Victron BlueSolar 285Wp Monocrystalline Solar Panel

• Good low-light performance and sensitivity across a wide light spectrum.
• Waterproof junction box and bypass diodes to minimize power loss due to partial shading.
• Sturdy aluminum frame and tempered glass for fixed mounting.
• Integrates well with a Victron MPPT charge controller and VictronConnect.

Actual yield depends on season, solar irradiance, shading, mounting direction, and battery charge status.

1. Charge controller: Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/20 for one panel on a 12V battery installation.
2. Solar cable: 6mm², 2 × 5m with connectors.
3. Battery cable and fuse: 6mm², 2 × 1m with 25A fuse, with the fuse close to the battery or positive busbar.
4. Roof gland: choose a suitable roof gland for routing the cable indoors.
5. Cable management: use UV and weather-resistant stick-on cable ties.

Never connect a solar panel directly to the battery. Always use a correctly dimensioned charge controller and protection.

Camper van: preferably use aluminum Z-profiles on a ribbed or slightly curved metal roof.

Boat: plastic corner brackets are a practical choice on a suitable flat deck.

Flat camper roof or other structure: For this panel width, there is no suitable spoiler wider than 68 cm available. Therefore, mount the panel with Z-profiles or corner brackets, or on a suitable frame or roof rack.

Measure the available space beforehand and consider roof hatches, ventilation, rails, and mounting material. Carefully degrease the surface, use suitable construction sealant and primers, and seal all penetrations waterproof.

With a single panel, the voltage margin for a 24V battery is limited; have the configuration checked in advance or use an appropriate series connection.

In a 24V system, the same MPPT can handle approximately twice as much solar panel power as with 12V, but only when panel voltage, maximum open-circuit voltage, and connection are appropriate.

• Connecting the panel directly to the battery.
• Only paying attention to wattage and forgetting panel voltage or Voc.
• Using a cable that is too thin or missing a fuse.
• Combining panels with different electrical properties without checking.
• Not accounting for shade, roof obstructions, and space for mounting.