GoPower 120 solar

dangerdave · 09-08-2015, 07:48 AM

I finished installing 2 new deep cycle batteries with a switch (thanks for all the assistance). Once I figured out where to put the switch it has been great.

Went with the GoPower 120 portable solar kit. Pricey, but very well made and it really works well too.

I'd give it 5 stars except on start up I got a POL (polarity error) because of a mis-wire on one of the junction boxes. This was easily corrected with the help of their excellent (state side I might add too) tech support. The manual doesn't exactly match the controller but close enough. I was told the controller is a new type and that's why..

Comes with a sturdy case and a trailer battery cable with connector...plus clamps if you want to use those. I opted for the extension cable as well.

I sadly read several accounts of these things walking away. Can anyone related and easy way they deter this while it's deployed? Or is it really a problem

Wanderer · 09-08-2015, 08:15 PM

I was looking at that same solar option on Amazon. When I realized the 2016's Jayco's came with Zamp solar plug, I didn't see an option for that connector on the GoPower units. Did you modify the connectors to accommodate Zamp or you using battery clamps?

Sadly I've been reading much about your concerns of these sprouting legs. Wish I had solid suggestion, but I will be in the same boat as you once I decide on GoPower or Zamp.

dangerdave · 09-08-2015, 08:38 PM

I searched around first for Zamp and couldn't find them in stock anywhere. Apparently there is a nationwide shortage. I think the GoPower is just as good and a bit cheaper so I'm kinda glad I had to look a them.

The GoPower comes with its own connector you just attach to the red/black and the solar unit just plugs in to it. You could mount it like the Zamp I guess. The Zamp connector isn't anything fancy, it just runs wires to the battery.

finally03gt · 09-09-2015, 06:26 AM

Major first time RV'er here.... How much power would be required to dry camp for a day or so at a time? Obviously, running the A/C on solar, or anything less than 120V for that matter, isn't going to happen. But lights, water pump, ect. Honestly, I haven't taken delivery yet, and I'm not even sure what is 12V 120V and gas. I'm looking at solar battery maintainers, seems like a good investment, but going solar power is another level I assume.

dangerdave · 09-09-2015, 07:34 AM

That's a big subject I'm sure the experts here will weigh in on.

Big difference between total solar power and solar battery charging. These panels quietly charge your battery all day without you having to fire up the generators for that purpose. Generator noise is a big topic amongst RV'ers.

Take it from me. I'm fairly new at this too and learned the hard way that you need to get the battery situation sorted out before you're out there.

Lots of excellent resources here. VERY helpful folks.

Wanderer · 09-09-2015, 07:42 AM

Thanks dangerdave, appreciate the input. I'm sure you did you're homework, but I do recall reading some user opinions a while ago on Amazon regarding security of the device from thieves. Not sure if anything there could help, thought I'd throw the idea out if you haven't already done so.

dangerdave · 09-09-2015, 07:51 AM

Our experience out here in AZ has been wonderful, with other campers watching out for each other. I'm sure it's not unique to AZ either.

However, I'm thinking of hiring little El Chapo here to keep an eye on it.

**Mustang65** · 09-09-2015, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by finally03gt

Major first time RV'er here.... How much power would be required to dry camp for a day or so at a time? Obviously, running the A/C on solar, or anything less than 120V for that matter, isn't going to happen. But lights, water pump, ect. Honestly, I haven't taken delivery yet, and I'm not even sure what is 12V 120V and gas. I'm looking at solar battery maintainers, seems like a good investment, but going solar power is another level I assume.

Like dangerdave said this is a BIG subject that has more opinions that you want to hear.

Portable vs permanent mounting... How much SOLAR/Batteries do you need... low voltage or high voltage panels.. 40 watt panels vs 100 watt panels vs 300 watt panels.. PWM or MPPT Solar charge controllers.. just enough solar to keep your batteries fully charged vs running your TT with out needing shore power.. how much battery you need vs how much battery you want vs how much your panels can charge.. where to put your batteries... on the TT tongue or in a storage compartment.. type of battery, sealed vs flooded batteries (normal).

Take a look at our "RVing with SOLAR" community and there are some tips that may help you there... and of course there is also the HandyBob's blog regarding SOLAR for RV's .

...and finally it is still up to you to decide the way you want to go which will depend on your needs an your $$$$ budget.

(take 2 aspirin here)

Planning is the fun part... any questions just YELL, there are a lot of members that have gone solar and they can share their projects and opinions

Good luck,

Don
I went with permanently mounting my panel on the roof.. totally happy with my set up.. pictures can be found in the solar link below

Racinforthefinish · 09-09-2015, 09:51 AM

I also went with the GoPower 120 on Amazon. It came with the connector that I installed directly to the batteries where I can plug it in and have instant charging. I use two deep cycle 12 volt batteries and this solar arrangement keeps them charged. I have the generators on stand by but really haven't needed them for anything unless I need air conditioning.
Go Power! GP-PSK-120 120W Portable Folding Solar Kit with 10 Amp Solar Controller
by Go Power!

Wanderer · 09-09-2015, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dangerdave

I searched around first for Zamp and couldn't find them in stock anywhere. Apparently there is a nationwide shortage. I think the GoPower is just as good and a bit cheaper so I'm kinda glad I had to look a them.

The GoPower comes with its own connector you just attach to the red/black and the solar unit just plugs in to it. You could mount it like the Zamp I guess. The Zamp connector isn't anything fancy, it just runs wires to the battery.

I reached out to a dealer in CA who said Zamp ZS-160-P is in stock on East Coast or Mid West with a 7 business day delivery. The price is high @ $796 compared to GoPower from Amazon. (even when comparing the 120's) Mark up is excessive, but what RV dealer isn't. FYI

**Mustang65** · 09-09-2015, 11:33 AM

The last place that I would purchase a SOLAR system is an RV dealer. Most of them have no clue as to what they are talking about when it comeS to batteries and or SOLAR.
Don

dangerdave · 09-09-2015, 12:13 PM

Wanderer....let me point out here that Mustang65 probably designed the power grid for the space station.

Wanderer · 09-09-2015, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dangerdave

Wanderer....let me point out here that Mustang65 probably designed the power grid for the space station.

LOL in tears!..

Unfortunately Zamp has the exclusives to selling thru the dealers currently, pretty hard to find elsewhere. Was kind of curious how Jayco decided on their plugs as standard? Would fall in line with the exclusivity.

I am in no way an expert on any of this, simply trying to educate myself and share what I can when I can in hopes of giving back and paying it forward.

finally03gt · 09-09-2015, 02:22 PM

Think I may be trying to open a can I'm now where near ready for..haha. I'll just stick with a simple 2-5 amp solar battery maintainer. Anyone have a recommendation on that. I want one that actually monitors charge voltage, and shuts off, and trying to stay under $100.

Isaacs · 09-10-2015, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by finally03gt

Major first time RV'er here.... How much power would be required to dry camp for a day or so at a time? Obviously, running the A/C on solar, or anything less than 120V for that matter, isn't going to happen. But lights, water pump, ect. Honestly, I haven't taken delivery yet, and I'm not even sure what is 12V 120V and gas. I'm looking at solar battery maintainers, seems like a good investment, but going solar power is another level I assume.

I bought a 160 watt panel from solarblvd.com. (Look for them on ebay and you can save money on shipping). I got a charge controller, Z brackets and connectors from ebay. I used 12 gauge landscape wire from Lowes. I think my total cash outlay was less than $200.

I dry camped for two weeks with no problems. Two people showering every day, lights (all LED), occasional furnace, music--I didn't hold back at all. At this point, I left the panel on the ground and did not bother to move it as the sun moved.

Since then I have moved the panel to the camper roof. The ground thing is a pain in the butt and an easy target for jerks to steal. I then camped for four days in total shade; still no problems but it did not recover as quickly.

I hope I'm posting this in the right place; hope it helps!

finally03gt · 09-10-2015, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Isaacs

I bought a 160 watt panel from solarblvd.com. (Look for them on ebay and you can save money on shipping). I got a charge controller, Z brackets and connectors from ebay. I used 12 gauge landscape wire from Lowes. I think my total cash outlay was less than $200.

I dry camped for two weeks with no problems. Two people showering every day, lights (all LED), occasional furnace, music--I didn't hold back at all. At this point, I left the panel on the ground and did not bother to move it as the sun moved.

Since then I have moved the panel to the camper roof. The ground thing is a pain in the butt and an easy target for jerks to steal. I then camped for four days in total shade; still no problems but it did not recover as quickly.

I hope I'm posting this in the right place; hope it helps!

Well that's some handy information! So you are just running on the battery (batteries?) and letting the solar set up charge them? Guess what I'm asking is, where is your charge controller output connected?

Isaacs · 09-12-2015, 03:21 PM

The charge controller output simply connects to the same wires that go to your battery. I have two batteries because I used to dry camp without the solar--they are hooked together in parallel. That way I could remove one for charging (wherever I could mooch some power) without interrupting things.

I now run off of one battery and keep the other one on standby in case something goes wrong.

Correction: The panel I bought was 140 watts, not 160.

You can put as big or as many panels as you have room for if you want. Don't exceed the input level of the controller.

finally03gt · 09-12-2015, 04:24 PM

I will be looking into it for sure. Thanks.

Seann45 · 09-15-2015, 10:42 AM

Use a bicycle cable lock to lock the solar panels to the RV.. That is usually enough to deter the punks of the world.

Todd Klassy · 09-15-2015, 10:59 AM

I went a different route and I'm very happy with my system:

Renogy 400 Watt Off-Grid RV Solar Kit $ 819.99
Samlex PST-2000-12 2000 Watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter $ 626.22
Samlex RC-200 Remote Control for PST-2000-12 Inverter $ 67.00
EPsolar MT50 Remote Solar Charge Controller Display $ 33.92
Go Power! TS-30 30 Amp Automatic Transfer Switch $ 79.99
Progressive Dynamics PD9280V Converter w/Charge Wizard $ 247.71
Universal Power Group 6V 200 AH UB62000 G27 Batteries (4) $ 879.80
Battery Failsafe Devices 12 Volt LCD Low Battery Alarm $ 64.00
1990 Blue Sea PowerBar 1000 - 8 3/8" Terminal Studs w/Cover $ 117.21
Blue Sea Systems 5191 Fuse Block Terminal 30-300 Amp (4) $ 84.24
Samlex 100 Amp Terminal Fuse (2) $ 54.28
Samlex 300 Amp Terminal Fuse (2) $ 54.28
Battery Disconnect Switch $ 29.97
Cable and Miscellaneous Parts $ 245.45

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