Running solar charger cables through trailer walls to outside??

[DaveM]

Need some help with wiring my solar charge controller from a closed trailer compartment to the outside, so I can plug in my solar panel without having to open the hatch.

For ref picture son the trailer in question see this thread: https://expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/finally-found-a-venter-trailer-in-the-us.218915/

I have the Renology 10amp charge controller and a 100w RockPals folding solar panel. Both use standard solar cable connections (no idea what these are called). I want the cables from the charge controller to be exposed on the outside of the front trailer box so I can plug in with the lid closed and locked. I know I can just run extended cables from the controler out the side or bottom of the box, but I want the opening to be weather sealed, and I want to protect the exposed cable ends when not in use/driving. What are some solutions you guys have found for this? I'm less concerned about the holes through the box, I can use typical cable glands for this, but I really want to make sure I can keep the cable ends dry and clean and out of the way.

 

[kwill]

I would use a standard solar port:

 

[WOODY2]

^^^^ This

 

[DaveM]

And then just an adapter from the solar panel cables to that port? Looks nice and tidy, just what I was looking for. I think I may even have one of those in my electrical odds n ends bin! Thanks.

 

[DaveM]

ok, I have one from an old project, but looks like it might be 12 awg wire. Think that's ok? The solar panel is only 100 watt and I don't plan to add any more. FWIW, 12 awg is what's going from the charge controller to the batt now.

 

[john61ct]

SAE connector is indeed a "standard" of sorts, just nothing to do with solar specifically.

Good for **maybe** 10A continuously, but only from a trusted supplier, not cheap chinese crap.

OP, you need to state your ampacity.

Anderson is a good make, Powerwerx and Aussie eBay good for mounts and weather resistant boots.

I like TE Deutsch if real waterproof is needed, the DT / DTP lines

For cheaper automotive "standard" stuff - still much better than SAE bullets - many love Weatherpack or Metri pack.

Watch out for voltage drop issues, any connectors can't even accommodate AWG #10 wiring without losing some strands right at the terminator

which might be just fine. . .

 

[DaveM]

SAE connector is indeed a "standard" of sorts, just nothing to do with solar specifically.

Good for **maybe** 10A continuously, but only from a trusted supplier, not cheap chinese crap.

OP, you need to state your ampacity.

Anderson is a good make, Powerwerx and Aussie eBay good for mounts and weather resistant boots.

I like TE Deutsch if real waterproof is needed, the DT / DTP lines

For cheaper automotive "standard" stuff - still much better than SAE bullets - many love Weatherpack or Metri pack.

Watch out for voltage drop issues, any connectors can't even accommodate AWG #10 wiring without losing some strands right at the terminator

which might be just fine. . .

If ampacity means amps out from solar panel, it's 5.5a amps (https://www.rockpals.com/products/rockpals-100w-foldable-solar-panel).

I think the SAE stuff will be fine for now and I can upgrade later. Thanks for all the brand names though. I'll file these away for later work.

 

[john61ct]

I would buy a few of the SAE units then, and watch out for when the one in use corrodes so you can replace proactively.

Yes it will handle that low a flow no problem, even a Hella motorcycle style plug will do for that.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

 

[kwill]

It will work just fine. I have that style on my trailer and the same solar panels.

 

[KenC]

Feed through - Blue Sea