Okay, before you say it, I did search, and have been reading on this for days. Here is my question. I have a bonus coming possibly and am trying to decide if I want to use it for solar on our trailer. I intend to use the trailer mainly off the grid, and have fall hunting trip coming up for 7 days. Currently, I have 2 GC2 batteries, plan to go to LED lights, and a propane heater other than the trailer heat. So, in reading, I know I want an MPPT controller, remote monitor head, and probably 200-250 watts to keep my batteries charged for the week trip. Is it better to shop around and piece together a system or stay with something put together by someone who knows? I was thinking this one, because they are local to me and I have seen them in action on our last trip. http://www.solar-electric.com/solar-panels-mounts-kits-accessories/prsy/rvandsmbasoc/rv-solar-kit-280-watts-mppt.htmlI don't think I need an inverter right away, since I don't use other devices when camping right now. Do I need replace my built in power converter or is this all additional? So, am I on the right track? Are there companies or brands to avoid? Better prices I have not found? Fill me in, what am I missing?

I would not go MPPT for such a tiny system. It is often, but not always, cheaper to "roll your own" system.I would spend the money saved on the MPPT controller for more panels. 400 to 600 watts is the range I'd be planning on.The kit you referenced is extremely overpriced.What matters is having a temperature sensor on the battery bank (especially important for cold weather) and adjustable voltage set points.I would always allow room for growth on a charge controller--because many of us add more wattage later on.

Is there a chance of overcharging if the controller is PWT?That many watts? I need to measure my roof again.

http://www.solar-electric.com/solar-panels-mounts-kits-accessories/prsy/rvandsmbasoc/rv-solar-kit-280-watts-mppt.htmlKit seems like a lot of $$. PWM is fine with 12v (nominal) panels and will not overcharge.I would tend to buy separate components as you may not need what is provided. Such as the 30' cable might be short. Those breakers are probably not needed or substitute low cost fuse. Combiner box not needed, use MC4 parallel connectors. Mounting brackets can be made with aluminum stock from Lowes etc.Most important is to match the panels to the controller and fitment of the panels on the roof. Then buy wire and hardware provisions as needed. Since they are local you can run back and get what is needed or substitute other suppliers.If you go MPPT I recommend a large 24v panel of about 250+ watts.

What are you running off battery other than lights? And yeah you don't need an MPPT, not going to make enough diff to justify the price...Look at Renogy.com. No you won't overcharge. And that kit....? More than double, maybe triple what you should pay. Shouldn't need a new converter.

While this is a expensive system, it's a very good one. That said the panels are whats pushing the price up. I'd price the stuff through Amazon or Ebay for the panels, a Moringstar TS-30 or TS-45 PWM charge controller and marine grade wiring.You won't get a better price on the Midnight Solar Big Baby Box and breakers then at NAWS, solar-electric.com. Two 150 watt, 12 volt panels run about $330 to $350 on ebay with free shipping.

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34 Replies

tonymull
Explorer
Apr 03, 2016
What are you running off battery other than lights? And yeah you don't need an MPPT, not going to make enough diff to justify the price...Look at Renogy.com. No you won't overcharge. And that kit....? More than double, maybe triple what you should pay. Shouldn't need a new converter.
time2roll
Nomad
Apr 03, 2016
http://www.solar-electric.com/solar-panels-mounts-kits-accessories/prsy/rvandsmbasoc/rv-solar-kit-280-watts-mppt.html

Kit seems like a lot of $$. PWM is fine with 12v (nominal) panels and will not overcharge.

I would tend to buy separate components as you may not need what is provided. Such as the 30' cable might be short. Those breakers are probably not needed or substitute low cost fuse. Combiner box not needed, use MC4 parallel connectors. Mounting brackets can be made with aluminum stock from Lowes etc.

Most important is to match the panels to the controller and fitment of the panels on the roof. Then buy wire and hardware provisions as needed. Since they are local you can run back and get what is needed or substitute other suppliers.

If you go MPPT I recommend a large 24v panel of about 250+ watts.
KE6IRJ
Explorer
Apr 03, 2016
Is there a chance of overcharging if the controller is PWT?

That many watts? I need to measure my roof again.
pianotuna
Nomad III
Apr 03, 2016
I would not go MPPT for such a tiny system.

It is often, but not always, cheaper to "roll your own" system.

I would spend the money saved on the MPPT controller for more panels. 400 to 600 watts is the range I'd be planning on.

The kit you referenced is extremely overpriced.

What matters is having a temperature sensor on the battery bank (especially important for cold weather) and adjustable voltage set points.

I would always allow room for growth on a charge controller--because many of us add more wattage later on.

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