Solar Install Questions - Panels on Ground

DieselJ

Member
Joined
Aug 27, 2022
Messages
10
Location
North East PA
Hello All - I've browsed the forums for a but didn't find exactly what I was looking for, so I apologize for if this is repeated elsewhere. We're kind of dipping our toes into solar before making a big investment in the upgrade so sorry if this seems a bit of a janky setup.

We're heading out on our first Boondocking trip (for 2 weeks) with our 2018 Solitude 375RES. We also have the factory installed LP generator that we intend to use but to do so sparingly. I picked up a 200W Renogy bundle pack off amazon to supplement our power use (lights, max air fan, small wattage stuff).

I do not intend to mount these to the roof but will be placed on the ground near the trailer. They'll be connected in parallel to (2) T-105 6V Trojan Batteries.

So my questions are:

1) The wiring on the "solar plug" to my trailer has a label that says 10amps. Am I correct in assuming that I'll need to replace this as optimal performance these panels would produce 17.6Amps?
2) Youtube install videos all seem to connect directly to the fuse box, is there a reason why the solar cannot run through the solar controller then directly attach to the batteries?
3) When I do choose to run the LP generator, will i need to disconnect the solar (if so i'll put in a disconnect switch?)

Thanks for the input!
 
It looks like your bundle comes with cables to connect the controller to the battery. I would place the controller inside the same compartment where the batteries are (two 6-volt would be wired in series), then let the controller to panel cables run out the door to the compartment (it should shut depending on where the cables hang). Don't mess with the solar plug, it isn't meant to be used with your kit. While you don't need to turn off the solar when you run the generator, you probably won't get much benefit from having it on. An inline switch is probably a good idea.
 

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