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Robert812's avatar
Robert812
Explorer
Dec 20, 2012

Solar panel Install

Hi I think a question is in order. I'm installing a 80watt gopanel
with a 25amp reg. no where in the doc or what i found on the net is
what i'm looking for. why is their no off/on switch when coming from
the panel? I might be over thinking, but what if you wanted to change the battery or something else. I know it's only 80 watts and 26volts.
am I over shooting here. I have gave way to 12 volt batteries and installed (2)6volt. changed all my lights to leds(looks great) For just wanting to dabble in boondocking. thanks for viewing.

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  • HiTech's avatar
    HiTech
    Explorer
    Dec 20, 2012
    Typically the controller connects and disconnects the solar panel from the battery so no on off switch needed.

    As suggested though, read the manual for what order to hook up the wires to protect the controller. You can burn it up if you do them in the wrong order on some.

    To put it in perspective the solar panel is making the same power as say a 5-8 amp battery charger. Nothing to disrespect, but not an arc welder either. A hair drier is 1500 watts.

    Jim
  • mike-uswest's avatar
    mike-uswest
    Explorer II
    Dec 20, 2012
    You can work on it at night, or what makes more sense is to remove the wires from the batteries as usual, neg. first, then pos. What I do, is have a few short pieces of poly pipe handy, and stick the wires in the pipe as you take them off to prevent touching anything with the pos wires. Then you are all good to go with the batteries.

    Mike
  • Robert812's avatar
    Robert812
    Explorer
    Dec 20, 2012
    Well I have a 1997 25' KZ no warranty here LOL Great trailer. fixed all the water problem and have re-painted the roof. thanks for the reply.
  • Robert812's avatar
    Robert812
    Explorer
    Dec 20, 2012
    Opps sorry. its from GoPower gp-pwm-30 said 30amp on the reg.
    got the panel on the roof and 10awg wire ran just not hooked up yet.
    Have a 20amp breaker inline with the battery plus line. Just don't know if I want this running without a shutoff somewhere.
  • WoodGlue's avatar
    WoodGlue
    Explorer
    Dec 20, 2012
    Just be warned that some RV manufacturers will void your roof warranty for adding an after market solar system. It would be a worthy call to your RV MFG to see if you're voided or not voided.

    WoodGlue
  • full_mosey's avatar
    full_mosey
    Explorer
    Dec 20, 2012
    Robert812 wrote:
    ...
    what if you wanted to change the battery or something else.


    The manual for the controller will usually tell what order to attach the wiring. My controller has the terminals numbered 1-4 for installation. To change a panel or battery, simply reverse the order to disconnect and then make the change.

    HTH;
    John

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