solar panel connection to the teardrop

[Shadow Catcher]

OK my frustration level is very high. I am trying to find an electrical connector to go from the solar panel to the controller inside the trailer. Sounds simple.
Panels will be movable/removable.
It needs to be able to handle 10ga wire, go through the side of the trailer, be waterproof, not be a conventional 110 outlet [idiot proofing](wouldn't that fry everything).
Yes I have been looking on all of the solar RV installation/sources/help... I can find. I have looked for connectors Tyco/Amp, Marinco, marine... It's like power miraculously goes from the panel to the controller with out piercing the skin.

[bobhenry]

http://www.bluemarlinchronicles.com/female_12volt_transom_mount_pr_connector.htm

These look like they are what you might be looking for..........

[dreadcptflint]

Hey SC, what sort of solar set up are you doing? I am curious because I haven't laid out the money for mine yet.

[emiller]

I use these from McMaster Carr http://www.mcmaster.com/#69205k78/=4h22y7 the two-pin SAE connectors. I mount my panel pull out my extension and plug it in. here is my control panel

here is my solar panel mounted.

[dreadcptflint]

I have seen your set up a couple of times Ed. With the digital charge controller and the pole mount, it is an inspiration for what I want to do. I am still in the research mode and am scouring a couple of the solar boards to gain more information on the subject. (I have gone through this board a couple of times).

Currently I am looking at the Solar Boost 2000E 25A by Bluesky. They are running about $200 but they have MPPT. I was initially looking around a 15 amp but I wanted something digital an easy to use and the Bluesky appears to be the best in the small (15 - 25) Amp size.

Panel, I am leaning for a rigid panel of the 100+watt range. The problem is that I want something that will be tough enough to take down and set up. Most panels this size are fixed and are a little too fragile.

Mount, This is the next area that is being problem matic. I love the Solar Stik for style but it is not reasonably priced. Most pole mounts are designed for a fixed location or are outragously priced. The hardware is out there but I am still looking.

Tongue box, I have a couple that I am looking in diamond plate. When I get the Panel and Mount down then I will focus a little harder on this.

I am sorry to Hijack your thread a little HC but you can understand a little on why I am so curious about what you are doing with your setup.

[Ageless]

How about the connectors used with jumper cables?


http://www.rustrepair.com/SNOW_PLOW_PARTS/onlinecat.htm?r=fr&p=SN-ACC-SN.JUMP-849279

[jeep_bluetj]

I'll second the SAE connector -- it's commonly used for solar panels.

Look at the "RV Roof Connector" for a nice clean weather resistant way to do it.
http://www.solarseller.com/low_voltage_dc_pumps__lvm__teel__accessories__plugs_and_extensions.htm

If SAE doesn't do it for ya, Anderson Powerpoles with a weather boot would be my next choice.

[Shadow Catcher]

To answer the earlier question, I picked up a new Sunsai CC2000D controller on Ebay for less than half price, picked up a 20W panel for less than 80$. This will be integrated with a Progressive Dynamics PD4000 power control center and a Lifeline/Concord AGP battery. I was concerned that the PD three stage charge rate might be in conflict with the demands of the Lifeline AGP (there is a 15min desulfation period ever 21 hours)and wrote to one of the Lifeline engineers who indicated that he prefers the PD over other converters indicating that the 15 min boost ensures a full charge.

I want to have them on an extension when needed so that I hopefuly get them out of the shade.

My expectation is that I will need additional panels but with complete use of LED and not knowing what the current draw will be from the stereo or TV/satellite system will be, I have to start some where.

The Anderson Power Pole connectors are attractive http://www.andersonpower.com/products/s ... ctors.html but there is as far as I can find no water proof mount, I will however use them for panel and extension cord use. These are probably what are used on the Jumper cables, again no waterproof through the bulkhead connection. Bob I do like the trolling motor connectors and the local Bass Pro has them for a good bit less money, and more to the point this gives me an idea what to hunt for. I also like the SAE connector but it only goes up to 12ga.

[Corwin C]

I recently spoke to a gentleman who had a large bank of remote solar panels connected to his RV. He used a Warn Quick Connect Power Cable to plug the panels into the charge controller. I believe that it is made for a winch. He claimed that it was capable of 175 amps with a short cord (I didn't see how long the short one was) and over 90 amps with a long one (I'm guessing about 35-40'). The wire was definitely heavy duty (looked like jumper cable) and he seemed quite knowledgeable. I am considering this for my own build even though I definitely won't need that much power.

Corwin

[bdosborn]

You mean one of these through hull fittings?





They're about $25 at Westmarine

Bruce
P.S. Are you sure you need #10 wire? I did some voltage drop calcs and a #12 will work for anything less than 100W and a 15' run.

[asianflava]

The solar panels we build at work have this type of connection on the back.

[Arne]

I'd run it UNDER the trailer floor.. no water problem.... and very simple.

[Shadow Catcher]

bdosborn
Yep it is the one a Perko water tight deck connector, I got it for 15$ from Dusky. I went with the 10 Ga because I plan on having one short cord for when the panel is on the roof and one that is 30ft long for the times when I'm off in the woods trying to seek sun with the panels.

asianflava
The MC4 Amphienol connectors are meant to connect panels together and from what I hear are bit hard to get apart, there is no through the wall connector (I looked, because that was one of the options I was thinking about) which is why I went with the Perko. This is going through the side of the trailer. btw any suggestions for low cost panels

Arne the location on the side of trailer where this is going into also has the 30A Marinco shore power receptacle. Ultimately the socket will get wet when the MM is towed in rain no matter where it is and I really hate climbing under to connect and disconnect in the rain.


The Anderson Power Pole's appear to be the one favored by among other groups those in ham radio. I have also seen references to them being used in Australian caravans.

[nawlinsteardrop]

I like the MC 3 Connectors. For me they are the best type of solar connectors for small portable systems. Two hanging cables on negative and one positive makes for a full proof connection system. Also real easy to undo. new MC 4 connections require release tool and can be a pain in the @$$.

We have some 50 Watt Samlex panels that have the MC4 connectors, I have requested they be changed so we are clearing out the models.


http://www.outsidesupply.com/50-watt-solar-panel-special.aspx