solar pre-wired questions

3 tons wrote:

pbitschura wrote:
Our new rv has an outdoor two pin plug-in for solar. What do I need to take advantage of it? What are it's benefits and limitations? We don't currently have any panels.

Most factory solar wiring is kinda minimalist in AWG wire gauge - you’ll be lucky if it’s #10 AWG gauge, and a lengthy roundtrip wire run (+ & -) adds to overall resistance (meaning excessive voltage drop - ugg…)…As such (if wiring panels in parallel) consider limiting your panel wattage to about 200w or so, or if more wattage is desired, consider wiring the panels in series (to help compensate for small’ish wire gauge) using an MPPT type controller that’ll exploit the higher voltage - or add a separate wiring run (of sufficiently gauge) from the roof-top down…This can often be accomplished by snaking the new wire down through the rooftop refer vent..

3 tons

As has been said, the wiring may not be heavy enough for a substantial system. I see little portable set ups. Can I then use this plug in for a battery maintainer to top it off while boondocking, maybe 100 watts or so? These, I believe come with a charge controller for a minimal system.

pbitschura wrote:
Our new rv has an outdoor two pin plug-in for solar. What do I need to take advantage of it? What are it's benefits and limitations? We don't currently have any panels.

Most factory solar wiring is kinda minimalist in AWG wire gauge - you’ll be lucky if it’s #10 AWG gauge, and a lengthy roundtrip wire run (+ & -) adds to overall resistance (meaning excessive voltage drop - ugg…)…As such (if wiring panels in parallel) consider limiting your panel wattage to about 200w or so, or if more wattage is desired, consider wiring the panels in series (to help compensate for small’ish wire gauge) using an MPPT type controller that’ll exploit the higher voltage - or add a separate wiring run (of sufficiently gauge) from the roof-top down…This can often be accomplished by snaking the new wire down through the rooftop refer vent..

3 tons

Portable panels allow for placement for maximum sun. Disadvantage is setup and storing.

Many pros and cons and posts but best to evaluate your needs first.

Try to find out what size wire was used for the prewire.

Mine happened to be #10 wire. That meant to get significant charging I had to use an MPPT controller.

Needed items:

charge controller (get one that allows for expansion)

solar panels

wire

fasteners to secure the panels.

Start with an energy audit (find one in the series below)

https://freecampsites.net/adding-solar/