Solar Charger/On-Board Charger question?

Yes, in your area it has to be tilted position. Less in summer, more in the fall or spring.

One 120W, or a pair of 80W. You have to store it somewhere, ideally in front storage. 80W is smaller, easier to squeeze in.

Ice and falling limbs won't harm it, no worries.

MrJoelieC wrote:
Thanks for the replies.. The LEDs are already on order.. I was planing on a portable 120 watt panel set to start... I'm leary of adding large expensive panels permanently to the top of the RV for Reasons:

1) Live in New Hampshire..
2) Because I live in New Hampshire I have many trees in my yard.
3) Because I live in New Hampshire with many trees - Ice tends to build up on said trees and cause limbs of said trees to fall onto things...

Thus I figured I would either buy a portable set or 2 and thus I would also have option to set camper in a space in shade and move panels into sun with judicious beer drinking and panel moving to track sun for maximum efficiency.. (Eerrrr-uhm Hopefully the beer-drinking wont hinder that process too much.)

I figured it would be fine But I thought I would just double check...

Thats what I do. If you set the panels direct to the sun they put out every amp they are suppose to. You will be surprised how even the slightest angle cuts the amps.

Thanks for the replies.. The LEDs are already on order.. I was planing on a portable 120 watt panel set to start... I'm leary of adding large expensive panels permanently to the top of the RV for Reasons:

1) Live in New Hampshire..
2) Because I live in New Hampshire I have many trees in my yard.
3) Because I live in New Hampshire with many trees - Ice tends to build up on said trees and cause limbs of said trees to fall onto things...

Thus I figured I would either buy a portable set or 2 and thus I would also have option to set camper in a space in shade and move panels into sun with judicious beer drinking and panel moving to track sun for maximum efficiency.. (Eerrrr-uhm Hopefully the beer-drinking wont hinder that process too much.)

I figured it would be fine But I thought I would just double check...

MrJoelieC wrote:

I'm thinking about hardwiring the charger in thus I only need to plug panels in... My Question is: if you hook up to AC power that then charges battery are the Solar chargers OK with Charge coming back? Do you have to put an isolation switch in?

Like SMK said. No isolation switch. Panels will be connected via controller to the battery at all times, and controller will play role of that "switch" - it will shut off when it senses that battery voltage is high enough or when shore charging is coming in. Solar charger is called controller.

Lights and small electronic toys don't consume much - and get LED lights if you haven't yet. Items like MW and furnace eat up most of your battery charge, this is something that you should think about if you want to extend the stay. Propane fridge draws quite a bit in propane mode too, if it has 12V circuit which most fridges do.

Charging systems have no problem staying connected and operating while other charging systems are doing the same. No harm to the battery either.

BTW consider some LED lights to compliment the solar.

For best evaluation, post the panels and controller you are considering before you spend money.

Not sure I follow your? Your panels I assume will be mounted on the roof? From there you run wire down to the charge controller and from the controller to the batteries. That's all you need to do. If you run the generator, it is like shore power it charges the batteries via the converter. Your solar charge controller takes care of everything else.

I have (2) 135 watt solar panels on the roof with a charge contoller and (4) batteries.
I leave the trailer unplugged at home all winter and most othertimes unless we are heading out.
Hooking up to shore power has no bad effect on the system.