My Solar Charging Set Up

[TucsonJim]

On my 2014 Reflection 337RLS, there is no wiring in place for a solar charging system. Since I frequently camp where there are no hook ups, I elected to install a solar charger so I don't have to run my generator as frequently. Here is a diagram of my system:



Here are some details and links to where I purchased the items:

Solar Panels - I purchased two 100 Watt panels that are mounted in aluminum frames. I put hinges between the two panels so I can fold them face to face to protect the panels when in transit. Cost $149.99 each
http://www.amazon.com/RENOGY-Monocry...tt+solar+panel

Solar Controller - There are various controllers available, each with different merits. The model I purchased can be used for lead acid and AGM batteries. It also has a display to indicate the battery voltage and charging current. I mounted the unit on the panel right above the batteries. I ran 10 AWG wire between the batteries and the controller. Cost $99.04
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Since I'm running two panels, I needed to connect the two panels together and make a single run to the batteries. To do this, I used MC4 Branch Connectors. They simply plug directly to the wires on the panels and to the wire to the battery. Cost $8.79
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Next, I wanted my system to be portable. I ran MC4 wires from the controller to just outside the RV through the driver's side landing gear leg. There is already a hole here that is filled with foam. I removed some of the foam, ran the wires to just outside the landing gear, and installed a connector. The connectors cost $7.78 for five pairs of male/female connections
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Finally, I wanted to be able to move my array to sunny locations throughout the campsite. So I purchased 100 feet of MC4 wire which I cut in to two short lengths (Controller to landing gear leg hole) and two longer lengths (From external connections to panels)
Cost of wire $51.49.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I also installed 30A fuses on the positive lead between the battery and controller, and the panels and controller. Here are the fuse holders I used.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I did some wire cutting and soldering, and where appropriate, I attached crimp on eye connectors. Total cost was approximately $570. So far I've used it for about two weeks, and I have not had to run my generator to charge the batteries at all. It takes about four hours to come to a full charge if I've run the battery bank down to a 50% charge overnight. I also changed all my bulbs to LED so there is not such a big draw on the batteries at night.

[Poppy's 5th Wheel]

This is an awesome post Jim. Should be a sticky somewhere for reference. I've never seen it laid out so simply. Even I could do this now.

[webpilot]

Thanks Jim! Awesome Post.

[offtohavasu]

Nice setup. Is there any particular reasoning behind that controller vs. mppt controller or was it just price driven?

[Cate&Rob]

Hi Jim,
Thanks for taking the time to put all this straight forward information into one post !
Rob

[LCBoyer]

Good job, Jim. You are the man

[TucsonJim]

Nice setup. Is there any particular reasoning behind that controller vs. mppt controller or was it just price driven?

Mostly just keeping the price down since this was my first time setting up a solar system. If I ever upgrade, it would be to a MPPT controller. However, this one works just fine and I have more than enough capacity to fully charge each day in the Arizona sunshine.

[Poppy's 5th Wheel]

Could someone explain what you guys are comparing?

[TucsonJim]

Paul, there are primarily two different types of controllers. MPPT, and PWM. PWM is less complex, and less costly. MPPT are more efficient, but more complex. Here's a great article on them.

http://www.ecodirect.com/Charge-Cont...ison-s/251.htm

For my application, a PWM controller works just fine.

Jim

[Norcalrv1]

Good job, Jim. Thanks for the information, you seem to have all of the components and did a great job. The battery that we have is set down into a well in the front which holds it in place while we travel. I am trying to figure out how to mount more batteries in the front compartment. AGM you don't need to vent, but lead acid batteries apparently you do need to vent. I just don't see any good way of doing this. Got any ideas?
Rod Zebb
Fairfield, CA. (Quartzsite right now)
2014 337 RLS #263
2014 RAM 3500