OutbacKamper
Senior Member
Hello;
I have searched for and read several other solar threads, but many of them are too technical for my very limited electrical/solar knowledge and involve more complex systems than I am looking for.
My 2013 Hawk has a single 12v deep cycle battery (new Optima blue top). I have a 3 way fridge, so my electrical power needs are low (led lights, occasional Fantastic fan and water pump use). I have no solar at the moment, but my camper came prewired for a portable solar panel. The pre-wire appears to consist of an exterior rear wall 2 conductor weatherproof plug and 2 wires coiled up in the battery compartment.
I would like to add a portable folding solar panel, with about 10-20 feet of wire so that the panel can by placed in the sun while the camper is in the shade. Here are my questions:
1) Does the factory wiring require a camper mounted controller, or can I buy a portable panel with a built in controller like this?:
https://www.amazon.ca/HQST-Polycrystalline-Foldable-Suitcase-Controller/dp/B01MS9E7L9/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1534183359&sr=8-7&keywords=foldable+solar+panel
2) If the panel with built in controller will work, can I simply attach the factory wires to the battery and plug in the portable panel, or is there more installation required?
3) I am considering a 100W panel - would that would work with the factory wiring?
Thanks for any input you may offer.
I have searched for and read several other solar threads, but many of them are too technical for my very limited electrical/solar knowledge and involve more complex systems than I am looking for.
My 2013 Hawk has a single 12v deep cycle battery (new Optima blue top). I have a 3 way fridge, so my electrical power needs are low (led lights, occasional Fantastic fan and water pump use). I have no solar at the moment, but my camper came prewired for a portable solar panel. The pre-wire appears to consist of an exterior rear wall 2 conductor weatherproof plug and 2 wires coiled up in the battery compartment.
I would like to add a portable folding solar panel, with about 10-20 feet of wire so that the panel can by placed in the sun while the camper is in the shade. Here are my questions:
1) Does the factory wiring require a camper mounted controller, or can I buy a portable panel with a built in controller like this?:
https://www.amazon.ca/HQST-Polycrystalline-Foldable-Suitcase-Controller/dp/B01MS9E7L9/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1534183359&sr=8-7&keywords=foldable+solar+panel
2) If the panel with built in controller will work, can I simply attach the factory wires to the battery and plug in the portable panel, or is there more installation required?
3) I am considering a 100W panel - would that would work with the factory wiring?
Thanks for any input you may offer.