A solar question for you.

[Jeff Wanamog]

I have a heavily modded FWC that I have added a 120W solar panel with a Blue Sky charge controller to. My question is what would be the best place in the DC system to introduce the power?
If I mount the charge controller next to the dual batteries and run the charge wires to the batteries, should I then connect the line that goes to the DC panel to the "load" side of the charge controller? It is rated at 15 amps.
Would I tie in before or after the campers disconnect switch/solenoid? Or, would I be better off simply coming into the DC panel via an unused circuit? I am trying to avoid using a multitude of switches so my kids can use the camper.
I prefer the "KISS" method. (keep it simple stupid)

Thanks.
Jeff

 

[Northern Explorer]

Is your charge controller one of these?

 

[Northern Explorer]

I have a heavily modded FWC that I have added a 120W solar panel with a Blue Sky charge controller to. My question is what would be the best place in the DC system to introduce the power?
If I mount the charge controller next to the dual batteries and run the charge wires to the batteries, should I then connect the line that goes to the DC panel to the "load" side of the charge controller? It is rated at 15 amps.
Would I tie in before or after the campers disconnect switch/solenoid? Or, would I be better off simply coming into the DC panel via an unused circuit? I am trying to avoid using a multitude of switches so my kids can use the camper.
I prefer the "KISS" method. (keep it simple stupid)

Thanks.
Jeff

This is how I would do it (I'm not an electrician).

Battery positive to the charge controller terminal labeled battery positive. I would have a shut off switch on this wire.

Battery negative to the charge controller terminal labeled battery negative.

Positive line from the solar panel to the charge controller terminal labeled load positive or PV +. You could also have a shut off switch on this line.

Negative line from the solar panel to the charge controller terminal labeled PV -.

Connect directly to the battery. I would not go through the FWC dc panel or solenoid.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Not sure on the model of your charge controller but normally your DC panel will come off your battery.

 

[Jeff Wanamog]

I am using the 2512I Blue Sky.
My mistake, the "load" side is rated at 25 amps.

 

[Northern Explorer]

Yep...I would just set it up as shown on page 7. I forgot to mention a fuse in my previous post.

 

[Stan@FourWheel]

Four Wheel Campers usually keeps the camper electrical system and the solar system separate from each other (more or less).

If we install a solar panel, the solar panel wires will be connected to a charge controller, and from the charge controller directly to the aux. camper battery(s).

Then we would attach the FWC factory installed white & black camper wiring up to the aux. camper battery(s).

It is a great idea to use some "in-line" fuses if possible.

The FWC will get the power from the aux. camper battery(s).

The solar panel will keep the camper battery(s) charged up.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Glad to help as time provides.

Happy Camping !





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