Solar Power FAQ

[Corey]

I like the one for the FJ Cruiser, but the site says for 2010 and on up.
Mine is a 2007, not sure why it would not work.

I take it they are lit up all the time too when the key is off?
Probably no worries though with a low current draw, much like an alarm warning light that blinks all the time.

 

[Corey]

Thanks Sky, I think I would go for this option with the simple switch on the ground side.

Seriously thinking of getting this.

 

[teotwaki]

From their site

"Switching of the unit may be achieved by combining both earth cables and switching the earth cable on/off. Similarly, a relay can be used to control the Volt Meter via the ignition key."

ebay listing http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dual-Batter...ash=item33b5a1fcac:g:x9kAAOSw9mFWMxE~&vxp=mtr

 

[Corey]

I talked with a guy there, and he joined the forum after seeing the thread.
I still need to order the battery monitor.

 

[Corey]

If anyone is interested, the Toyota blank switch dual battery meter total came to $64.50 AUD, but in US currency I paid $49.70, just placed my order.
I think the exchange rate said it was $1.00 US to $1.29 AUD.
Will probably take around two weeks to get it, and after I install it I will have it in my build thread and post a link here to it.

Since this draws such a low voltage, I may just wire them direct.
You do have to add more wire to it, I forget the gauge in my email exchange with them last week, but it is in my email at home.

Question, I have a Blue Sea box in my passenger footwell that goes directly to my aux. battery.
Can I just run the hot lead from this gauges aux, battery side directly to my Blue Sea box since it goes to the battery, or should I run the wire and fuse directly the aux. battery instead?

 

[Corey]

Cool, thanks.
It would be just as easy to run it out the same hole that the wire comes in for the Blue Sea box as the battery is right behind the firewall.

 

[dwh]

I thought this sticky thread was supposed to be Solar Power FAQ.

You guys need to start a new thread.

 

[Semi-Hex]

I think this is a nice overview for beginning solar.
https://www.thefitrv.com/rv-tips/how-much-solar-do-i-need-on-my-rv/

 

[justjames]

Good linked article,thanks!

 

[Golfer2000]

Are the links down for anyone else? I was really hoping to get my learn on

 

[MDH33]

Are the links down for anyone else? I was really hoping to get my learn on

Links all seem dead

 

[plh]

Links all seem dead

5 to 6 years will do that

 

[DirtTrailsWanted]

For a sticky thread it's a shame that so many of links are dead. This things needs some cleaning up.

 

[Ozarker]

Now I find out after posting!




Mounting section; neither link worked, says page not found.

Solar panel storage mod

Before I go reinventing the wheel... I was staring at my Chaser trying to think of ways to store the solar panel so I didn't have to keep opening and closing the tent. I came up with two idea's. A. Weld together some sort of frame that mounted to the Thule rack and positioned the panel just...

www.expeditionportal.com

Solar Panel mounts

Have any of you ever mounted solar panels to your vehicle while on extended trips? I'm curious as to their effectiveness as a battery back-up, as well as a source of energy for accessories in a trailer (i.e. fridge, etc). If anyone has any input, let me know. Thanks!

www.expeditionportal.com