with the built-in charge controller and inlet make the connection easier? Your update could make it easier for others looking to add a similar setup for storage charging.