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Old 06-01-2017, 05:10 PM   #1
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Our New 100 W Renogy Solar Panel Kit Install

Finally got around to installing our 100 W Solar Panel Kit and tested it out this past 3 day weekend and it worked like a champ!!!!

We did end up buying a new 12 Volt Group 27 Deep Cycle Battery to complete the system since the old battery was over 4 years old.

Now the trailer doesn't have to be plugged in to keep the battery charged and ready for a trip!



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Old 06-01-2017, 05:21 PM   #2
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NICE JOB!!!!!

It is a GREAT feeling of accomplishment once you watch the display and it shows that the SOLAR is taking care of business for you. Although, you do realize that this is just the beginning... I see more SOLAR in your future.

Again, nice job!

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Old 06-01-2017, 06:38 PM   #3
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Describe the use of your switches please. I was going to connect to the cutoff switch I already have on the hot side of my batteries (that disconnect them from the parasitic drain) but was unsure what the impact would be to the controller if it had no battery to "push" the current to and was still receiving from the panels.

Thanks
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Old 06-02-2017, 05:06 AM   #4
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NICE JOB!!!!!

It is a GREAT feeling of accomplishment once you watch the display and it shows that the SOLAR is taking care of business for you. Although, you do realize that this is just the beginning... I see more SOLAR in your future.

Again, nice job!

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Thank you and yes but I can only go with an additional 100W panel without upgrading the controller. Plus would have to convince the wife/banker we need more
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Old 06-02-2017, 05:15 AM   #5
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Describe the use of your switches please. I was going to connect to the cutoff switch I already have on the hot side of my batteries (that disconnect them from the parasitic drain) but was unsure what the impact would be to the controller if it had no battery to "push" the current to and was still receiving from the panels.

Thanks
Dave, the disconnect on the left is for the panel to controller and the one on the right is for the battery to controller. The controller instructions state that the battery must be on first before the panel to avoid damaging the controller. The way I have it setup and the family instructions are, if we have to disconnect the battery power, first turn off the panel then turn off the battery. And visa versa for restart, battery on first then solar panel on. I have no battery disconnect switch for the original system because in winter I would pull the battery and set it in the garage until spring.
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Old 06-02-2017, 05:36 AM   #6
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Dave, the disconnect on the left is for the panel to controller and the one on the right is for the battery to controller. The controller instructions state that the battery must be on first before the panel to avoid damaging the controller. The way I have it setup and the family instructions are, if we have to disconnect the battery power, first turn off the panel then turn off the battery. And visa versa for restart, battery on first then solar panel on. I have no battery disconnect switch for the original system because in winter I would pull the battery and set it in the garage until spring.
When you get a chance place instructions by the switches. It will take any guess work out of the connect/disconnect equation. I used a label maker and put the instructions on the breaker boxes. Even I can understand them.

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Old 06-02-2017, 07:12 AM   #7
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OK that makes sense. I'm installing a Renogy system right now and are using fuses very similar to yours. I may end up adding switches too but pulling fuses would work in a pinch.
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Old 06-02-2017, 08:22 AM   #8
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Thank you and yes but I can only go with an additional 100W panel without upgrading the controller. Plus would have to convince the wife/banker we need more
I would think that 20 amp controller would be more than up to the task of handling two of those panels. You will likely find that unless you are in the blazing sun of the southwest, with nearly dead batteries, the panel will will only put out about 4-5 amps.
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Old 06-08-2017, 07:08 PM   #9
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Hello,

I am a solar newbie taking delivery of a Jay Flight SLX 175RD in the middle of the month and will be installing a Renogy 200 Watt starter kit with 40a MFFT controller.

I plan on roof mounting 1 100 watt panel primarily to keep my 2 6V 220amp batteries charged between outings and keep the other unmounted and use as a portable when I actually camp without power hookup. The trailer will only have a sidewall solar port and is not prepped for roof mounting.

I am not very handy or mechanically minded but the dealership estimates cost of installing starting at about $600. I was wondering about how long it took to do the install of the panel(s)??
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Old 06-08-2017, 08:24 PM   #10
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Well, I fabricated my own brackets instead of using the Renogy ones. Just cutting and drilling aluminum. When that was all done, it took me maybe 1.5 hrs to actually "install" the panels; mostly because I'm paranoid :-) I used VHB and have the option to add some Eternabond on top if needed based on the way I built the brackets. The total for running wires etc was another hour or so. Plus I spent a few hours measuring, researching, and wiring up two 6v Interstate golf cart batteries as a replacement for the single stock 12v. Good way to get to know all components intimately. The solar stuff is a hobby in itself :-)

Oh, it's a 200W system; I like your concept of one installed and one on the side but I went ahead and put both on the roof (for now)
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Old 06-09-2017, 03:24 PM   #11
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DaveT,

Did you connect the two panels as series or parallel??
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Old 06-09-2017, 09:34 PM   #12
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Parallel as I recall - there was only one option per the Renogy wiring connectors lol
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