200 watt solar install
I decide to install a couple of Renogy 100 watt Solar panels on the roof of our unit to help kee- the Batteries charged while traveling without hook-ups. I used the Airstream 10ga “prewire” for my install from the roof top panels to the Victron 100/30 solar controller and then used 6ga wire for the rest of the install. I ran the (2) Renogy 100 watt panels in parallel which allows each panel to operate independently of each other so shading one panel would not kill the whole system. I installed one panel in the street side front and the other on the curbside rear. There is plenty of room to expand the system to 400 watts without any additional wiring by installing two additional panels (one street side and one curbside) and hooking the street side in series and the curbside in series. I accessed the Airstream factory prewire through the rear fantastic fan.
I removed the street side dinette seating to make it easier to do all the wiring. I also installed an additional plywood backer board to mount the panel disconnect switch and DC breaker for the system. The Victron 100/30 controller also has a Bluetooth dongle with allows you to monitor your system from your smart phone.
If you are looking to purchase any Renogy Solar product use this link: https://www.renogy.com/?afmc=AirstreamNutsandBolts
And enter AirstreamNutsandBolts In the coupon code box at check out to receive an additional 5% off your order.
Thank you!
I removed the street side dinette seating to make it easier to do all the wiring. I also installed an additional plywood backer board to mount the panel disconnect switch and DC breaker for the system. The Victron 100/30 controller also has a Bluetooth dongle with allows you to monitor your system from your smart phone.
If you are looking to purchase any Renogy Solar product use this link: https://www.renogy.com/?afmc=AirstreamNutsandBolts
And enter AirstreamNutsandBolts In the coupon code box at check out to receive an additional 5% off your order.
Thank you!
Total Comments 4
Comments
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Getting ready to do the same thing. I was going to install a combiner box with heavier wire down through the fridge, rather than use the factory prewire, in case I expand to 400w. I like the way your set up your panels to add 2 more and be series-parallel at that point. You got me wondering though, you mentioned you set your up so you can add 200 more watts without more wire. Do you feel the factor pre-wire is adequate for 400w? It sure would be easier rather than installing a combiner and bigger wire through the trailer.
Also...AM Solar has a package with 2 Zamp panels, all the wiring (bigger wiring for expansion of system), combiner box, controller, cut off switch, fuse, negative bus, sikaflex, dicor, panel mounting feet...everything needed basically, except the Victron monitor. Cost is $1395. Wondering what you saved by using Renogy, skipping combiner box and heavier wire. I need to look into that rather than the package.Posted 06-17-2019 at 07:51 PM by pcskier 
Updated 06-17-2019 at 07:54 PM by pcskier -
Peter,
First thanks for the comment.
The panels cost me 127.00 each and I made my mounting brackets out of 1 1/2” aluminum angle.
I believe I have about $600 total in my system.
I do believe the factory 10 ga prewire is adequate for a 400 watt parallel-series system. It works fine for the 200 watt system and by adding two additional panels in the parallel-series you are increasing the voltage which will help cover any loss that may occur.Posted 06-17-2019 at 08:34 PM by GMFL
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Wow. Less than half price. I need to look in to this option of ordering piecemeal and going with Renogy. I might even go right to 4 panels at that point. Awesome intel, thanks. Will check in if any questions as I begin to do this.
Posted 06-17-2019 at 08:58 PM by pcskier
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Been studying up. I believe I am going to build my own system, using Renogy like you did. They have a nice new panel that's called a 'compact' version, $101 apiece on Amazon. Gotta love that. Question for you. The prewire I believe are just wires terminating with crimp connectors. How did you hook up your two panels to these wires? Did you accomplish the parallel connections up on the roof with branch connectors to go from four wires to 2, which you then took into the trailer at the vent and crimped to the existing crimp fittings? Or did you just make up a harness by soldering or crimping the appropriate wires together and put heat shrink on them to make waterproof and button them up? I'm thinking I'll use the Renogy MC4 fittings/branch connectors that are tight and waterproof to do mine.
I'm right at $800 for the system including pretty much everything...panels, mounts (treating myself...$44 but that gives me adjustable ones for the curved roof); controller, Blue Seas switch, DC Breaker, connectors to make wires, and a Victron 712 bluetooth monitor/shunt package. I don't think I'm missing anything? Just need to add some wire and sealant and vhb tape. $800 less than the 200w Zamp 'package' from AM Solar by the time you add the battery monitor! (Their 200w 'package' is $1395 plus the monitor= $1630! Heck I can add 200 more watts AND my 6v batteries and still be less than their 200w system. (their 400w system is $2195 plus monitor. Insane!!)
Thanks for continued advice. I'm excited to get it all slowly put together, along with the 6v batteries...and leave the generator at home most of the time!Posted 06-18-2019 at 10:26 PM by pcskier
Updated 06-18-2019 at 10:42 PM by pcskier
