Installing/Upgrading to approx 250W ??

[rickst29]

Quickie question for power hungry Solar users, including MikeD:

Thinking about my 2619, there's 2 ways to get there:

(1) Twin 85Ws on the back shell, add another on the front when/if 170W proves insufficient.

(2) A 125W on the back, and another 125W on the front.
- - - - - - -
advantages for #1: lots less trouble, and $250 less panel money *IF* it turns out that 170 really is adequate. Also, after 3 panels are up, I still have 170 Watts if one of them fails for some reason.

advantages for #2: less mounting, less wiring, $170 less money for the panels (compared to 3x 85W).

Is there anything else I should consider in making this choice ? Thanks in advance!

[Caver]

You can always add more panels. What size are the 85 watt panels? Are you sure they will fit on the rear shell?

I would be inclined to live with the two 85 watt panels for a while and see how it matches your camping.

[rickst29]

85W is: (LxWxD): 39.6" x 25.7" x 2.2"

Dinuba RV's Service guy (that's my dealer) says the back panel width is about 82", so it looks like I'd have a bit more than an inch extra between them down the middle. I don't know where the mounting holes are, but suspect that they're not in the actual corners anyway. So maybe the panels could also be left sticking out a little past the edge of the shell.

Still, if I went with the 125's (one on back and one on the front), I could spread out the mounting as much as I like. Or put 'em both

Thanks for your comments! Are you always in sunny spots, or do you visit coastal/wooded places?