Looking for solar info

[GDHauler]

We just purchased a 22MLE with one 165 watt solar panel, is there a simple way to connect another 165 w panel to the existing one? Does the charger have to be upgraded?

[Second Chance]

Moved to Solar Systems and Generators.

Rob

[terryriddle]

I have a basic question for a basic need. I need to determine the wattage of a solar panel I need to keep the lead acid battery charged to ensure my frig will keep running on propane while I take one or more days on side trips away from the unit. I realize there are other draws on the battery since the master battery switch will be left open. So, for this basic need, what size panel would ensure my requirement? I would be off shore power during the side trips.

[Soundsailor]

I have a basic question for a basic need. I need to determine the wattage of a solar panel I need to keep the lead acid battery charged to ensure my frig will keep running on propane while I take one or more days on side trips away from the unit. I realize there are other draws on the battery since the master battery switch will be left open. So, for this basic need, what size panel would ensure my requirement? I would be off shore power during the side trips.

Could you list the power requirements (watts or Amps) of the 12-volt devices that you would like to keep going while off-grid? This is what I would call a power budget. Once you know how much power you need, then you can calculate what sources will be required.

[terryriddle]

Could you list the power requirements (watts or Amps) of the 12-volt devices that you would like to keep going while off-grid? This is what I would call a power budget. Once you know how much power you need, then you can calculate what sources will be required.

My 260RD is prewired for solar with MC4 connector box on the roof and in the front fifth wheel storage area the 10AWG lines drop down with the positive line reflecting a 30 amp inline fuse. I'd like to take advantage of this prewiring to avoid hauling the lead acid battery out when I have it at home in storage and when we are in a location where we want to leave the RV parked and take a long side trip. With the master switch in the on position, I realize there is some draw on the battery. My main goal is to only ensure that the frig, while running on propane, has battery power to keep it running and the preinstalled PC type fans behind it. That is my goal and the only item I am looking to keep online with a charged battery. While in storage between trips and the master switch in the off position, I want to keep the battery charged until our travel season is over.

[terryriddle]

My 260RD is prewired for solar with MC4 connector box on the roof and in the front fifth wheel storage area the 10AWG lines drop down with the positive line reflecting a 30 amp inline fuse. I'd like to take advantage of this prewiring to avoid hauling the lead acid battery out when I have it at home in storage and when we are in a location where we want to leave the RV parked and take a long side trip. With the master switch in the on position, I realize there is some draw on the battery. My main goal is to only ensure that the frig, while running on propane, has battery power to keep it running and the preinstalled PC type fans behind it. That is my goal and the only item I am looking to keep online with a charged battery. While in storage between trips and the master switch in the off position, I want to keep the battery charged until our travel season is over.

I do have a list of approximate electrical load ratings. Notice approximate! With the master switch on, there is the LP detector at .125 amps, illuminated switches at .125, and refrigerator at 3.0 amps... not sure that applies to my double door unit and the two PC fans in the rear to move heat. I can't think of anything else that might be drawing power.

After reviewing the refrigerator manual, this 12 cu ft unit on propane at min 10.5 volts and 15.4 volts max

[SolarPoweredRV]

I have a basic question for a basic need. I need to determine the wattage of a solar panel I need to keep the lead acid battery charged to ensure my frig will keep running on propane while I take one or more days on side trips away from the unit. I realize there are other draws on the battery since the master battery switch will be left open. So, for this basic need, what size panel would ensure my requirement? I would be off shore power during the side trips.

My 260RD is prewired for solar with MC4 connector box on the roof and in the front fifth wheel storage area the 10AWG lines drop down with the positive line reflecting a 30 amp inline fuse. I'd like to take advantage of this prewiring to avoid hauling the lead acid battery out when I have it at home in storage and when we are in a location where we want to leave the RV parked and take a long side trip. With the master switch in the on position, I realize there is some draw on the battery. My main goal is to only ensure that the frig, while running on propane, has battery power to keep it running and the preinstalled PC type fans behind it. That is my goal and the only item I am looking to keep online with a charged battery. While in storage between trips and the master switch in the off position, I want to keep the battery charged until our travel season is over.

One thing I recommend when installing Solar, or any battery system components, is to look at what your final system might look like. This way you can avoid buying components that fit your needs today, yet they don't fit into the bigger picture. Your stated need is a good example: you could probably get by with a 100 Watt Solar panel and a very cheap Solar Charge Controller. However, once you begin to experience the advantages of Solar, your (and your Family's) desires may change. If that happens, you will need to throw out that cheap Solar panel and Solar Charge Controller in order to get the system you really want down the road.

Based on the above: I recommend you install at least one 325 - 400 Watt Residential Solar panel and a Solar Charge Controller that has enough amps to handle a pair of your panels (this allows for an easy future upgrade). The price for a single 325 (+) Watt Residential panel is equivalent to what you would pay for a single 100 - 150 Watt Solar panel from suppliers like Renogy, Furrion, or Newpowa. This should give you what you want while allowing for some cloudy days while you are away from the camper.

To help you with more information on Solar an Lithium batteries, here is a thread with more information:

Affordable-Solar-How-To-Design-and-Install-an-Affordable-Solar-System

[Always Learning]

I have a basic question for a basic need. I need to determine the wattage of a solar panel I need to keep the lead acid battery charged to ensure my frig will keep running on propane while I take one or more days on side trips away from the unit. I realize there are other draws on the battery since the master battery switch will be left open. So, for this basic need, what size panel would ensure my requirement? I would be off shore power during the side trips.

Get a battery monitor like a Victron BMV 712 and it will tell you exactly how much power you are using and you can calculate your solar needs from that information.

[SolarPoweredRV]

We just purchased a 22MLE with one 165 watt solar panel, is there a simple way to connect another 165 w panel to the existing one? Does the charger have to be upgraded?

Usually, the OEM Solar system is sized large enough to accept a second panel of the same size and voltage.

Here is more information on Solar systems:

Affordable-Solar-How-To-Design-and-Install-an-Affordable-Solar-System

Be sure to click all the links to get more detailed information from all the contributors.

[Jomani]

We just purchased a 22MLE with one 165 watt solar panel, is there a simple way to connect another 165 w panel to the existing one? Does the charger have to be upgraded?

You should have a 25 amp MPPT Charge Controller. The specs for that charger has a max input of 300w. In a perfect world, two 165w panels connected in parallel would be 330w - too much

Operating voltage on your panel should be 19.4 volts. Since 165 watts divided by 19.4 volts equals 8.5 amps, the total output of two panels (in a perfect world) would be 17 amps @ 19.4 volts (parallel) or 8.5 amps @ 38.8 volts (series).

https://cdn.accentuate.io/6641527586...7097014132.pdf

https://cdn.accentuate.io/1928957001...4464325599.pdf