Solar conundrum (updated with shopping list)
Ok so if you haven't noticed I am planning on a solar upgrade to my Sundance (See sig). I am going to be going with two Trojan T-105 6v's (225 amp-hours total). We just went camping and over the two...
Forum Discussion
I would try to skip the combiner box. I would use the MC4 parallel connectors(solarblvd). And use some #8 MC4 cable (amazon) to run down to the controller. Voltage drop is not a huge deal with PWM as the panels are 18 volts so even if you have 3 volt drop you will still have 15 volts to charge the battery. My calculator says closer to 1 volt drop in 35' of #8.
The 40a breaker I assume is between the controller and battery. This should be able to also act as a switch to disconnect power for service.
I also recommend a switch on the panel side for service. Does not need to be a breaker.
To go down my fridge vent I used the strain relief with two round holes(solarblvd).
https://www.solarblvd.com/product_info.php?cPath=5_140&products_id=1365
(middle item pictured)
Not sure what you will do with 3 MC4 cables. You will need two to get power from one panel over to the others. Two panels mounted right together should reach the parallel connectors direct. So just two cables for the third panel to reach the others. All depending on mounting proximity. Then use the #8 direct from the parallel connectors to the controller.
Either way I think you will be very pleased with the result :)
The 40a breaker I assume is between the controller and battery. This should be able to also act as a switch to disconnect power for service.
I also recommend a switch on the panel side for service. Does not need to be a breaker.
To go down my fridge vent I used the strain relief with two round holes(solarblvd).
https://www.solarblvd.com/product_info.php?cPath=5_140&products_id=1365
(middle item pictured)
Not sure what you will do with 3 MC4 cables. You will need two to get power from one panel over to the others. Two panels mounted right together should reach the parallel connectors direct. So just two cables for the third panel to reach the others. All depending on mounting proximity. Then use the #8 direct from the parallel connectors to the controller.
Either way I think you will be very pleased with the result :)
