On my yacht (Dragonfly Tri) I currently have a Sunware 40w panel that is connected through a FOx-150 PWM controller. This is fine for battery maintenance, however, when sailing and using autopilot, electronics and the family charging every phone/tablet they can lay their hands on, I am consuming the battery (two 55Ah Optima blue tops) and not getting the charge time. This is especially true in the winter months.
I am planning to have a 100w panel that I can connect into the system when sailing to provide additional power. Since I am a tri I have plenty of space to fix on the trampolines and will connect through a socket installed in the coach roof.
I have bought an MPPT 75/10 controller, and ideally, I would like to replace the Fox-150 and wire the panels in parallel. The FAQ said not to mix panels though so want advice on best way to proceed.
I can leave the FOX in place and wire the 100w panel through the Victron, although I think I will get better value of having the MPPT controller connected all the time. Or, as this will not be connected all the time, and only when I am on the boat, can I just connect in parallel through the Victron without the sky falling in.
Thanks, Mike