Seneca "wired for solar"

[MD3]

Our Seneca came with a flyer stating it was "wired for solar" and has some connections on the roof already.
Anyone else have this and install solar ?
Just wondering what all I need besides the panels and what is all involved with installing solar. Not sure if this is a DYI since some wiring is already ran or if I need to have it done at the dealer.


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[WaltW]

2 suggestions: (1) call Jayco support and ask them (2) look on the roof to see if there is a small box or plate covering access to wiring. On my 2011 Monaco "pre-wired for satellite" meant that there were wires under the roof and you had to drill a hole a fish around for them. Hoped you hit the right spot the first time.

A visible access point will make life a lot easier. Good luck.

[JimL]

It means the hard work (most of it) is done. You have the power cabling installed by the factory between the roof (there is a industry standard connection plate up there to connect to solar panels) routed down into one of the driver side storage bays (near the house batteries) so you can install a solar charge controller and connect to your batteries for solar charging. Jayco didn't include these items, because there is a huge choice in wattage and type, and each person will want to choose their own based on their needs (for instance, simple solar battery maintainer, or full timer that boondocks a lot). I haven't set mine up yet, as I am still evaluating options.

[pconroy]

Take this as more rumor than fact, but in reference to your 'range of wattage' comment, I heard/read that the wire gauge Jayco used is pretty thin. Again, don't know if true or not, but something worth checking.

[Les7h]

Check with Jayco about the gauge of wire they used and limit your solar to what the wire can support and possibly you could pull larger wire by using the existing wires - wouldn't that be great if it's possible

[Seneca Jayco]

Interesting going to look into that, thanks

[kneeslider]

I have a 2016 octane s/l 222 which is "prewired for solar" the solar connection is on on the from (tongue) so I assume all I need to do is plug in a solar panel kit a wait for the magic to happen. True or false?

[MD3]

I've got an email into Jayco and they are trying to find the location of where the wires run so I can install the solar charger controller. Tech support is waiting on an email back from one of the engineers.
I pulled out the main control panel and no extra solar wires running through the wall there... not sure where the solar charger control panel should be installed.
I called GoPower (company named on flyer in RV) to talk to them and no tech guys available so need to keep trying back.


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[kneeslider]

I have a little white sticker on the wall above the storage cabinet on the left next to the door that states "solar wiring Point" or words to that effect. the wall is shared with the head/bathroom. To install a solar controller are we to cut in to the wall?

[JimL]

Originally Posted by MD3

I've got an email into Jayco and they are trying to find the location of where the wires run so I can install the solar charger controller. Tech support is waiting on an email back from one of the engineers.
I pulled out the main control panel and no extra solar wires running through the wall there... not sure where the solar charger control panel should be installed.
I called GoPower (company named on flyer in RV) to talk to them and no tech guys available so need to keep trying back.


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It’s in one of your driver side bays and is marked - the bay behind the house batteries as I recall. I can look tonight and send you a picture.

[MD3]

Originally Posted by JimL

It’s in one of your driver side bays and is marked - the bay behind the house batteries as I recall. I can look tonight and send you a picture.

I found the sticker where you described...
The solar charger controller gets mounted in the bay ??
I would have never guessed that due to it needing to be in a waterproof location. Can't imagine cutting a hole to mount the panel and still being waterproof.
Any helpful ideas on how to make that work would be greatly appreciated.

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[MD3]

Originally Posted by kneeslider

I have a little white sticker on the wall above the storage cabinet on the left next to the door that states "solar wiring Point" or words to that effect. the wall is shared with the head/bathroom. To install a solar controller are we to cut in to the wall?

Just got off the phone with GoPower tech.
He said you are looking for that sticker somewhere inside the RV/camper/trailer. If the manufacture did it correctly.... you cut your hole for the solar charge controller panel mount where that sticker is and the wiring will be in the wall. Hook up 4 labeled wires and mount the solar charger control panel. Sounds simple enough.... now I need to find that sticker in mine.


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[JimL]

Originally Posted by MD3

I found the sticker where you described...
The solar charger controller gets mounted in the bay ??
I would have never guessed that due to it needing to be in a waterproof location. Can't imagine cutting a hole to mount the panel and still being waterproof.
Any helpful ideas on how to make that work would be greatly appreciated.

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I suppose you can mount the charge controller anywhere you want - in the 2018 Seneca 37HJ (M2 Chassis) the wires from the roof terminate into a box in the 3rd bay back from the drivers door (this is next to bay 2 (the house batteries) and under the living room slide. It makes perfect sense to me, as this is also where your 2000W pure sine wave inverter is located. I took photos and will attempt to post momentarily.

BTW - under the cover is (2) wires (Red & White) and while I would need to do a closer inspection, I believe they are 10 gauge.

[JimL]

BTW - I wouldn't say the charge controller has to be in a "waterproof" location - rain protected certainly, but unless you are planning on some very high water, mounted at the top underside of a storage bay seems a safe bet to me - let's face it, that sine wave inverter isn't supposed to get wet either..........

[JimL]

lets see if this works - photos attached.

[JimL]

Correction - wiring diagrams I have from factory indicate these are 8 gauge wires. I have wiring diagrams, roof layout (framing and backing), etc. if you are interested. - probably easier to email so provide a contact if you would like me to send what I have.

[MD3]

Thank you for all the info !
Mine looks to be exactly the same as yours is pictured. I have the inverter mounted there also.

Thank you for the pics and info !

I would have liked to mount the controller inside somewhere just to be able to keep an eye on how it is performing. I understand a person doesn't need to watch though.

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[JimL]

I could see how that would be an advantage (seeing it from inside). I need to really drill into all the wiring diagrams I requested from Jayco - it may be that a cable for "remote" monitoring of a charge controller is routed up to my corner TV/Fireplace unit - where my all in one panel is located - there is wiring behind it that is not connected.

I am sure there are charge controllers out there with the capability to have a monitoring remote display, if you should find one of them I would be interested in knowing the model.

[Mustang65]

The Morningstar Solar Charge controller Tristar MPPT (60 Amp), has internet connectivity. Some of the other mfr also have remote monitoring, you will have to check the specs on each one.

TriStar MPPT 60 >>> Remote hard wired display (60' cable included)
TriStar MPPT 60 >>> Wi-Fi Router >>> Smart Phone, Tablet, PC

The attached picture was taken at night.

PWM SOLAR Charge controllers usually do not have remote monitoring due to the low cost of the product, although I do believe I saw one that did have remote monitoring a while back.

Don

My Registry

RVing with SOLAR

[MoeA]

I would love a copy of the wire diagrams. Could you please send to moealarcon@hotmail.com?

Thanks!
Moe