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Solar Panel Install

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Kingskerswell View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kingskerswell Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Solar Panel Install
    Posted: 31 Mar 2020 at 1:14am
Today, just completed a solar panel install and thought I would share this with you.  Used a Renogy 160W panel and 20A (Renogy) MPPT controller.  I had previously upgraded and installed two 6V golf cart batteries in preparation for this.  I decided to mount the SP on the front of the roof, near the top but on the curved section. Stiffener fabrications were added to the panel sides and unique curved brackets were designed and made to incorporate a swivel rear swivel to allow the panel to be orientated horizontally.  Overall I was quite pleased with the quality of all of the Renogy products (SP, controller, pass through bulkhead attachment and cable extension)
Not sure when we will be camping again and I am sure so many other people are wondering the same.







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Oliver View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Oliver Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Apr 2020 at 12:19pm
Wow! I don't know where you live, but if you could do that to my Pod, I would gladly pay you. I too have added two golf cart batteries but so far have been looking at a portable suitcase kit. The Zamp ones are expensive. How does Renogy compare? Let me know how it's working.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kingskerswell Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Apr 2020 at 10:57pm
I live in south central BC, Canada and I think you may be in SC, distance and border would be a problem right now.  I do have a workshop but some of the work I had to do in a machine shop and I think I have used up all of my credits.
This what I paid for these two primary items:
Renogy 160W solar panel cost $180 (US) 
Renogy MPPT controller $98 (US)


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Oliver View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Oliver Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Apr 2020 at 6:05pm
Your work is impressive. Was it difficult going through the roof? What model/year R-pod do you have? Unfortunately, I don't have the necessities to accomplish such a nice modification. So it looks like I will go with a portable set-up. I have been looking at the Zamp suitcase. My 2016 171 is wired for Zamp. Although expensive, it looks user friendly which is attractive. Does Renogy make a 160W suitcase kit, complete with controller that you know of? Those two seem to be the most popular. I wonder how Renogy compares to Zamp.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Oliver Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Apr 2020 at 6:11pm
By the way, how did you decide that 160 Watts is what you need for the two Golf Cart batteries?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kingskerswell Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Apr 2020 at 1:39am

As you may well be aware it is not difficult to 'go through the roof' but weather sealing is really critical. I used a 'Bouge' pass thru' molded bulkhead connector that has a two cable gland seal arrangements to make a good cable seal. The bulkhead was sealed with a one part Polyurethane sealant that is a favourite of mine because of its sealing, bonding and weathering characteristics. 

To answer your other question, we have a 2013 RP 177 HRE that I still keep finding ways to modify.

A suitcase type of SP should work equally well if sized properly for your requirements. I just did not want the hassle of having another item to pack and unpack and then not knowing if it would still be at my campsite after being away.

I don't think Renogy has a suitcase version but you should check out their US website: Renogy.com. 

I decided on 160W SP as it was close to the 200W setup we had on a previous TT outfitted with 2 x 6V GC batteries and I know that was good for 7 day dry camp excursions. Up here in BC we find that early and late in the year camping requires the use of the furnace in the mornings and evenings and I know it is very easy to drain a battery system when using the heating. If I find from use that the SP charging is inadequate I may add another panel similarly to what I have but at the rear of the roof or add a flex version. My two 6V GC batteries are rated at 220Ah whereas the previous single 12V was rated at 105Ah, so in theory I have doubled my battery storage capability.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Oliver Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Apr 2020 at 11:27am
You must have some beautiful spots where you live to camp. I wonder if I could get a Renogy 160W flex version and have an easier installation experience. I like yours, but I am currently living in mine, so going through the roof is out of the question. And returning to my campsite and finding my expensive suitcase panels have disappeared, is not something I want to chance. What do you think?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kingskerswell Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Apr 2020 at 5:57pm
Renogy US website indicates they have 50W, 100W, 160W and 175W flex panels.  You should check out their website as they have a lot of good sizing and install recommendations .  I think flex panels may be the solution for you.  I did notice someone on the FaceBook Rpod members group had posted some flex panel install pictures.  You might want to check out FB and see if you can make contact with that user. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Oliver Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Apr 2020 at 7:21pm
Thanks Kingskerswell
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