solar panel install

[dave17352]

I wanted to ask a couple questions on my solar plan. I am looking at ordering one of these 200 watt kits. Renogy 200 watt kit

I plan to put this on my truck camper. I would like to be able to monitor what amps and volts are being put out but the cheapo charge controller doesn't do that. But I am ok with that as long as I don't really need that info.

I plan to install this with the wires running down the back of the fridge and then tying directly into the 12 volt hookup on my Fridge. I think it is 8 gauge wire to the battery. I have a 3 way fridge with the 12 volt option. If I do this I am just going to put the charge controller back there also. Is there any problem with doing this like this?

I am assuming once the panels are hooked up and the controller installed there really should be nothing for me to do except clean the panels occasionally. The charge controller should take care of itself. I can always check things now and then with a multi meter but other than that I would just leave it alone.

So is my plan ok or am I making some big mistakes and wrong assumptions. I am brand new to solar but it is so reasonable now I want to try it out.

Thanks in advance for any help!
Dave

[dave17352]

Tizi wrote:
Nice job! I am going to be mounting my panels at some point. I noticed your battery monitor, is that from eBay? I just ordered one myself with the 200 amp shunt.

Amazon meter

[Tizi]

Nice job! I am going to be mounting my panels at some point. I noticed your battery monitor, is that from eBay? I just ordered one myself with the 200 amp shunt.

[dave17352]

and still plenty more space for more panels

[dave17352]

then through and over the generator box into the rear wardrobe closet. I mounted the control and still have to mount the meter device on the front side to the right as you enter the camper.


For 18 bucks this sure is a fun device and seems to be really accurate according to my multimeter.

[dave17352]

this is the route I finally took which had nothing to do with the side I took apart!

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[dave17352]

Things get messy!

[dave17352]

Ok a few pics of my project

Looking for a possible wiring route

[Tizi]

post up pics

[work2much]

dave17352 wrote:
Okay guys I have finished my install of my Renogy 200 watt kit. All things considered I broke down and did everything the right way. I ran the 10 gauge wires that came with the kit. I entered through the fridge vent. The controller is inside camper and looks pretty snazzy I have to say!. I put a fuse and switch to the panels and a fuse from the controller to the battery. I installed the panels with sikaflex 221 and screws. All in all I am quite pleased and I am all set up to add 200 more watts properly with the wiring I have installed.
Thanks to all of you who gave me input on my solar project.
Dave

Always more satisfying taking the extra effort to do it right. 😉

[bka0721]

dave17352 wrote:
Okay guys I have finished my install of my Renogy 200 watt kit. All things considered I broke down and did everything the right way. I ran the 10 gauge wires that came with the kit. I entered through the fridge vent. The controller is inside camper and looks pretty snazzy I have to say!. I put a fuse and switch to the panels and a fuse from the controller to the battery. I installed the panels with sikaflex 221 and screws. All in all I am quite pleased and I am all set up to add 200 more watts properly with the wiring I have installed.
Thanks to all of you who gave me input on my solar project.
Dave

Congrats on your install!! Solar has been a life changer for me, but not for everyone.

But, if there are no photos then it didn't happen!

b

[dave17352]

Okay guys I have finished my install of my Renogy 200 watt kit. All things considered I broke down and did everything the right way. I ran the 10 gauge wires that came with the kit. I entered through the fridge vent. The controller is inside camper and looks pretty snazzy I have to say!. I put a fuse and switch to the panels and a fuse from the controller to the battery. I installed the panels with sikaflex 221 and screws. All in all I am quite pleased and I am all set up to add 200 more watts properly with the wiring I have installed.
Thanks to all of you who gave me input on my solar project.
Dave

[work2much]

towpro wrote:
work2much, how did you attach the entry gland. Just Dicore or did you drill and screw it as well?

I used 4 small pan head self tapping screws and dicor over them and the base.

[towpro]

work2much, how did you attach the entry gland. Just Dicore or did you drill and screw it as well?

[work2much]

On the other hand I could drill a hole in the roof and run them straight down to the battery box.

That's what I did using this.

Entry gland