Solar panel installation 1999 Excella

[delactivisto]

All right... I'm sure this question has already been asked a bunch of times, but I can't seem to find any answers when searching Google or the forum.

I've got a 1999 Excella 1000. I'm not sure if it says that in my profile section over there yet or not. Anyways, I bought two Renogy panels, 12v 100 watts each, so I should have about 200 watts.

I looked at the Airstream instructions before buying the panels, and they said to just take the wires from the roof down to the wires under the fridge.

1. However, I talked to an Airstream specialist a few days ago when I stopped in for a general checkup for the camper. He said it was best to attach a solar controller to the panels, and then attach them directly to the batteries instead of tying into the converter. Is this accurate? Do I need a solar controller or can I attach direct to the wires under the fridge?

2. Do I actually run the wires down the fridge vent? Is the sharp edge of the vent a problem?

3. The solar center gave me some plastic blocks to glue to the roof of the camper instead of directly attaching the panels to the roof. Is that a good idea? They said to use "elastomeric" caulk, and I got some from Home Depot, but I would like to know if anyone else has done this with good results. They will be up there permanently as well... probably damage the paint if you ever wanted to remove them.

The panels then bolt to the plastic holders.

Thanks folks,
Ted

[cwf]

We have a similar... a 34'er...1999 Excella

At this time, no need for solar... since you are about to get serious.. contact "Lewster" on this site.. he is THE authority and installs solar systems professionally.

If Lewster says it, bank it.

Good luck!

[brokeboater]

Yes you need a solar controller between the panels and the batteries. Renology makes controllers. Look at some of the Renology kits and you'll see a controller included in them. Gluing the plastic blocks to the roof should be fine although I'd be a bit skeptical of generic elastomeric I bought from Home Depot.

[delactivisto]

Okay, I'll see if I can contact that user.

For now, what is a good way to route the wires to the batteries and a good spot for the control?

[cwf]

Ted... not sure about route of wires... with batteries in front, I suppose running thru fridge vent then thru the fridge floor and under the belly pan then forward coming up under the front center by batteries...

[delactivisto]

I have some cabinets to the side of the trailer, and then a jack knife sofa at the aft end, so to speak. The batteries are right under the sofa, which is kind of funny, because my Prius had its battery right under the back seat.

Anyways, I could easily just send the wires through some holes in the cabinets for now. I'm going to remodel it slightly and install a j lounge system in place of the small cabinets and jack knife sofa. Hopefully. Someday. But they currently offer a tempting passage for the wires, and they'd be hidden pretty good. I don't know very much yet, though, so there may be a better option.

Ted

[WayneG]

This is my story for my 84 motorhome, it wont apply to your install, but you may get some ideas in my ramblings
http://theouterlimits.ws/projects/airstream/solar/

[delactivisto]

Actually already found your article and was reading it.

[delactivisto]

Actually already found your article and was reading it.