Solar with camper disconnect switc

[kcordell57]

Getting ready to add a 100 watt GoPower panel to the roof of my 317RLOK. Trying to understand wiring diagram. With disconnect off, will the solar continue to charge the batteries?

[mini4mw]

I don't see where the solar panels/solar charger are connecting in the diagram.

I guess if that 20A highlighted piece is where the positive comes in (sidewall solar prep), it goes through that disconnect switch to reach the battery and if its off, the solar doesn't reach the battery. There should be a solar charger in here somewhere to monitor the battery and not cook it with an over charge.

solar panels - XXamp breaker - solar charger - XXamp breaker - battery

I put 20amp breakers in mine as that is the max for the MPPT charger I have. Everything in the coach then runs off the battery.

I can pop the breakers to work on charger and disconnect chassis from power entirely. The battery also has a disconnect switch for the chassis.

[GHen]

The diagram appears to be for the factory disconnect switch, which I believe is worthless. That’s a whole another topic.

The go power solar wiring goes directly to the battery. Everything on the diagram is after the battery. YES, the solar will still charge the batteries no matter what position the factory disconnect switch is in.

[GHen]

Mini is correct.


Your camper will have 4 separate electrical systems in your camper, although they are somewhat dependent of each other. Each system is connected to different parts of the camper.

110 volts from shore power, which powers items like the coffee maker or tv and can charge the batteries

12 volt from the batteries, for lights, furnace etc, and can power your inverter

12 volts (really 18-24) from the solar panel to the solar controller which charges your batteries

110 volts from the inverter, which may power a residential fridge or tv system and is powered by the batteries.

[kcordell57]

The wire from the roof solar prep goes to the green B + on the lower part as indicated. I have to install the solar charge controller (with 30 amp fuse) yet in the camper(I have found the + & - for this). The other pic I have shows the red wire already in the correct position.

[GHen]

Oh, I see now, sorry I missed that on the chart.

Your solar prep is connected to the “always on” portion on the disconnect switch.

Yes, it will charge the batteries no matter what position the switch is in.

[mini4mw]

ok, right. Constant vs Switched.

What is the sidewall solar? Is that a connection that should be from the solar charger? The solar panel itself should be a pair (+,-) to the charger. Perhaps the charger then connects to the 'sidewall solar' to reach the battery?

[GHen]

Do you have a roof and a sidewall charger? Is there maybe a spot inside the camper where a controller would be mounted? Should be a sticker on a wall.

There always needs to be a controller between the panels and the batteries.

[GHen]

I wasn’t clear, ...do you have a roof and sidewall connector?..

If it’s just sidewall per your diagram, then there must be a black two wire connector near where you hook your water up or somewhere near the batteries.

[kcordell57]

The sidewall portion is in the water panel. It is for a direct portable solar hookup, straight to the battery. If you put a meter on the connection, it shows battery voltage. Yes, there is a decal inside on where to locate the controller, just hoping that when I cut there, the wires are behind it as they are supposed to be. From what I have read, the red wire should be cut and labeled as to from roof, to battery. The black or white ground should be looped and have to cut it, figure out which is from roof and then wire panel.

[GHen]

I have a 2017 Jayco 291rsts, my sticker had a dotted line showing where to cut. I did and the wires were there to mount the controller. Now I have 3 panels on the roof. I have not used the sidewall connection yet.

[kcordell57]

Wow! Opened up the panel (actually just cut along the lines of the GoPower sticker) and both the wires were there!! 2 red lines, 1 marked + and a single black line. Cut the black line, put a meter on the red + line and 1 end of the black and read battery voltage. Checked other black line and nothing. Double checked other red line and nothing. So I now have my battery/ground wires marked and 'from roof' lines. Next step is to connect controller, add fuse and I'll be ready to put panel on roof. This is looking to be really easy to do. The only issue I am running into is the GoPower sticker that was on the wall, I cut on the lines, checked and control panel fit perfectly. Issue is it is really close to the stud on the right side, got about 3/4 clearance to connect wires to control panel, then 90 them down. Rather stiff wire to 90 but should work out. If I ha realized that the stud was that close (and I thought the wiring was on the left side of the control panel) I would have used the template from the manual and moved it over a few inches.