ae6black wrote:I have a 100 w Renogy Solar suitcase that seems to keep battery charged when using my refrigerator running on gas and camper interior lights. I am hoping to install led replacements if they get here tomorrow. Real test will come this week when I boondock for five days. I did it for two days and it kept my battery up during the memorial day weekend. The problem I have is that the controller for the solar panel isn't supposed to be left out in the rain. seems dumb to me to build something designed to be outside and not to have it so it can be left out in the rain.
Art
I can relate to your observation about the lack of weather proof charge controllers, and I have a related question. I'm looking at a variety of options to add some solar capability to my TD (which is under construction), but I have zero experience with solar. Regardless of which solar route I take (whether it be a packaged/suitcase option or the DIY route), I have a question for anyone who has some experience with this.
It appears that many of the charge controllers on the market are not weather proof (the Zamp Solar seems to be an exception; the controller is actually affixed to the frame of the panel). Assuming I want to put the charge controller inside the cabin - and out of the weather - I don't see that any of the branded "kits", (Zamp, Renogy, Grape, etc) or any DIY option address any kind of a port that would be installed on the wall of the trailer so the cable (coming from the solar panel) can be plugged into the port - and thereby to the charge controller on the other side of the wall??? The wiring for the other side of the controller would of course be integrated into the trailer's electrical system to charge the battery ... but what about the port? Any ideas on how to keep the controller inside the trailer and be able to plug into it from outside? I know putting the controller inside the box with the battery is one way to go but frankly I don't think that's a great solution since it's not going to be all that weather proof if I'm on the road in a driving rain. If keeping the controller dry is the issue, that's not an ideal solution. Is there a pre-made port to address something like this? (Of course, the more holes you put in any shell, the more potential leak issues you have, so there's that.)
Am I missing something? (other than brains I mean?)
Thanks for any advice or guidance. And thanks for the info posted here already. It's been really helpful.
Kevin
Raleigh, NC