It's time to pull the trigger and install solar on our 1181. I'm planning to order within the next month to be ready for a trip near the end of summer. The TC is pre wired for solar. I've decided to wire in series, use a mppt controler and use the existing pre wiring. Here is my list, what more do I need. Blue Sky Energy's Solar Boost 3000i solar charge controller2 RENOGY 100 Watt 100w Polycrystalline Photovoltaic PV Solar Panel.RENOGY Two Pair of 10ft. Adaptor Kit Solar Cable PV with Mc4 Female and Male Connectors AWG 10 2 Sets of Renogy Solar Panel Mounting Z Bracket Set of 4 CES 2 Pin Quick Disconnect Wire Harness SAE Connector Bullet Lead Cable (10 AWG)1 ATC/ATO Water-resistant Fuse Holder - 10 AWGOther than decor and time what else needs to be added

I have a similar setup, 2 Renogy 100W panels and a Blue Sky SB2512 mppt controller. You may want to consider wiring in parallel rather than series - if series, and a shadow falls on one part of one panel, it effectively kills the whole array. In parallel, a shadow on one part of one panel will kill that panel, but the other will still supply current. The advantage of series is a bit lower loss in the wiring, and some very modest charging at low light levels. To me those are not enough to overcome the former disadvantage. If you live in an area without shadows, then series by all means :).

Hi,A switch between the controller and the panels would be a good addition.Add the optional battery temperature sensor--that makes battery maintenance better.I do have the 3024di Blue Sky, but if I were buying again I'd go to the Tristar line up from Morningstar. The blue sky requires the IPN remote for flexibility of adjusting charging parameters. The dip switches inside only give limited control. The Tristar can be used with a laptop and serial interface which is a heck of a lot cheaper than the IPN remote.

HMS Beagle, the primary reason I'm going with the mppt controller and wiring the panels in series is the solar pre wiring in the Lance is small, 10 or 12 gauge. I'll have to revisit my research but I was under the impression that while the mono panels are more efficient over all the poly were less affected by shade.pianotuna. A switch is a good idea, I had the temp sensor in my head but didn't make it to the list, thanks for the reminder. One of the main reasons I am leaning towards the Blue Sky is the controller display shows most of the info I am looking for without having a separate display, I'll take a look at the Tristars again just to be sure.

I'm far from an expert but I'll throw in my two cents as I just installed mine in a very similar arrangement last weekend.-I went with the Mono panels, was led to believe they are better than Poly-get some mc4 connectors, you'll want them to shorten your cables to the exact length you need. Easy to install, ideally you'd want the crimpers but I got by without them.-I went with their brackets but if doing it again I'd probably build my own. The brackets are kind of cheesy and look pretty tough to remove the panels if you need to.

Hi,Poly panels according to real life tests by a member of the forum do better with partial light, clouds and shading. The difference is one of size. The poly panels are slightly larger than the equivalent wattage Mono.If and when I choose to upgrade it will be to poly.The display on the Blue Sky gives only the output voltage and the output amperage. For more detailed information the IPN remote is required. That could be replaced by a $30 meter from Amazon or Ebay.The Tristar display may give more information (I think). Tristar has a 30 amp model now.

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wannabegone
Explorer
Jun 20, 2016
HMS Beagle, the primary reason I'm going with the mppt controller and wiring the panels in series is the solar pre wiring in the Lance is small, 10 or 12 gauge. I'll have to revisit my research but I was under the impression that while the mono panels are more efficient over all the poly were less affected by shade.

pianotuna. A switch is a good idea, I had the temp sensor in my head but didn't make it to the list, thanks for the reminder. One of the main reasons I am leaning towards the Blue Sky is the controller display shows most of the info I am looking for without having a separate display, I'll take a look at the Tristars again just to be sure.
pianotuna
Nomad III
Jun 20, 2016
Hi,

A switch between the controller and the panels would be a good addition.

Add the optional battery temperature sensor--that makes battery maintenance better.

I do have the 3024di Blue Sky, but if I were buying again I'd go to the Tristar line up from Morningstar. The blue sky requires the IPN remote for flexibility of adjusting charging parameters. The dip switches inside only give limited control. The Tristar can be used with a laptop and serial interface which is a heck of a lot cheaper than the IPN remote.
HMS_Beagle
Explorer
Jun 20, 2016
I have a similar setup, 2 Renogy 100W panels and a Blue Sky SB2512 mppt controller. You may want to consider wiring in parallel rather than series - if series, and a shadow falls on one part of one panel, it effectively kills the whole array. In parallel, a shadow on one part of one panel will kill that panel, but the other will still supply current. The advantage of series is a bit lower loss in the wiring, and some very modest charging at low light levels. To me those are not enough to overcome the former disadvantage. If you live in an area without shadows, then series by all means :).

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