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Old 01-09-2020, 06:37 PM   #1
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Does Renogy suitcase need an adapter for solar port?

For those of you using the Renogy suitcase solar panels.... is an adapter needed to plug it into the factory solar port on newer Airstream trailers? I've read that a polarity adapter may be needed but haven't been able to get confirmation on exactly what is required. Part numbers or Amazon links are always appreciated.

Thanks.
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Old 01-09-2020, 06:46 PM   #2
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This
https://www.renogy.com/mc4-to-sae-adapter-12-awg-cable/

And polarity reverse adapter
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Old 01-09-2020, 06:47 PM   #3
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And this
https://www.zampsolar.com/polaroty-adapter

Note that Renogy must be one with built in controller. Unless you have roof solar already the solar connectors on the roof do not connect to anything yet
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Old 01-09-2020, 09:01 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Garfish View Post
And this
https://www.zampsolar.com/polaroty-adapter

Note that Renogy must be one with built in controller. Unless you have roof solar already the solar connectors on the roof do not connect to anything yet
Yes. The suitcase I’m looking at does have a controller. Thank you!
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Old 01-10-2020, 04:26 AM   #5
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I have a Renogy suitcase, but my trailer is older and does not have a factory solar port. But it looks like those other links are for the same parts I bought for my setup. Would this accomplish the same thing as those?

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07K8GMRDJ/
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Old 01-10-2020, 06:58 AM   #6
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I have the 200 watt Renogy suitcase with controller. Connected directly to the batteries. Works great.
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Old 01-10-2020, 12:26 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Garfish View Post
And this
https://www.zampsolar.com/polaroty-adapter

Note that Renogy must be one with built in controller. Unless you have roof solar already the solar connectors on the roof do not connect to anything yet
I'm taking liberty to jump on this thread and ask a related question - if you DO have factory installed roof solar but want to add a suitcase panel to the port (which I understand will work INSTEAD of roof panel NOT at same time as roof panel) - does the suitcase need its own controller too?
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Old 01-10-2020, 03:48 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by Czarina View Post
I'm taking liberty to jump on this thread and ask a related question - if you DO have factory installed roof solar but want to add a suitcase panel to the port (which I understand will work INSTEAD of roof panel NOT at same time as roof panel) - does the suitcase need its own controller too?
Others can answer as well. If your current controller is large enough you can take a suitcase without a controller run wires thru existing hole with the battery cables and splice into the wires from the rooftop panels. Use a 3 way connector. Simpler and more efficient when using one controller. I am not an electrical expert and it was a fairly easy job.
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Old 01-10-2020, 05:52 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by teagues View Post
I have a Renogy suitcase, but my trailer is older and does not have a factory solar port. But it looks like those other links are for the same parts I bought for my setup. Would this accomplish the same thing as those?

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07K8GMRDJ/
Yes, will work
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Old 01-10-2020, 06:02 PM   #10
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Renogy suitcase can be wired in parallel if you have roof panels but needs to be suitcase without controller as two will fight each other. There were 3 plugs on roof so fixed panels in parallel into one plug and suitcase into second plug. All are now in parallel. I did this on my 22 and had MC4 connector on roof and just plugged the suitcase in with long extension and moved to sun. Got 300 watts that way all going through roof connector to Victron solar controller under bed. Also could plug in 2nd suitcase with controller to 7 PIN (had to fashion the adapter). Did not interfer with roof controller.
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Old 01-10-2020, 07:58 PM   #11
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Thanks.

Quote:
Originally Posted by teagues View Post
I have a Renogy suitcase, but my trailer is older and does not have a factory solar port. But it looks like those other links are for the same parts I bought for my setup. Would this accomplish the same thing as those?

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07K8GMRDJ/
That looks like it would be perfect! Thank you!
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Old 05-06-2020, 05:22 PM   #12
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What problems might be caused with my factory solar system if I direct connect the Renology suitcase panels to the batteries through their own controller. The batteries don’t care where or from how many sources they get their juice, do they?
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Old 05-06-2020, 05:47 PM   #13
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What problems might be caused with my factory solar system if I direct connect the Renology suitcase panels to the batteries through their own controller. The batteries don’t care where or from how many sources they get their juice, do they?
No, they don't.

I charge with two 180w Suitcase panels directly to the batteries thru the 7pin umbilical cord.

Bob
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Old 05-06-2020, 06:01 PM   #14
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No, they don't.

I charge with two 180w Suitcase panels directly to the batteries thru the 7pin umbilical cord.

Bob
🇺🇸
7 pin is a great way to do but if you use a Renogy then you need to splice in MC4 cable to 7 pin like I did. The 7 pin adapter in pic is for Zamp only I believe
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