solar on the side

[ux4it]

Just picked up our new trailer today. I was hoping someone could answer a quick question for me. To use the solar on the side plug in. Do you need a controller between the panel and plug in? Or does the trailer have a built in controller? Thanks in advance!

[Homersimpson]

If that is a Zamp plug-in, there are two things to know. First, Zamp solar units come with a built-in controller, so none is needed in the trailer. Second, Zamp uses reverse polarity, so you should use a Zamp solar unit (or a reverse polarity adapter.

[OregonPerson]

Most of the solar on the side ports use a SAE connection. As the previous commenter said.....check the polarity of the plug and make sure you get positive to positive.

Some of the smaller solar panels or portable suitcases, say less than 25 watts, don't need a charge controller, but most panels or portable suitcases will. Most of the portable suitcase kits will have a PWM charger controller, either built onto the solar suitcase or included for you to wire inside your trailer between the panels and batteries or port.

The other thing to note is that generally the solar on the side ports use 12-14AWG wire to connect to the batteries so they only expect you to run up to 200 watts of solar and generally a 20A fuse between the controller and battery.

Some of the vendors of solar suitcases where they attach a 30Watt PWM controller to the suitcase aren't providing you a weatherproof controller so if you expect to experience rain look to get one that is weather proof.

Also if you get a self contained solar suitcase, some are meant for stringing to other suitcases or panels and some are not. You can always cut the wires on those that aren't and add connectors but some manufacturers say it voids the units warranty.