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Thread: My Solar Charging Set Up
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02-11-2015, 04:18 PM #1
My Solar Charging Set Up
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.
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02-11-2015, 05:18 PM #2
- Join Date
- Dec 2014
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- Carlsbad, CA
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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.
Paul "Poppy" and Deb Cervone
2022 Imagine XLS 22MLE
2021 Imagine XLS 17MKE - SOLD ; 2015 Grand Design Reflection 337RLS - SOLD
2016 GMC Denali 3500HD SRW Duramax/Allison CC 4x4; Tire Minder TPMS
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02-11-2015, 05:33 PM #3
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- Colorado
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Thanks Jim! Awesome Post.
George and Connie
Commerce City, CO
Webpilot
Solitude 380FL
2014 Ram 3500 Dually
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
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02-11-2015, 05:38 PM #4
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Nice setup. Is there any particular reasoning behind that controller vs. mppt controller or was it just price driven?
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02-11-2015, 06:10 PM #5
Hi Jim,
Thanks for taking the time to put all this straight forward information into one post !
RobCate & Rob
2015 Reflection 303RLS
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02-11-2015, 07:18 PM #6
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- Los Fresnos, Texas
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Good job, Jim. You are the man
2018 Freedom Elite 24FE, 2 Yorkies, and my wife MARILYN, HAM call K0LCB. Traveling around this great country, making friends and seeing lot of beautiful and interesting places
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02-11-2015, 07:46 PM #7
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02-11-2015, 07:54 PM #8
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- Dec 2014
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Could someone explain what you guys are comparing?
Paul "Poppy" and Deb Cervone
2022 Imagine XLS 22MLE
2021 Imagine XLS 17MKE - SOLD ; 2015 Grand Design Reflection 337RLS - SOLD
2016 GMC Denali 3500HD SRW Duramax/Allison CC 4x4; Tire Minder TPMS
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02-11-2015, 08:11 PM #9
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
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02-11-2015, 09:38 PM #10Norcalrv1Guest
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
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