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

JiminDenver
Explorer II
Sep 15, 2015
The portable kits are convenient and some are less expensive. For a little effort and not much more cash if any you can put together the low cost components yourself and improve where it would help you the best. It wouldn't take much to hinge a pair of panels, get 10 gauge MC4 cable and controller that would have the features you are interested in.
hbski
Explorer
Sep 15, 2015
some related info
billtex
Explorer II
Sep 15, 2015
Ace! wrote:
billtex wrote:
...
I am not really clear; with the Zamp portable system...everything is included?
No need for seperate controller?

Tx, Bill

Yes, if you look at the pictures, you can see the controller is mounted to the back of the portable unit. It's a completely self-contained, portable, unit. That's probably why it's more expensive than some other options.

Same on the Renogy...for about 1/2 the cost.
These portable kits sure are interesting.

Tx, Bill
Ace_
Explorer
Sep 15, 2015
billtex wrote:
...
I am not really clear; with the Zamp portable system...everything is included?
No need for seperate controller?

Tx, Bill

Yes, if you look at the pictures, you can see the controller is mounted to the back of the portable unit. It's a completely self-contained, portable, unit. That's probably why it's more expensive than some other options.
Fishbreath
Explorer II
Sep 15, 2015
Bill

I used a 185 watt portable panel for years and it worked great. Like you, I am not an energy hog and the one panel kept the batteries happy.

Good luck with your project

Bill
billtex
Explorer II
Sep 15, 2015
Looks like zamp is a bit pricey and the others are rated just as well.
Thanks for all the info...good stuff.
Will have to do some research.

Anyone have experience with any of these portable systems?

Bill
time2roll
Nomad
Sep 15, 2015
In the 130 watt range I have to recommend two systems.

https://www.solarblvd.com/product_info 140w x2 $318
ticki2
Explorer
Sep 15, 2015
Here is another portable kit , looks like it is temporarily out of stock .

http://www.renogy-store.com/Renogy-100W-12V-Mono-Portable-Solar-Suitcase-p/kit-stcs100d.htm
billtex
Explorer II
Sep 15, 2015
Ace! wrote:
Zamp Solar offers portable kits, with the controller built in.

http://www.zampsolar.com/rv-solar-kits/rv-portable-solar/

hmmm...that's interesting. I might be able to make that work with both campers. I like the "wall plug" that would make it a plug/pray system and I don't think it would be difficult to get the panels on the roof of the TC.
A big challenge for us is DW going to the beach for 2-3 weeks at a time. There is plenty of sun there! And the campers pretty much stays put.
I usually head down on the weekends and end up running the genny for hours on end (annoying).
Something like this just might do it.

I am not really clear; with the Zamp portable system...everything is included?
No need for seperate controller?

Tx, Bill
Ace_
Explorer
Sep 14, 2015
Zamp Solar offers portable kits, with the controller built in.

http://www.zampsolar.com/rv-solar-kits/rv-portable-solar/