adding solar

how do i add a solar panel to keep my battery charged?

You can find them at boat supplies and various other RV centers. As I see it, these are your milestones:

1. Mounting it (on the roof prob.);
   
2. running wires down to the battery;
   
3. attaching a diode to the wire (to prevent powering the panel);
   
4. sit back and when it is sunny enough, a trickle charge to the battery.

The panel's voltage output must exceed the batteries for it to charge the battery.

I have a 120W solar panel. It does a fine job of keeping my batteries up as long as the kids don't watch movies all day. There is a link to photos in my signature.

You need:
A solar panel
Mounting system
Wiring
Controller
Dicor sealant

The first thing you need to do is decide what you expect from the panel then determine the proper size. I would recommend a larger panel instead of one that simply trickle charges your batteries. The installation will be the same and the larger panel will let you dry camp longer without depleting your batteries.

I would recommend buying a kit that includes everything. All the parts in the kits are engineered to work together. AM Solar is good to work with and they have a lot of information on their web site that will help you decide. Their AM100-22B is a good kit.

Silicon Solar seems to have a good selection including some small, portable battery chargers.

If you decide to proceed, I can give you further advice on installation, running cables, etc.

If you mount the panel close to the refrigerator, you can use the refrigerator's vent chase for running the wire from the roof to the heavy gauge wire located at the charge converter. Most of the time they mount the charge converter near the refrigerator. Make sure you use UV resistant cable (10ga). Most solar kits have this.

Like Scott, I have a 130W panel and it works great for dry camping. In full sun it kicks out over 8 amps. You need a charge controller to prevent overcharging. I set mine up so that I can add more panels in the future. I think one more 130W panel will suit my needs.

I got my kit from RV Solar Electric

Adding a solar panel. Does anyone know how thick the plywood on the roof is so I don't drill thru into a wire?
Thanks

Answered in the other post.

scottz wrote:I have a 120W solar panel. It does a fine job of keeping my batteries up as long as the kids don't watch movies all day. There is a link to photos in my signature.

You need:
A solar panel
Mounting system
Wiring
Controller
Dicor sealant

The first thing you need to do is decide what you expect from the panel then determine the proper size. I would recommend a larger panel instead of one that simply trickle charges your batteries. The installation will be the same and the larger panel will let you dry camp longer without depleting your batteries.

I would recommend buying a kit that includes everything. All the parts in the kits are engineered to work together. AM Solar is good to work with and they have a lot of information on their web site that will help you decide. Their AM100-22B is a good kit.

Silicon Solar seems to have a good selection including some small, portable battery chargers.

If you decide to proceed, I can give you further advice on installation, running cables, etc.

Scottz - Were did you but the 120 Watt panel?

What's a good way to calculate your 12V/110 use on typical summer/winter days?

Is there a chart that you guys use to know how big a system you need?

TC

Is there much difference, other than price, between a poly panel and a mono panel.

Try these, or just Google "RV Solar"

AZSOLAR AMSOLAR

The wiring from the solar panel goes to the charge controller then straight to the battery connections on the converter/charger. this seems to work OK. if you need any pictures,let me know and I will try to post them next week as I am away tomorrow for the weekend.

Sean

We got our complete system from http://rvsolarelectric.com/ You can see the details at http://www.wildcatcamperforum.com/diy-improvements-f3/going-solar-t2833.htm The system is working great. We have been dry camping for two weeks. I turn on the generator ONLY when we want the a/c, and even then I shut off the charge feature for the batteries because the solar does that good of a job. We are currently at 3500' on the top of a mountain in the sun in MT. It doesn't get any better.

That's where I got my stuff too.

I just had to laugh at the 3500' on top of a mountain. I guess when you come from Florida that's high. I'm sitting at a valley at 4800' then the Sierras jump up to 9-10,000 ft a few miles west of me.

We are in the Bull Mountains in MT. In FL an overpass is high and you need oxygen.

I have her hitched and my wife is putting the final dietary "goodies" into the kitchen for a long weekend trip to our favorite spot in the Colorado San Juans. Between Rico and Telluride, Lizardhead pass is at 10,300 with 13K peaks surrounding lush green meadows full of elk. I just wired in an 1100 watt inverter and am waiting for my 135 watt panel, it is back ordered and should arrive in a week.