Solar setup questions

[jawsthemeswimmi]

I have a Zamp inlet on the side of my RV. We don't dry camp often but I'd like something to help us make it through the weekend when we do. Mainly using fridge on propane, minimal lights, water pump, and possibly some charging via 12v cigarette port. In this use case, we typically make it almost 2 days. I just want something to keep the battery going for another day or so. Here is what I came up with:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MW1M1VB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&psc=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=boatprojcom-20&linkId=75815e74077f2cff7e05e3a8997afac1&language=en_US

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079JVBVL3/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza?th=1

https://www.amazon.com/Renogy-10AWG-Extension-Female-connectors/dp/B00JPK3MBA/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1KI28O82WCXQN&dchild=1&keywords=mc4+extension+cable+15+feet&qid=1616607912&sprefix=15%27+mc4+ex%2Caps%2C171&sr=8-3

Am I missing something? The adapter will allow the charge controller to plug in to the Zamp outlet. The charge controller will be mounted to the back of the panel and connect to it. I've read that it's better to have the charge controller closer to the battery but due to the location of the Zamp port I don't think that's an option for me (not wanting to rewire since it is a minimal use case). Am I missing a connection somewhere? Trying to wrap my head around how and where everything will plug in. Any advice is appreciated!

Also saw the Harbor Freight 100w kit and was wondering if that would work in my scenario? What other parts would I need? Thanks again!

[daka320]

Last year we installed a 400 watt Renogy solar kit. Panels on top of roof and charge controller in the front storage pass through. Has been working like a charm! No worries about people stealing the four panels secured on the roof. Longest we went without charging was 2 1/2 weeks. Hooked up at a KOA for one night then went another week and a half. Figure $700-$800 for everything. Yes I Know it isn’t the portable kits, but it works well and I forget about it. Also charges when we are driving!

[RHasse]

Seems like your battery reserve isn't right. You're using a deep cycle battery? I just went on a 3 day 2 night boondocking trip this past weekend, with a single Group 24 (IIRC) battery, and by the time we packed up to leave on the 3rd day we still had 3 of 4 led's showing for power on the system monitor panel. "Almost 2 days" seems way too short IMO.

[lane_hog]

You'll learn to hate portable... For the money, I'd install rooftop as well. They can always come off if you upgrade. My panels are on their third coach, and work for me every day the coach isn't plugged into the truck or shore power. Don't have to worry about some yahoo stealing them from my campsite if we go kayaking or exploring.

I'd suggest a second battery. I use Group 27's because that's what fit in our motorhome before we scrapped it, but having two batteries is far more reliable than just one.

[jawsthemeswimmi]

Vintage465 wrote:

jawsthemeswimming428 wrote:
I have a Zamp inlet on the side of my RV. We don't dry camp often but I'd like something to help us make it through the weekend when we do. Mainly using fridge on propane, minimal lights, water pump, and possibly some charging via 12v cigarette port. In this use case, we typically make it almost 2 days. I just want something to keep the battery going for another day or so. Here is what I came up with:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MW1M1VB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&psc=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=boatprojcom-20&linkId=75815e74077f2cff7e05e3a8997afac1&language=en_US

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079JVBVL3/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza?th=1

https://www.amazon.com/Renogy-10AWG-Extension-Female-
connectors/dp/B00JPK3MBA/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1KI28O82WCXQN&dchild=1&keywords=mc4+extension+cable+15+feet&qid=1616607912&sprefix=15%27+mc4+ex%2Caps%2C171&sr=8-3

Am I missing something? The adapter will allow the charge controller to plug in to the Zamp outlet. The charge controller will be mounted to the back of the panel and connect to it. I've read that it's better to have the charge controller closer to the battery but due to the location of the Zamp port I don't think that's an option for me (not wanting to rewire since it is a minimal use case). Am I missing a connection somewhere? Trying to wrap my head around how and where everything will plug in. Any advice is appreciated!

Also saw the Harbor Freight 100w kit and was wondering if that would work in my scenario? What other parts would I need? Thanks again!

It doesn't sound like you will have a hard time coming up with enough chargability with a portable solar or two. Something I didn't see was the configuration, condition and age of your battery bank. You can have a nice solar charge setup but if your bank is weak you won't make it three days. Also,I attached a link(you'll have to copy and paste it)that gives you everything you need to make a real nice portable 200w setup with a parts list, prices, links and instructions.

https://www.adventurousway.com/blog/diy-portable-solar-panel

I have a single Group 31 sealed lead acid. The battery was just purchased last year. Thanks for the link, I'll check it out.

[jawsthemeswimmi]

Sandia Man wrote:
To answer your last question first, yes Harbor Freight's 100W kit would work as well, just more cumbersome to carry around and set-up. The Renogy solar suitcase is less than 6" folded up, protected by a rugged case and packs easily in passthrough storage, truck bed, or even the backseat behind driver. I know these details as I purchased this nearly eight years ago to supplement the 200 watts on the roof, and to move around on cloudy days or when RVing under foliage.

You can place solar controller anywhere you like, I left controller on rear of panels and wired a connection directly to battery posts, about 6" long they are easily accessible when I implement the solar suitcase. Wiring from controller is just 2 feet long, we use provided extension cord to connect it all. Definitely rugged, flew off truck's metal tonneau cover a couple of times. 5 minutes to set-up, 100 watts restores a single battery well, or keep 2 batteries topped off.

Good point, portability/packability is definitely a plus. So, if I wanted, I could just leave the controller on the back of the panels then plug in to Zamp port after reversing polarity if I get the Renology correct?

[jawsthemeswimmi]

Lwiddis wrote:
This WindyNation 100 watt kit is $146.00.

https://www.windynation.com/Polycrystalline-Solar-Kits/Windy-Nation-Inc/Eco-Solar-Kit-100-Watt-12-Volt-Solar-Panel-with-User-Settable-LCD-Charge-Controller-RV-Boat-Off-Grid/-/641?p=YzE9NDY=

Forgot to mention I want some type of suitcase setup. Not looking to mount to roof and want something easily packable.

[ajriding]

ebay has everything on their site too.
Just suck it up and put solar on your roof and always maintain the batteries without having to haul a lot of junk in and out every stop.
Yes, put the controller close to the batteries. The voltage coming off most panels is 18 volts, and the controller will drop that to around 13.x volts. Higher volts can travel further with less loss.
If two panels, then run them in series to make 37 volts and the controller will drop that down to 13.x volts.

[Vintage465]

jawsthemeswimming428 wrote:
I have a Zamp inlet on the side of my RV. We don't dry camp often but I'd like something to help us make it through the weekend when we do. Mainly using fridge on propane, minimal lights, water pump, and possibly some charging via 12v cigarette port. In this use case, we typically make it almost 2 days. I just want something to keep the battery going for another day or so. Here is what I came up with:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MW1M1VB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&psc=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=boatprojcom-20&linkId=75815e74077f2cff7e05e3a8997afac1&language=en_US

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079JVBVL3/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza?th=1

https://www.amazon.com/Renogy-10AWG-Extension-Female-
connectors/dp/B00JPK3MBA/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1KI28O82WCXQN&dchild=1&keywords=mc4+extension+cable+15+feet&qid=1616607912&sprefix=15%27+mc4+ex%2Caps%2C171&sr=8-3

Am I missing something? The adapter will allow the charge controller to plug in to the Zamp outlet. The charge controller will be mounted to the back of the panel and connect to it. I've read that it's better to have the charge controller closer to the battery but due to the location of the Zamp port I don't think that's an option for me (not wanting to rewire since it is a minimal use case). Am I missing a connection somewhere? Trying to wrap my head around how and where everything will plug in. Any advice is appreciated!

Also saw the Harbor Freight 100w kit and was wondering if that would work in my scenario? What other parts would I need? Thanks again!

It doesn't sound like you will have a hard time coming up with enough chargability with a portable solar or two. Something I didn't see was the configuration, condition and age of your battery bank. You can have a nice solar charge setup but if your bank is weak you won't make it three days. Also,I attached a link(you'll have to copy and paste it)that gives you everything you need to make a real nice portable 200w setup with a parts list, prices, links and instructions.

https://www.adventurousway.com/blog/diy-portable-solar-panel

[Sandia_Man]

To answer your last question first, yes Harbor Freight's 100W kit would work as well, just more cumbersome to carry around and set-up. The Renogy solar suitcase is less than 6" folded up, protected by a rugged case and packs easily in passthrough storage, truck bed, or even the backseat behind driver. I know these details as I purchased this nearly eight years ago to supplement the 200 watts on the roof, and to move around on cloudy days or when RVing under foliage.

You can place solar controller anywhere you like, I left controller on rear of panels and wired a connection directly to battery posts, about 6" long they are easily accessible when I implement the solar suitcase. Wiring from controller is just 2 feet long, we use provided extension cord to connect it all. Definitely rugged, flew off truck's metal tonneau cover a couple of times. 5 minutes to set-up, 100 watts restores a single battery well, or keep 2 batteries topped off.

[Boon_Docker]

Clicky #1
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[Lwiddis]

This WindyNation 100 watt kit is $146.00.

https://www.windynation.com/Polycrystalline-Solar-Kits/Windy-Nation-Inc/Eco-Solar-Kit-100-Watt-12-Volt-Solar-Panel-with-User-Settable-LCD-Charge-Controller-RV-Boat-Off-Grid/-/641?p=YzE9NDY=