Forum Discussion

hunter_rv's avatar
hunter_rv
Explorer
May 08, 2017

Solar -trying to take first baby step

Hello,

I am trying to take the first baby step for a supplemented solar set up for an off grid set up. I have a 2015 Montana than has a 2 pin solar input recptacle that states 10A. I bought 1 150watt panel that has the MC4 connectors. I am having a hard time finding the MC4 to this 2 pin adapter. Am I going down a wrong road here? Should I just give up that path and go to a new charge controller directly to my coach batteries?

If so, what purposes does this 2 pin connector serve that came on the coach? I understand that it could not handle a massive solar array, but jeepers, I'm only talking 1 panel here.

What is the first step here?


Thanks
Seeking Advice
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    May 08, 2017
    You will need to make an adapter to go MC4 to SAE. Or just cut the MC4 off and splice.

    Much better IMO is to use that wire path and pull new MC4 cable all the way to the controller.
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    May 08, 2017
    The 2 pin connector is likely an SAE receptacle. Many new trailers are now including this as a marketing point---"prewired for solar". If a user had a portable 150W panel with the charge controller mounted on the panel, the wire from the controller could be terminated with the appropriate SAE connector and it would be a somewhat seamless installation.

    If you plan to mount your 150W panel, I'd suggest to bypass the included connector. As was mentioned short distance and fat wire from controller to batteries is the most efficient.
  • fitznj's avatar
    fitznj
    Explorer
    May 08, 2017
    I have a similar setup on my TT; I chose to install a charge controller next to the batteries and connect the solar array to this charge controller thus by-passing this 10A Receptacle;

    WHy? If you use a battery disconnect switch (which I do when storing the TT); then you can't use the 10A Receptacle to charge your batteries. Also if you do not disconnect your batteries - then you may run down the battery if you have multiple cloudy days.

    Also I have 320W of solar, which is more than 10A - my charge controller can handle more than 10A;
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    May 08, 2017
    You could buy a 2 pin connector, wire, MC4 connectors for the connection.

    But where does it go? What type of CC? Is the CC adequate for the 150W panel?

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