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
clotus wrote:
I was originally looking at MPPT, but planned on the Bogart Engineering battery monitor from the start. Then someone suggested the Bogart charger as well. Reading up on the charger it seems to fit what I am looking for and at a great price. The charger and monitor talk to each other for more efficiency and I would only have to have one display to install in the RV. I know Blue Sky has a monitor that does both the charger and battery, but it is a lot more money. According to the install manual for the Bogart charger an adapter is needed for 2-ga, not 4-ga. It also states it can accommodate up to four 135-watt panels (540 watts total) and 30-amps max. The three panels I am looking at add up to 450 watts and just under 27 amps max. I originally was thinking a 300-watt system (2-panels), but the extra panel was only $165 and nominal increases in install parts. I do not think I will need any more than 450-watts of solar, but might upgrade to 4 batteries if needed. I know the 450-watts is more than needed for the 2 batteries, but if I am running all the wire and doing everything, might as well get all the solar I would want/need. Also, I am only using 2-ga cable for the batteries, the 4-ga will run from the roof through the controller and breakers and into the battery.
I am looking into the two breakers and dropping the switch. There is no rush at this point as I just found out the panels are backordered until April 20th, but it would be nice to have everything installed and just waiting for the panels to throw up onto the roof.
Right now I am trying to figure out what charger I want and all of the install parts.
What do you guys think? Am I on the right track?
I spent 3 weekends doing all the pre-wiring. Installing new batteries, battery boxes, watering system, battery monitor, making and installing all new battery cables, installing the controller, fuses, breakers, buss bars, all the way to the combiner box. Once complete with all that. I purchased the solar panels. Took 2 hours to completely install and wire the panels to the combiner box and have a working system.
