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johnm1's avatar
johnm1
Explorer
Jun 20, 2017

Portable (suitcase) solar "install" question

I've gone back and forth on solar panels on the roof or portable. Well, due to a tight budget, portable is the only way I'm going to get solar for now and it makes sense for me to try it out 1st as we camp in shade a lot.

I'm looking at the 100-160w "suitcase" styles that are out there and the size/brand don't matter for my question ... unless someone has a real concern about a particular brand or company. Some, like Zamp, are not in the running due to cost.

Most of the kits come with a charge controller (which except Zamp is not water proof) and it's mounted to the back of the panel(s). I want to move it to inside the rv nearer the batteries.

- Using alligator clips to the batteries would be a pain in the backside for my setup. What kind of disconnect plug/connector should I use when I set up and take down the panels?

- I have the "Zamp Solar ready" outlet on the outside of the rv. Can I use that? Is it big enough wire for 100-160 watts of solar?

- Do I need to worry about arcing while connecting/disconnecting?

- Should I install a power cut-off on the wire right near the panels? Which one and I assume it should be water-proof?

- No system that I've seen has any fusing/circuit protection. I assume I should? And where does it go ... between the panels and CC or between the CC and the batteries?

Thanks,
John

87 Replies

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  • johnm1's avatar
    johnm1
    Explorer
    Jun 20, 2017
    Soundguy - I would like to place the panels outside and lock them to a tree/camper/etc. and not bring them inside at night so I can start recharging at 1st light. If the panels are safe from theft, why not leave them out? Since I've never dealt with solar, am I missing something?

    DownTheAvenue - I'll check into them. Did you have to call to see the 2nds or were they listed on their website? I imagine even the 2nds are quite pricey though???
  • johnm1's avatar
    johnm1
    Explorer
    Jun 20, 2017
    Getting my feet wet with portable before mounting to the roof sounds like a really good plan to me. A lot of our camping is in the NYS Adirondack mnts, in deep shade, but the campground roads have some sun. Portable makes sense to me ... for the time being.

    Also - I was told and price/system quoted by a few solar companies that I need 400-675w on the roof due to the shading potential. That's where the cost gets crazy for us. On average we use 60ah a day out of 2 gf batteries (230ah total/115ah usable). We currently use inverter gensets to recover what we've used and will continue since I'm fairly sure the 100-160w suitcase system won't do all of it (we don't camp in sunny enough areas).
  • DownTheAvenue's avatar
    DownTheAvenue
    Explorer
    Jun 20, 2017
    Bite the bullet and get the Zamp. I bought a suitcase Zamp from www.solardealz.com. They had what they call "B" stock (like a factory second, return) but I could find absolutely nothing that indicated it had even been out of the carton. It is a very well made, high quality product.You RV is prewired for the Zamp, just buy that, plug it in, set the charge controller for the type of battery you have, and you get your battery recharged from the sun. Nothing could be easier! Buy quality now and never regret it later.
  • SoundGuy's avatar
    SoundGuy
    Explorer
    Jun 20, 2017
    johnm1 wrote:
    I do like simple. Since the Zamp wiring is buried inside the walls, I'd most likely need to have the CC outside. Can I put it inside a waterproof box? I know the MPPT units generate a lot of heat, what about the PWM's?


    Many of the moderate size (100 - 140 watt) folding suitcase style of portable panels I've seen have the controller mounted to the back side of the panels. Have to ask though - since solar is only effective in dry weather when the sun is out isn't your concern over rain moot as you'd have put the system away by then - no? :h
  • johnm1's avatar
    johnm1
    Explorer
    Jun 20, 2017
    I do like simple. Since the Zamp wiring is buried inside the walls, I'd most likely need to have the CC outside. Can I put it inside a waterproof box? I know the MPPT units generate a lot of heat, what about the PWM's?
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Jun 20, 2017
    I'm not sure I agree with your cost statement..that a good suitcase system will be less expensive. A WindyNation 200 watt roof kit costs $299 with free shipping. They will produce a reduced amount in shade..but they will produce. Others have similar prices.
  • SoundGuy's avatar
    SoundGuy
    Explorer
    Jun 20, 2017
    johnm1 wrote:
    - Using alligator clips to the batteries would be a pain in the backside for my setup. What kind of disconnect plug/connector should I use when I set up and take down the panels?

    - I have the "Zamp Solar ready" outlet on the outside of the rv. Can I use that? Is it big enough wire for 100-160 watts of solar?


    I'd install a vehicle end Bargman connector on the controller output and simply plug the trailer into it. That said, since your particular trailer already has a solar input connector on it I'd get the appropriate adapter and use that instead. K.I.S.S.

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