I have a small motorhome equipped with 2 agm group 27 batteries, Zamp external port and 1000 watt inverter. looking for alternatives to Zamp suitcase type solar panels. I have minimal power needs, two or three hours of tv and some led lighting. I do not want to void warranty, so compatibility is important. Thanks for suggestions.Based on the questions, I'll try to be more clear. I want something portable as in suitcase type not roof mount. The port is sae. Compatibility means working with equipment I have mentioned. Will need controller.Based on some of the responses, I guess I'm still not clear. All that I need is a portable solar panel to work with a motorhome that is Zamp solar ready, meaning it has a SAE port mounted on side of motorhome. What manufacturers other than Zamp can provide what I'm looking for, hopefully at less cost.

Do you want portable or roof mount panels?

... and another question - what "compatibility"... Though, probably, not a question.

What does a Zamp connector look like?Is it same as an SAE 12v connector?Some panels here:https://www.solarblvd.com/product-category/solar-panels-systems/12-volt-solar-panels/Do you need a controller?How many watts are you looking at? 100w? 500w?If going big you will need to post the size wire on the connector. I would hope it is #10 but probably #14 or #12.

Consider carefully if you want to setup, watch over, takedown and store solar panels. Roof mounted avoids all that and works as soon as its light...and you are still snoozing.

time2roll wrote:What does a Zamp connector look like?Is it same as an SAE 12v connector?Some panels here:https://www.solarblvd.com/product-category/solar-panels-systems/12-volt-solar-panels/Do you need a controller?That's the connector, although the Zamp port installed by most if not all OEM's is typically reverse polarity, so You need to reverse the leads on either the connector your plugging in or the wiring installed by the manufacturer. You also usually need a controller in most cases, as the OEM port is typically just that and wired directly to the battery connection.

Zamp solar alternative | Good Sam Community

pauldub
Explorer
Jan 12, 2018
Do you want portable or roof mount panels?
Almot
Explorer III
Jan 12, 2018
... and another question - what "compatibility"... Though, probably, not a question.
time2roll
Nomad
Jan 12, 2018
What does a Zamp connector look like?

Is it same as an SAE 12v connector?

Some panels here:
https://www.solarblvd.com/product-category/solar-panels-systems/12-volt-solar-panels/

Do you need a controller?

How many watts are you looking at? 100w? 500w?
If going big you will need to post the size wire on the connector. I would hope it is #10 but probably #14 or #12.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Jan 12, 2018
Consider carefully if you want to setup, watch over, takedown and store solar panels. Roof mounted avoids all that and works as soon as its light...and you are still snoozing.
Ralph_Cramden
Explorer II
Jan 12, 2018
time2roll wrote:
What does a Zamp connector look like?

Is it same as an SAE 12v connector?

Some panels here:
https://www.solarblvd.com/product-category/solar-panels-systems/12-volt-solar-panels/

Do you need a controller?

That's the connector, although the Zamp port installed by most if not all OEM's is typically reverse polarity, so You need to reverse the leads on either the connector your plugging in or the wiring installed by the manufacturer. You also usually need a controller in most cases, as the OEM port is typically just that and wired directly to the battery connection.
red31
Explorer
Jan 13, 2018
https://www.solarblvd.com/products/solar-cynergy-160-watt-foldable-12-volt-solar-panel-2/

scrape the included charge controller and get the grape solar controller @ home depot, contact grape for app to talk with bluethooth controller
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Grape-Solar-40-Amp-PWM-Solar-Charge-Controller-with-Bluetooth-GS-PWM-40BT/207100856
mount the controller inside and then to the outside wall port, wire the portable panel with correct polarity plug and connect to outside port. Extend panel wires with 12g landscape wire/ft from HD to what ya need.
ktmrfs
Explorer II
Jan 13, 2018
red31 wrote:
https://www.solarblvd.com/products/solar-cynergy-160-watt-foldable-12-volt-solar-panel-2/

scrape the included charge controller and get the grape solar controller @ home depot, contact grape for app to talk with bluethooth controller
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Grape-Solar-40-Amp-PWM-Solar-Charge-Controller-with-Bluetooth-GS-PWM-40BT/207100856
mount the controller inside and then to the outside wall port, wire the portable panel with correct polarity plug and connect to outside port. Extend panel wires with 12g landscape wire/ft from HD to what ya need.

x2.

I have 3 of these for my portable setup. works great
Almot
Explorer III
Jan 13, 2018
richy2 wrote:
Compatibility means working with equipment I have mentioned.

Not an issue.

Your devices will be running on any 12 VDC power, no matter whether it comes from the battery alone or from battery and solar controller.

If by equipment you mean 2-pole SAE connector, - solar array with a current exceeding the amps rating of this connector, would be too big to be considered a portable. Your wire gauge is more important.
red31
Explorer
Jan 13, 2018
Renogy mc4 to sae adapter
https://www.renogy.com/renogy-mc4-to-sae-adaptor/
rbp111
Explorer
Jan 14, 2018
I you connect a "regular" solar panel to a Zamp wire connector which has reverse polarity, what happens? Does the unit not work, or does it do any harm?

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