RV NET solar install?

mchero wrote:
Looking to full time in the NEAR future. Would like to start planning my solar install.
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What panel/controller combination?

??
What are your energy needs, i.e. daily consumption not including roof air?

What do you want this solar for - run all your devices on some days, most days, all days, with a daily generator run or without?

2*24V panels would probably fit. Maybe 3*24V. Make cardboard templates of the panel size and see if you can fit 2 or 3 of them. 24V panels from 200 to 250W are usually in the same size, about 65"*40".

Rooftop junction box:

1) For arrays 300W or less you don't need it, be it parallel or series wiring. Run MC4 AWG 8 extension from the panel MC4 pigtail all the way to controller. I bought mine at Unlimited Solar

2) For arrays +300W wired in parallel you might still avoid rooftop junction box by running the same MC4 AWG8 to inside and mounting junction box inside, and then running AWG 4 or AWG 6 from there to controller.

3) For arrays wired in series you don't need rooftop box, no matter what wattage. Run MC4 AWG 10 or AWG 8 all the way to controller.

Where to mount the controller:
Always - ALWAYS - close to batteries. The farther you mount it, the beefier cable you'll need to battery.

Panel/controller combo: you won't know the answer until you know the total array wattage.

Possible choices, assuming 24V panels:
1) Up to 450-480W it's hard to beat Rogue MPPT 3048.

2) Morningstar MPPT 45 with all the same features will cost you more, and will allow expanding the system up to 650-700W.

3) Midnite Kid 30 will work up to 450-480W and hardly compares to either two, the only advantage being that it can work as a battery monitor - with optional circuit board if I'm not mistaken. If you already have a battery monitor, there is no benefit in getting Kid, IMO.

So, - get your ducks in a row. Starting from 2 questions at the beginning of the post.