Beginner solar questions

[rustyshackleford55]

I have a 2018 FWC Hawk, side dinette with 2 deep cycles batteries from FWC.

Questions:

1) The solar plug on the roof of the camper, are there certain brands/models that plug directly into this?

2) Where do the wires terminate from the roof plug?

3) In the side dinette model, where do most people mount the charge controller?

4) I'd like to monitor how much amps I'm bringing down as well as battery levels, is a MPPT charge controller my best bet?

5) Are there any guides for installation on this site that fit what I'm trying to do ( use existing roof plug, MPPT controller mounted, etc) ?

Here's a picture I found of a setup that I liked, I also included a Renogy wiring diagram, would this setup work? Could I leave the charge controller in the battery bay? I'm not super comfortable mounting the controller in the cabinetry?

 

[Vic Harder]

Rusty,

I detailed my build here - http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/topic/13230-i-need-more-power-scotty/

The roof plug is a standard SAE plug type - here is another install thread on WtW - http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/topic/9185-roof-solar-planning-cutting-the-hole/

Best place to mount the controller is in the battery box, if there is room

Controller and Monitor are two separate devices if you get good gear. The controller can hide in the dark... and if you get Victron Bluetooth enabled gear, so can the monitor. You access them via BT on your fave mobile device.

 

[rando]

Your camper may have come with a couple of right angle SAE plug - I know my 2016 Fleet did. The right angle plugs are nice because they are short enough to instal the panel over the connector and have no visible wiring.

 

[ckent323]

I used a GoPower Solar Entry Plate that has built in supports for MC-4 connectors. It faces aft so rain water cannot be driven into it. I screwed it in place and used 3M 4200 to seal it.

It is low enough that I was able to mount one of my solar panels above it which provides additional protection.

I am happy with it. Mine came in a bundle with two cables having MC-4 connectors on one end. I think it can be purchased separately or in a bundle with various lengths of cable.

https://www.amazon.com/Go-Power-GP-CEP-Cable-Cables/dp/B0136USGHY/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1532545875&sr=8-6&keywords=solar+cable+gland&dpID=41jlWFL2eSL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

There are other brands of 90 degree solar entry plates available. Searching on Amazon for "Solar Panel Entry" or "Solar Cable Entry" should bring up a few.

My build thread is here - it may be helpful to just slip to comment 19 then read from there.:

http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/topic/14892-adding-solar-to-a-2007-keystone/


Regards,
Craig

 

[Chrish]

I would advise you to do all the reading on this subject you can from expert sources within the industry.

Personally I would not put a electronic device in an enclosed battery box.

I would also be sure that each string of a parallel string of solar panels had its own DC rated fuse or breaker.


http://rvnerds.com/2017/11/01/electrical-myths-part-4-agm-batteries-dont-need-venting/

 

[rustyshackleford55]

What are some good websites to buy solar panels/parts?

 

[Chrish]

What are some good websites to buy solar panels/parts?

I purchased a lot stuff from Backwoods Solar but I generally enjoy speaking to them directly on the phone to place an order because they are good at answering my questions.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://www.backwoodssolar.com/&ved=2ahUKEwjvpo7DnbvcAhWQFzQIHVT1BX8QFjAAegQIBRAD&usg=AOvVaw3N93jvXfm-2B0tvOq_EmlP

Also there's a lot of good advice on this site, WtW, concerning types of panels and mounting options.

 

[PaulT]

AM Solar is good to work with, also. They are located in Springfield/Eugene Oregon. The sell most of the quality brands discussed here.

https://amsolar.com/products

Paul

 

[ntsqd]

I've bought most of our solar stuff from Wind & Sun. https://www.solar-electric.com/

 

[rustyshackleford55]

Thanks for all the links, I'm hoping to find a solar panel that spans the length (or close to) the width of the yakima tracks, hopefully 160watts or even 200 watts. Most sellers I find want to sell me two 100 watt panels, which makes it tougher to mount the way I want

 

[rando]

Solar boulevard has a good prices and some larger 12v panels:
https://www.solarblvd.com/product-category/solar-panels-systems/12-volt-solar-panels/

I have a 160W panel from DM-Solar that spans the tracks and has worked well:
http://www.dmsolar.com/solar-panels.html

 

[rustyshackleford55]

Solar boulevard has a good prices and some larger 12v panels:
https://www.solarblvd.com/product-category/solar-panels-systems/12-volt-solar-panels/

I have a 160W panel from DM-Solar that spans the tracks and has worked well:
http://www.dmsolar.com/solar-panels.html

Thanks Rando!

 

[billharr]

Thanks for all the links, I'm hoping to find a solar panel that spans the length (or close to) the width of the yakima tracks, hopefully 160watts or even 200 watts. Most sellers I find want to sell me two 100 watt panels, which makes it tougher to mount the way I want

I had the Renogy system you showed. Only went with a 100w panel to start with a 120w portable. Worked but did not want to set up the portable all the time. I added a 150w to the roof, long enough that I only needed "Z" brackets to mount to the tracks. The 150w panel mounted this way may be the same weight as the 100w panel mounted on Alum-angle. I updated my controller Vicon MPPT 100/20


IF I did it all again knowing what I know I would buy an MTTP controller to start with (they are a lot cheaper now). Would get a 24 volt or higher panel of 200+ watts. One panel on top; spans the tracks and higher voltage gains some with the wire size installed by FWC.

 

[Vic Harder]

I had the Renogy system you showed. Only went with a 100w panel to start with a 120w portable. Worked but did not want to set up the portable all the time. I added a 150w to the roof, long enough that I only needed "Z" brackets to mount to the tracks. The 150w panel mounted this way may be the same weight as the 100w panel mounted on Alum-angle. I updated my controller Vicon MPPT 100/20


IF I did it all again knowing what I know I would buy an MTTP controller to start with (they are a lot cheaper now). Would get a 24 volt or higher panel of 200+ watts. One panel on top; spans the tracks and higher voltage gains some with the wire size installed by FWC.

+1

 

[ntsqd]

+1

+1 as well. The next solar system that I set up will have one. SWMBO is thinking that she might like to join a national trailering "sorority" so that might be sooner than I expected......

 

[ckent323]

Yup I agree too. I have two 100 watt panels and a Victrom 75/15 controller. If I ever upgrade it will probably be to a 300W 24V panel and a bigger Victron Controller.

I may move one or both of my panels and the Victron 75/15 to my enclosed trailer to keep the winch battery and the electric brakes battery charged. I have a pair of 12v Isothem BI-41 Refrigerator/Freezers I may put in removable cabinets in the enclosed trailer too. So the upgrade may be not so far off.