Anyone install solar on their DRV?

MTK46 · 03-12-2019, 12:06 PM

I'm installing two of these panels on the roof of my DRV.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-200-Watt-...53.m2749.l2649

Here in the controller I bought.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Renogy-Rove...e=STRK%3AMEBID

My question is the pre solar wiring installed from the factory seem too small.
Has anyone ran new wiring down into the bay? How hard was it to fish down?
I'm going to mount my controller on the wall between the propane tanks & the underbay storage. My extra two batteries will go there also.

**wingnut60** · 03-12-2019, 08:45 PM

I have 1260 watts of panels put in by AMSolar--did not think I had the smarts/patience to try it myself. They drilled the roof down into the electric control area. Also said they could not use the DRV wiring--to small to suit them. I also have 4 Lifeline AGMs lined up against the generator compartment wall, the inverter, controller, batt monitor and other switches are on the side wall of the generator compartment.

porthole · 03-13-2019, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTK46

I'm installing two of these panels on the roof of my DRV.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-200-Watt-...53.m2749.l2649

Here in the controller I bought.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Renogy-Rove...e=STRK%3AMEBID

My question is the pre solar wiring installed from the factory seem too small.
Has anyone ran new wiring down into the bay? How hard was it to fish down?
I'm going to mount my controller on the wall between the propane tanks & the underbay storage. My extra two batteries will go there also.

Your factory 10 AWG wire should be adequate assuming you are going to parallel the panels - you will have about 21 volts at 19 amps.

Look here for wiring calaculators.

https://www.renogy.com/calculators#tab_solar-cable

MTK46 · 03-13-2019, 03:38 PM

Thanks wingnut. I'm not looking to get quite that fancey. I can't mount anything next to my generator box as I have the Canadian package in mine.
I'm just going with 6v golf cart batteries.

friz · 03-18-2019, 06:44 PM

Suggest you contact Tony at TinCanSolar.com. They are staying on our property as guests via Boondookcers Welcome RV club. A wealth of information.

MTK46 · 03-19-2019, 12:31 PM

Got my (2) 200 watt panels installed up on the roof this past weekend. Added (2) more 6V golf cart batteries and my 40 amp Renogy controller.
40amp Renogy controller.jpg

I turned on all my 12v lights & the three fantastic fans, showed a 3 amp draw.
Panels were putting out 19.2 amps.