Forum Discussion

Timeking's avatar
Timeking
Explorer
Oct 03, 2017

solar panel controller - permanent installation

The Zamp input connector is on the front of my TT. One side goes to ground the other is red wire leading to the +12V system. I would like to cut that red wire and route it to the grounded controller permanently installed inside the front pass-thru storage box (in a safe protected location). Then when I want solar power input, I'd only have to plug in the panels via a Zamp-compatible plug.

Is that OK?

Is it OK for the controller to ALWAYS be in the circuit even when no solar panel is connected?
  • BFL13's avatar
    BFL13
    Explorer II
    Oct 03, 2017
    Timeking wrote:
    The Zamp input connector is on the front of my TT. One side goes to ground the other is red wire leading to the +12V system. I would like to cut that red wire and route it to the grounded controller permanently installed inside the front pass-thru storage box (in a safe protected location). Then when I want solar power input, I'd only have to plug in the panels via a Zamp-compatible plug.

    Is that OK?

    Is it OK for the controller to ALWAYS be in the circuit even when no solar panel is connected?


    Yes to the last question--but not the other way around with panels and no battery. Always have the battery connected before panels are connected.

    With the controller inside, it sounds like you could just ignore the existing Zamp connector, and just go controller-battery with new wires (fuse the positive wire) You could use that existing Zamp for connecting the panel wires from a portable array, and redirect its wires inside from the 12v system to the input side of your controller.
  • red31's avatar
    red31
    Explorer
    Oct 03, 2017
    cut/disconnect both wires and connect both to the charge controller, find bigger wire to run from the CC to the battery. Add a plug to the panel wires with the correct polarity, plug the panel in the TT plug.

    They make a controller that can talk to a smart phone (bluethooth) so you would not need to open the storage area to monitor the battery/panel.
    The app is available from grape solar, the controller from homeDepot.
    http://www.homedepot.com/p/Grape-Solar-40-Amp-PWM-Solar-Charge-Controller-with-Bluetooth-GS-PWM-40BT/207100856
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Oct 03, 2017
    “Then when I want solar power input, I'd only have to plug in the panels via a Zamp-compatible plug.”

    When wouldn’t you want solar power charging your batteries through a good controller?
  • Almot's avatar
    Almot
    Explorer III
    Oct 03, 2017
    Correct wiring (simplified):

    Pos wire: Solar panel -> optional switch or breaker 1 -> Controller -> fuse or breaker 2 (NOT switch) -> Battery.

    No, you shouldn't connect controller to panel without connecting it to battery first.

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