Adding solar to a Seneca?

[Sam]

I am considering installing solar on my 2014 Seneca TS. I have had solar on my past two 5th wheel RVs and enjoyed the convenience, especially when boon-docking.

My question is has any Seneca owner installed solar and if so, any pitfalls? Also how many watts and how happy were you with the outcome?

Thanks for any input. Sam

[Robbbyr]

Watching this too!

[Les7h]

We have 560 watts with a bluesky 3024il charge controller & 4 Trojan T-105RE batteries - we have only failed to recharge to 100percent 1 time on a rainy day
We have more than necessary & love it

[Dananu]

We have what sounds like same as Les7h has. Spent 10 weeks in Az Jan, Feb, March this winter. Never plugged in, ran gen only 45 hrs as had unusual cloudy rainy days. Have had solar since Feb 2015 and seldom need generator. Winter of 2016 spent 72 nites dry camping and ran gen 10 hrs total.

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[Robbbyr]

Can anyone describe how the rooftop power leads were routed down through the roof and to where? Where was the charge controller placed, one of the basement compartments?

Thanks!

[Les7h]

The only place without putting more holes in the roof is the sewer Vent & the charge controller is in the storage compartment to the right of the battery area - about 4 feet of wire from the controller to the batteries

[Dananu]

Through roof above fridge, down behind fridge, out bottom and foward into electric cord compartment. Out back of compartment to inside Trk frame foward to front compartment (behind battery compartment), near inverter on 2014 37ts.
I installed a fused ac disconnect from HD that the power from panels go through to controller, other fuse is used between controller and batteries,(pull fuses in disconnect to isolate panels and batteries from controller) all on front wall inside compartment with inverter. Also have battery temp sensor and shunt with remote meter inside coach. This controller also has ability to charge aux. (Chassis) batt and equalize batteries.

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[Sam]

I located an RV solar installer close to me. This is really amazing because we live in rural SW Colorado. The business is an authorized Zamp dealer. Zamp products are made in Bend, Oregon, USA, I really like that. I have read positive comments about Zamp and may decide to go with them.

Total of 320 watts, (two panels) 30 amp digital controller and all the needed stuff for a complete install. The owner will do the install and I probably will have him do it. I know the install is not difficult, however, I am 77 and certain tasks are not so easy now. Total price is approximately $2,000. I do think 320 watts will work for our needs, if we need more, we can easily add another 160 watt panel (controller will handle 500 watts).

If anybody has input please jump in.
Thanks, Sam

Robb, he will come through the roof then behind the fridge.

[Robbbyr]

Thanks!

[pmdevries]

In case you guys haven't seen it, Kurt Kuhl did a video on his solar install on his 36FK.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaybREuQaYA