Solar Idea
I would like to add solar but I try to park in the shade so a roof mount system wouldn't work. However my toad is seldom parked in the shade. Would the following idea be feasible. I can mount 3 100...
Forum Discussion
eb145 wrote:
if you put the solar charge controller in the rv and very close to the rv batteries, then you can use just 10 gauge wire on a fairly long run from the solar panels on the roof of your toad to the charge controller.
The important point is that the Charge Controller needs to be very close to the batteries they are charging, preferably with thick copper wires.
There is no need to overdo this last step. He will likely have 2*120 or 2*140W with PWM controller, max 15A current. Or something smaller yet. Even if he installs controller in his living quarters and runs a pretty long 10ft wire from battery to controller, #10 wire will do. #8 wire will be plenty. Copper, of course.
Controller likes being inside, away from heat, cold and humidity. Mine is living in my bedroom, wires running through a small hole in night table to the battery compartment below. Remote temp sensor is a must, if controller is not in the same compartment as batteries AND the battery temperature at any time varies more than 10C (20F) up or down from 25C (77F). The problem with cheap controllers is that they rarely come with remote temp sensor.
From panels to controller he can run #10 or #12, a usual MC4 extension cable, like This.
Though - it looks like I'm trying to do the job of his yet to be hired installer here :)
