How practical would it be to build a solar charging system that could be moved back/forth from the TC to the Airstream?We typically use the TC Fall, Winter, Spring and use the AS during the summer. It would be great to build a system that could be shared between the 2 campers.If the wiring and controller are mirrored in each camper, how difficult would it be to make mounting brackets that would allow me to unplug and move the panels?Is this practical?How heavy are these things?What else would need to be considered?I am thinking that the panels are the $$$ component so sharing the panels would save some $.We don't want to go with the ground based portable systems for several reasons. Would rather stick with roof mounted.Thanks for the feedback, Bill

For example my Bogart sc203 solar controller was $160. Each 130 watt panel was $155. I see no reason you couldn't wire the controller through anderson connectors. The panels could be removed from the mounts that are more permanent on each RV's roof. Panels use mc4 snap connectors. Many various install ideas in this link. I always disconnect the solar panels from the controller BEFORE disconnecting the battery.The bogart trimetric system monitor does connect to the solar controller for full system tuning. The sc2030 solar controller will work without the trimetric but you get a set charging profile. For that reason you may want a stand alone solar controller with fully adjust ability for charging voltage adjustments and equalization. Ideas

Thanks rjxj, at those prices I may just install discreet systems. Not nearly expensive as I thought.We don't use a lot of power, a 130 watt panel would be enough for us.What is the cost of the trimetric controller?Tx, Bill

Not sure. $200.00ish range. I was just now going to edit my post as the trimetric could be placed on a small board and move with the solar control. I'm running 520 watts so even if you start out at 130 or so you can add more similar panels later. Place your first panel with the consideration of adding more. Go to the heavier side for the gauge of wire running from the roof to the control in case you do expand. See what others post as they may have better recommendations. Many smart solar people on here.

The systems are so inexpensive now that two systems aren't prohibitive.... and you'll never leave one at home just because it was too much triuble to switch... that the weather at home keeps you off the roof.... even thoough you know the weather where you are going is great for PV Solar use.Look at bestconverter.com to get an idea about prices for the trimetric (BTW, they are fantastic)The controller is too hard to put in correctly to rotate so the only thing you'd end up rotating would be the PVSolar panel.Enjoy both systems

sleepy wrote:The systems are so inexpensive now that two systems aren't prohibitive.... and you'll never leave one at home just because it was too much triuble to switch... that the weather at home keeps you off the roof.... even thoough you know the weather where you are going is great for PV Solar use.Look at bestconverter.com to get an idea about prices for the trimetric (BTW, they are fantastic)The controller is too hard to put in correctly to rotate so the only thing you'd end up rotating would be the PVSolar panel.Enjoy both systemsHi sleepy...I was just re-reading your old install thread.You are correct...prices are much more affordable now.I will give Randy a shout and discuss with him.Tx All, Bill

Semi-portable solar charging | Good Sam Community

19 Replies

WNYBob
Explorer
Sep 14, 2015
Here is something that might work for you.

The cart could have the panels,meters and controler. And cables that would connect to your TC or TT batteries. (Cables would have to be heave gauge because of their length)

Just thinking out of the box.
Dirtclods
Explorer II
Sep 14, 2015
Super_Dave wrote:
I walk on my roof and already have a hard enough time avoiding vents/skylights. Portable would be of interest to me if going solar.

45 Watt Solar Panel Kit: http://www.harborfreight.com/45-watt-solar-panel-kit-68751-8527.html

And look for the 20% off coupon as well.
Super_Dave
Explorer
Sep 14, 2015
I walk on my roof and already have a hard enough time avoiding vents/skylights. Portable would be of interest to me if going solar.
Bedlam
Moderator
Sep 14, 2015
I have a portable system, but rarely use it unless boon docking in one location for more than a couple days. You can easily build something like this with a kick stand behind the panel to adjust angle and the charge controller mounted to the underside of the panel. Jumper cables to the battery or an Anderson connector works equally well to complete the circuit.

I have decided a fixed system that is always charging when stopped or driving is a better setup for me, but portable solar is better than no solar at all.
billtex
Explorer II
Sep 14, 2015
sleepy wrote:
The systems are so inexpensive now that two systems aren't prohibitive.... and you'll never leave one at home just because it was too much triuble to switch... that the weather at home keeps you off the roof.... even thoough you know the weather where you are going is great for PV Solar use.

Look at bestconverter.com to get an idea about prices for the trimetric (BTW, they are fantastic)

The controller is too hard to put in correctly to rotate so the only thing you'd end up rotating would be the PVSolar panel.

Enjoy both systems

Hi sleepy...I was just re-reading your old install thread.
You are correct...prices are much more affordable now.

I will give Randy a shout and discuss with him.

Tx All, Bill
sleepy
Explorer
Sep 14, 2015
The systems are so inexpensive now that two systems aren't prohibitive.... and you'll never leave one at home just because it was too much triuble to switch... that the weather at home keeps you off the roof.... even thoough you know the weather where you are going is great for PV Solar use.

Look at bestconverter.com to get an idea about prices for the trimetric (BTW, they are fantastic)

The controller is too hard to put in correctly to rotate so the only thing you'd end up rotating would be the PVSolar panel.

Enjoy both systems
azrving
Explorer
Sep 14, 2015
Not sure. $200.00ish range. I was just now going to edit my post as the trimetric could be placed on a small board and move with the solar control.

I'm running 520 watts so even if you start out at 130 or so you can add more similar panels later. Place your first panel with the consideration of adding more. Go to the heavier side for the gauge of wire running from the roof to the control in case you do expand. See what others post as they may have better recommendations. Many smart solar people on here.
billtex
Explorer II
Sep 14, 2015
Thanks rjxj, at those prices I may just install discreet systems. Not nearly expensive as I thought.
We don't use a lot of power, a 130 watt panel would be enough for us.

What is the cost of the trimetric controller?

Tx, Bill
azrving
Explorer
Sep 14, 2015
For example my Bogart sc203 solar controller was $160. Each 130 watt panel was $155. I see no reason you couldn't wire the controller through anderson connectors. The panels could be removed from the mounts that are more permanent on each RV's roof. Panels use mc4 snap connectors. Many various install ideas in this link. I always disconnect the solar panels from the controller BEFORE disconnecting the battery.

The bogart trimetric system monitor does connect to the solar controller for full system tuning. The sc2030 solar controller will work without the trimetric but you get a set charging profile. For that reason you may want a stand alone solar controller with fully adjust ability for charging voltage adjustments and equalization.

Ideas

Forum Discussion

Semi-portable solar charging

19 Replies

About Travel Trailer Group

Related Content

Solar trickle charge

Recommendations for solar charge/controller

Solar Charging

Another solar question.

Solar Charge Controller question