Super Basic Solar Upgrade
All I want is to install two solar panels with a charge controller to provide charging capability to my existing flooded lead acid batteries. I intend to use these Centennial group 27's until they are done (probably another year or so). I will upgrade then.
I want to use the factory wiring that exists in the camper. The controller location is prewired with access behind a cabinet panel. I know the wiring is going to be minimal and won't carry the current efficiently. The plug on the roof is like the type you see on battery chargers. One step at a time.
The current power management device charges, converts and protects the circuitry in the camper. I do not intend to replace it until I have to.
Here are my questions:
Can I add a solar controller and panels that will charge my batts without worrying about any ill effects to the converter being affected? Does the solar back-feeding the converter cause problems?
What type of panels are the best to get for a camper roof? What do people use to install them through the membrane and prevent leaks? Any particular concerns about drilling through the membrane?
Where is the best site to learn more without getting into a full-blown solar zealot approach to state of the art solar power generation involving thousands of dollars? I start talking about this and my wife's eyes begin to glaze over almost immediately. All she imagines is a mountain of cash going out the door.
Maybe I should just slog it out with the Honda 2200 until I win the lottery? I just envy those that can charge all day. It would totally top us off. We don't use much power at all. Bought the genny to run the A/C once in a blue moon. Haven't done it once yet.
I want to use the factory wiring that exists in the camper. The controller location is prewired with access behind a cabinet panel. I know the wiring is going to be minimal and won't carry the current efficiently. The plug on the roof is like the type you see on battery chargers. One step at a time.
The current power management device charges, converts and protects the circuitry in the camper. I do not intend to replace it until I have to.
Here are my questions:
Can I add a solar controller and panels that will charge my batts without worrying about any ill effects to the converter being affected? Does the solar back-feeding the converter cause problems?
What type of panels are the best to get for a camper roof? What do people use to install them through the membrane and prevent leaks? Any particular concerns about drilling through the membrane?
Where is the best site to learn more without getting into a full-blown solar zealot approach to state of the art solar power generation involving thousands of dollars? I start talking about this and my wife's eyes begin to glaze over almost immediately. All she imagines is a mountain of cash going out the door.
Maybe I should just slog it out with the Honda 2200 until I win the lottery? I just envy those that can charge all day. It would totally top us off. We don't use much power at all. Bought the genny to run the A/C once in a blue moon. Haven't done it once yet.
