Precept 31UL Solar Panels & Battery/Inverter Question

[gowestwardho]

Has anyone with a Precept installed any solar panels and additional auxiliary batteries yet?

If so, would you share your experience?
What type(s) did you research?, decide upon?,
How did you configure the set-up?,
Where did you place the extra batteries?,
Did you do a roof-mount of the new "flex-panels"? (You can even walk on them!)
Did you run them through the existing inverter?, or add another?

I realize the Precept might be too new for anyone to have played with this stuff yet, but just thought I'd take a shot at inquiring while I'm still doing my research before placing a 31UL order.

[whereswardlaw]

Hello GWH,
I would be interested in this same info. I have the 31UL and the batteries and
inverter just don't cut it. I need to upgrade.

I have not had a chance to do much research. The flex panels sound neat, the Wynns like them (GonewiththeWynns).

Pass along any tricks you learn.

cheers

[Grumpy]

Contact JAYCO or have your dealer check since it may be prewired from the batery compartment to the roof. The older SENECAs were.

[Mustang65]

Originally Posted by gowestwardho

If so, would you share your experience?
What type(s) did you research?, decide upon?,
How did you configure the set-up?,
Where did you place the extra batteries?,
Did you do a roof-mount of the new "flex-panels"? (You can even walk on them!)
Did you run them through the existing inverter?, or add another?

While at the Tampa RV show I was looking at a Jayco TT that was set up for solar (on the display sheet) and they said it was only a connection on the TT's charge controller. I am not sure if what he said was true, but when I climbed up to take a look I could not see a connector box anywhere. Best bet would be to send Jayco with your VIN to find out.(service@jayco.com)

** The first question is what do you want to use SOLAR for?
- Just to keep the batteries topped off?
- Dry camping without shore power?

- You will need to connect your panels to a SOLAR charge controller, then to your batteries, unless Jayco has a new Battery Charge controller they are using?

- Not sure as to what your existing inverter supplies 110VAC to? Usually only a few outlets.

- Flex-Panels (Amorphous type) can lose 20% of their output in the 1st year, while the rigid type (from mono- or poly-crystalline ) last better than 20 years in direct sunlight. When reviewing my options I saw some issues with the wire leads are connected to the panel getting moisture in them.

- Roof mounting is probably the best way to go, unless you intend on keeping an eye on portable panels, as they can get legs quickly. And I doubt very much that you are going to keep moving them through out the day and aiming them toward the sun.

- Not sure as to where you could mount extra batteries on the Precept, someone else can step in here. But for best results all the batteries should be close together and as close to the inverter as possible.

Just my thoughts,

Don

[whereswardlaw]

Thanks Grumpy and Mustang... I'll contact Jayco about pre-wiring...

As for me, dry camping is my goal - as much as possible.

The inverter that came with the Precept is only a 400 Watt and
it is modified sine wave - as I understand it, that is no bueno...

Thanks for the pointers...

Eric-

[whereswardlaw]

Originally Posted by whereswardlaw

Thanks Grumpy and Mustang... I'll contact Jayco about pre-wiring...

As for me, dry camping is my goal - as much as possible.

The inverter that came with the Precept is only a 400 Watt and
it is modified sine wave - as I understand it, that is no bueno...

Thanks for the pointers...

Eric-

I stand corrected, the inverter is a 1000W modified sine wave (Xantrex Pro 1000M) in my 2014 Precept 31UL.

Still I'd like to upgrade this to a 3000W pure sine and tie in more outlets for boondocking, etc.

I'm starting to assemble my components for my Solar Panel system... I'm probably making some mistakes, but that's how I learn best ;-)

I'm learning a ton from all the info and videos on the net, but it can be info overload too, so I'm diving in..

-I bought 2 unisolar 136W (18' long!) stick-on flexible panels (I understand they may not be the most efficient, but I just like that low profile look).
-They were easy to install and seem to be sticking very well.
-I purchased 2 T-105 6V batteries to replace the 2 12V. They fit fine in the existing tray -snug- It seems possible to modify and enlarge that tray to get two more batteries in there, but I'll try that down the road some day.
-I got the Victron BMV-702 battery monitor - it was working great for a couple of weeks and now is dead!?!? Haven't figured this out yet.
-I bought the "MPPT TRACER 3215RN Solar Charge Controller" and mounted it on the wall in the battery bay next to the leveling jack hydrolic reservoir.
-My MC3 solar wire and connectors just arrived, so the next step is to hook everything up.

There is no prewire ports on the roof of the precept so I am planning to run the wires down the air vent over the bathroom like I've seen some other RV'ers do. I hope that works...

Hopefully will have my initial setup tied together in the next week or so.

I like the looks of the GoPower 3000W inverter. I may get that to replace my Xantrex - not sure yet, though...

cheers
Eric

[ddrueckh]

I do not have a precept, but have installed solar on my Jay Flight. I like the kits from amsolar.com. Very high quality kits and come with everything you need. This is the second kit I have installed from them. I am no expert, but have heard that the stick on panels are not as efficient. They also get hotter sitting on the roof which further reduces the efficiency. I would stick with standard panels. Let me know if you want any other info regarding installing a system.

[Arniesports60]

whereswardlow... thanks for info on solar. sometime down the line
i would be interested in adding this feature to my new Precept.
(Just bought our new 2015 31UL in april).

Also, please join and post messages on the Precept Owners Group forum
since many of use use this group forum to post issues and suggestions..

Mike

[Arniesports60]

if not already - please join our Precept Owners group and post messages
and see what's up with fellow Precepters..

[Mustang65]

Originally Posted by whereswardlaw

.

Still I'd like to upgrade this to a 3000W pure sine and tie in more outlets for boondocking, etch.

I am not sure as to what you plan on running off of the 3000 watt inverter, but you will need to leave your generator on because 2 T105's (220Ah) are not going to last long with any major drain. I have a 1500 watt inverter (at peak our average output is around 300_350 AC watts, or around 25Amps DC) , and 4 to 5 hours of watching TV/movies at night, a few LED lights, some heat overnight.. and I am around 12.2VDC in the morning. Which meets our needs.

If you are running off batteries only and you are using 1500 watts of your 3000 watt inverter, that is 125 amps coming from your batteries. Since you can only use 1/2 of your batteries 220Ah rating, you would need to start your generator in less than 1 hour.

Before you purchase a 3Kw inverter, try camping with the 1Kw inverter, even if it is at your house and see how it works out. For best results run your generator for coffee and microwave. If you plan on using the generator most of the time, you should not have any issues.

A few of the members have 6 T105's, and they still need to watch their usage.
Don

[Russ]

I am in the process of setting up solar for my new 2016 Precept 31ul. I have (2) 100watt monocrystalline panels, a 3000watt inverter, (1) 100ah deep cell marine batt, a 30amp controller (PWM type) which I'll be changing for a better one. and all the wiring. I'm also going to install a transfer switch between my stock house batts and my new set up. I may even add an additional batt. Anyone have any thoughts or comments. Please advise!

Russ

[Arniesports60]

Thanks for the post. I have been interested in enhancing our 31ul too.

One of my biggest complaints is that the factory inverter/electrical
only powers the front driver are outlet and the dinette tv.
I would like a better setup in which the mh had power to all outlets.

What made you decide to add solar and a new inverter?
How did you decide on the size of panels/inverter?
What positive impact will the upgrade do?

Thanks and keep me/us informed.

p.s. I will provide a link to some full-timers solar setup too.

Mike

[Arniesports60]

Below are some links to other setups:

Our 960 Watt RV Solar Install – A Step by Step Guide

Our 960 Watt RV Solar Install – A Step by Step Guide

Off The Grid - How RV Solar Works

[Arniesports60]

Off Grid Solar Powered RV Air Conditioning - Is it Possible? - Gone With The Wynns

[sjarr]

We are in the process of installing solar on our 2016 Precept 29UR - details here http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f3...tml#post490404

This is a work in progress will post pictures, details as they happen.

[Arniesports60]

FYI - I have setup this year's Precept Rally in 1st week of October for
Zion in UT. Have approx. 10 open reservations..

Let me know if interested and I will send info.

Mike

[sjarr]

Zion is AWESOME! We have never been there in October probably a great time to visit. As much as we would like to attend the rally our children are still in school and we live in VA so it will not be possible to make the trip, at least this Fall.

Will definitely post pictures and performance info. once the solar system is installed.

Can tell you the two Crown golf cart batteries made a huge difference, the stock batteries are worthless.