Solar Setup

Cam Wish

Cam Wish

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Launch Member

Contributor I

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Kennesaw, GA, USA
First Name
Cam
Last Name
Wishnia
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18756

Hey everybody,

I’m looking to get a solar setup. Now I don’t have any idea on how to build a decent auxiliary power setup. I know Renology has a 100w solar starting kit but that doesn’t help me with an auxiliary battery. Black fire makes a good looking power bank but I’m not sure how to charge it with a renology solar panel.

The basics I’m looking for are a rack mounted solar panel capable of powering many lights, a fridge, a water pump, and maybe a few other plug ins. Preferably I’d like to start with it charging the black fire power bank, and then move to being able to run the black fire power bank and a second car battery.

If you’ve got a set up please share photos, or if you have diagrams/ instruction I’d also love to see those!
 
Here's my setup. It's not permanently installed and I don't always bring a panel with me, depending on the trip, though I have considered mounting a panel on top of my Jeep permanently even if it's not always used.

 
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Not to thread jack here but I was going to post something very similar until I found this. I do have a question though regarding the solar controllers. What is the function of it and how does it tie in? I've also been looking for diagrams.
 
Dseck63 said:
Not to thread jack here but I was going to post something very similar until I found this. I do have a question though regarding the solar controllers. What is the function of it and how does it tie in? I've also been looking for diagrams.
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The solar controller will monitor the battery. It's also a cutoff to stop it from over charging. I'll post some pics of my setup in a few.
 
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I've got this.

www.zampsolar.com

OBSIDIAN Series 100 Watt Expansion Kit

Perfect for small to mid-sized projects or rigs, our OBSIDIAN® SERIES 100-Watt panel works with any type of 12-Volt battery. As thin as a flexible panel and 30% lighter than a traditional panel without compromising efficiency, this American-made panel also features an ultra-aerodynamic profile...
www.zampsolar.com www.zampsolar.com

www.zampsolar.com

15 Amp 5-Stage PWM Charge Controller

The Zamp Solar 15-amp charge controller can regulate up to 250 watts and is compatible with Lithium, Gel, AGM, Conventional lead-acid (wet) batteries, and LTO 12-volt batteries. Protects and RegulatesAll our charge controllers use pulse width modulation (PWM) and five stages of charging to...
www.zampsolar.com www.zampsolar.com

You can also go portable with one of these. This is the 90W kit with a built in controller.

20191103_082044.jpg

I have it mounted to my frontrunner. I wired it down the back of the truck and through a hole under the carpet in the floor. That's where I mounted the controller. From there, you run the controller to the battery through the firewall. By no means am I an expert. It was actually very easy. If you have any specific questions let me know.

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89207698_10158032555888544_3513190137531990016_o.jpg
 
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diabetiktaco said:
The solar controller will monitor the battery. It's also a cutoff to stop it from over charging. I'll post some pics of my setup in a few.
Click to expand...

Interesting, so the controller works as a relay I suppose? Charging only when needing it? I have two Optima batteries on a t max isolator, even using the 12v instead of my inverter and the freezer will run the battery down quickly. The alternator will take it but bottom line is it's not charging the battery back up as good as it should be. I'll be following his post
 
Dseck63 said:
Interesting, so the controller works as a relay I suppose? Charging only when needing it? I have two Optima batteries on a t max isolator, even using the 12v instead of my inverter and the freezer will run the battery down quickly. The alternator will take it but bottom line is it's not charging the battery back up as good as it should be. I'll be following his post
Click to expand...

Correct. It'll show you how quickly it's charging, voltage, battery condition, etc. You can easily plug it into both batteries. You can also link a second solar panel to it for more power.
 
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Thanks for the pics and the info, I'm putting the pen to the paper when I get home to bookmark some parts.
 
Dseck63 said:
Interesting, so the controller works as a relay I suppose? Charging only when needing it? I have two Optima batteries on a t max isolator, even using the 12v instead of my inverter and the freezer will run the battery down quickly. The alternator will take it but bottom line is it's not charging the battery back up as good as it should be. I'll be following his post
Click to expand...

Think of it as a voltage regulator similar to the one in your car except it doesn't have to rectify the voltage from AC to DC since the panel is already outputing DC current. If you were to hook a solar panel direct to a battery you'd be putting over 20 or more volts into it unregulated. It would boil the battery in short order.
 
Downs said:
Think of it as a voltage regulator similar to the one in your car except it doesn't have to rectify the voltage from AC to DC since the panel is already outputing DC current. If you were to hook a solar panel direct to a battery you'd be putting over 20 or more volts into it unregulated. It would boil the battery in short order.
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Finally I'm understanding this a bit more I think. I've seen these kits online and had been wondering if it would help my setup. thanks!
 
I followed this video to setup my Renogy 100w solar kit from Renogy. Panel is installed on roof rack above cab, then wired to the charger controller, inverter, and fuse box installed inside camper shell.


4BA4CF46-549C-4BFB-AE6A-DEBE7CA6E023.jpeg
 
I’ve been watching will Prowse for a while, learning about solar. I too will be following his tutorials. I like that he tests numerous components of different manufacturers and lets you know what to avoid. My project for my Sierra will start shortly after we are freed and I can shop.
 
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Bluegrass rules said:
I’ve been watching will Prowse for a while, learning about solar. I too will be following his tutorials. I like that he tests numerous components of different manufacturers and lets you know what to avoid. My project for my Sierra will start shortly after we are freed and I can shop.
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Yup such as smart kid and explains stuff in a way I can even understand.
 
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Dseck63 said:
Not to thread jack here but I was going to post something very similar until I found this. I do have a question though regarding the solar controllers. What is the function of it and how does it tie in? I've also been looking for diagrams.
Click to expand...
"DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse" is a great resource for information and diagrams, installing, Charge Controllers, BMS, how to match system components, etc.. Definitely check him out for tons of information. Go with a LiFePo battery...you can discharge them farther than lead acid, and they last WAY longer. Pay a bit more up front, but save a boatload in the long run. Here's the URL:
www.youtube.com

DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse

Want to build an awesome off-grid solar power system? My videos will teach you everything you need, no experience necessary :)
www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
 
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Between Will Prowse and the book "solar and 12v power for beginners" I was finally able to wrap my head around building my portable solar 12v system.
I wanted something that would charge from pv panels or from vehicle alternator output and something I could use in the truck for camping or at home if PG&E decides to shut the power off again.
It took a while and this is my second, smaller version (dimensionally) but it works!
i6lQkiA.jpg

200w pv, Redarc bcdc1225d, Battleborn 100aH lifepo4, 1000w inverter, lots and lots of fuses and wires.
yfV4coe.jpg
 
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Sputnik said:
Between Will Prowse and the book "solar and 12v power for beginners" I was finally able to wrap my head around building my portable solar 12v system.
I wanted something that would charge from pv panels or from vehicle alternator output and something I could use in the truck for camping or at home if PG&E decides to shut the power off again.
It took a while and this is my second, smaller version (dimensionally) but it works!
i6lQkiA.jpg

200w pv, Redarc bcdc1225d, Battleborn 100aH lifepo4, 1000w inverter, lots and lots of fuses and wires.
yfV4coe.jpg
Click to expand...
Great Job!
 
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