I have been thinking about adding 200-320 watts of solar to my Northern Lite. I currently have 2 group 27 12 volt batteries that I will likely upgrade to 6 volts and add 2 batteries (I am thinking about housing them in the rear compartment where the generator typically would go (there are genny wires in the compartment as well). I upgraded my converter/charger awhile back so I am in good shape there. I have been looking at package deals from Bestconverter, Amazon, and other places. I would like to attach the panels to something that is attached to my roof rack somehow (has anybody done this?). Or using 3M tape. While I am installing the solar, I want to install a 1500-2000 watt pure sine wave inverter.Bestconverter OptionInverter

Tizi wrote:, I want to install a 1500-2000 watt pure sine wave inverter.Then don't buy that one. It's modified, and a cheap one at that. Don't be sucked in by price alone.

I believe sleepy attached his panels to a roof rack. I'm sure someone else has as well. The converter/charger has nothing to do with the solar charging. At least, you shouldn't go through it. I'd definitely not put the batteries in the generator compartment. that's a lot of weight in the wrong place. I'd mount them in the bed instead and use an Andersen connector.I don't know if those are good panels or not. There have been a lot of threads that give the basics on what to look for. I'm sure someone else will chime in.What are you planning on running off the inverter?

The Best Converter solar kit looks like a reasonably good one. Just be aware that their hype is a little over done. Two 150W panels doesn't quite add up to 320W and I don't know where you are going to get "6-7 hours of optimal sun" without a tracking system. Plan on 4-5 hours and you won't be disappointed. That inverter is a "modified sine wave" unit (i.e. square wave) and may not work with a microwave or other electronic gadgets. I would recommend a true sine wave inverter. It will cost a bit more but will work for anything you might plug into it.We mounted an AM Solar kit on my sister's van conversion a couple of years ago. It used the 3M tape and is holding up just fine. If you clean the surfaces well with alcohol that tape will never let go. It is used to hold the aluminum skin on busses and horse trailers, among other things. Good stuff.

I suspect you'd have to run larger wires to the batteries in the storage compartment, they are likely 4awg which is too small for a large inverter.

2oldman wrote:Tizi wrote:, I want to install a 1500-2000 watt pure sine wave inverter.Then don't buy that one. It's modified, and a cheap one at that. Don't be sucked in by price alone.good point! bestconverter has good ones.XantrexSamlexI will be running lights, fridge, space heater (500 watt), TV, stereo, water pump, etc. Might add a microwave at some point.

Thinking About Solar | Good Sam Community

towpro
Explorer
Jan 31, 2017
also notice the voltage output. that flex cell shown above is 20V output, which may be too high for the Bogart Engineering SC-2030 controller PWM controller I hope to use. with 40 cells, this might be MPPT controller only material.
maxum1989
Explorer II
Jan 31, 2017
I am thinking something like this:

https://www.solarblvd.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_269&products_id=3082

Similar panels can be found from several other sources.

Just be careful of the measurements of the panel to be sure it can fit where you would like it. Also, take note of how the wiring comes out of the panel. Some panels have the wiring on top, others from underneath. On our Northern Lite roofs that center section of raised roof complicates things. But the above panel being only a little over 21" wide makes it work in my case.
The price of this panel is a pretty good deal right now as well.
Tizi
Explorer
Jan 31, 2017
maxum1989 wrote:
Do NOT mount the panels using the decorative roof rack Northern Lite puts on their campers. You won't have panels for long. If it's the optional boat rack you're referring to that's another story. That rack would be fine for mounting purposes.

I am considering solar on my Northern Lite as well but will probably go the flexible panel route and glue it directly to the roof and have an additional portable panel to move around as well.

I thought about this too. Which flexible panels? I saw some around on the internet.
AidenJ
Explorer
Jan 31, 2017
What Maxum said is good advice I actually removed my rack as the screws kept backing out.
Wyo350
Explorer
Jan 30, 2017
Check out solarblvd.com for prices.
maxum1989
Explorer II
Jan 30, 2017
Do NOT mount the panels using the decorative roof rack Northern Lite puts on their campers. You won't have panels for long. If it's the optional boat rack you're referring to that's another story. That rack would be fine for mounting purposes.

I am considering solar on my Northern Lite as well but will probably go the flexible panel route and glue it directly to the roof and have an additional portable panel to move around as well.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Jan 30, 2017
I suggest an energy survey to determine your amp use as a first step. Once you get a good solar system....it's sweet. In fact I hate exercising my backup Westinghouse inverter generator every week.
pastorbillv
Explorer II
Jan 30, 2017
My Northern-Lite came with the solar option. You may want to study their installation for ideas. Even check their price.

Bill
time2roll
Nomad
Jan 30, 2017
Fridge and space heater will not run very long on four batteries.
Use propane. 12v just for the controls and furnace fan.

Microwave is a huge draw but only a few minutes per day is usually workable.
2oldman
Explorer II
Jan 30, 2017
Tizi wrote:
I will be running lights, fridge,.. water pump, etc.
Those things use 12v.

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