Zamp Solar Connection 2018 27’ Flying Cloud FB

[andysherard]

My 2018 27’ Flying Cloud has been prewired for 450 watts of solar panels on the roof. I’d like to use Renogy panels instead of Zamp. I’m looking for any advice on installation, new batteries, and how/where to install the battery monitor.

Thanks Andy

[jeffmc306]

Hi Andy,

Just to clarify, are you referring to the Zamp three receptacle box on the roof? Some guys abandon that box and install another - there's several treads on that. AirMiles, another member has installed Renogy panels if I remember correctly. Search for his posts.

I recently installed a Victron BMV-712 in our 27' Globetrotter FBT in case you're interested: https://www.airforums.com/forums/f44...bt-206365.html

Good luck!
Jeff

[AirMiles]

Andy, there is no problem switching panel manufacturers on the factory prewire. I have six 100W panels on my 27' using the factory prewire. https://www.airforums.com/forums/f44...ml#post2288336 I use, and would recommend, a series-parallel configuration to minimize the voltage loss over the factory prewire. I recommend reading through the "Solar Show and Tell" thread to research different installations of solar and the issues and benefits of each. Here is a list of components I used on my 600W installation: https://www.airforums.com/forums/f44...ml#post2288472 If I were buying new panels, I would purchase Renogy Compact 100W panels. I have two Renogy Compact 100W panels on my mixed-panel 600W installation.

Batteries depend on your budget. If you want to spend $2,000 or more on batteries, I'd buy Battleborn Lithiums. If you want to spend $250 on batteries, I'd buy Duracell EGC2 6V golf cart batteries (or Trojan T105 batteries). I'm not a fan of AGM batteries as it doesn't cost much more to move up to Lithiums. So the battery choice to me is $250 for 180AH of usable wet-cell batteries or $2,000 for 200AH of usable Lithium batteries.

I've opened many cans of worms with this comment. There are many ways to add solar and all of this is discussed in the Solar Show and Tell Thread.

[andysherard]

Thanks Jeff. Yes I would like to use the prewired three receptacle box.

Thanks Airmiles. Your post are the reason I’m looking at the Renogy panels. Is it possible to make a connector for the Renogy MC4 connector to plug into the existing Zamp three receptacle roof box? Or is it better to replace. I’ll reread some of your post.

[AirMiles]

You can buy an SAE-to-MC4 adapter. https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-16-5i.../dp/B07F1JMRSP or you can cut off the MC4 adapter and just use half of and SAE connection: https://www.amazon.com/Workman-Radio...VF6YX7DHB6Y56T

I cut an SAE connection in half and used both halves on AmSolar's recommendation. Make sure you get 10 gauge or thicker connectors.

[andysherard]

Thanks Airmiles. That’s exactly what I needed.

[andysherard]

Airmiles
Thanks again for all the links etc.. One more question, where did you end up putting your battery bank? Did you use the existing battery box? Is there a thumbnail I missed in all the post.

[AirMiles]

I upgraded my batteries to 235AH Duracell EGC2 6V golf cart batteries. These are wet cell batteries that need to be in the original tongue mounted battery box. With 400W or 600W of solar, the batteries get fully charged during the day from solar while powering any daytime power so I have plenty of Amphours to run the furnace, fans, lights and some TV use at night. I’m willing to deeply discharge these batteries and use up to 180AH (80% depth of discharge). Golf cart batteries are designed for deep discharges. My batteries have been used for over 260 deep discharges and still test and perform as new. A pair of these batteries costs $250 at Sam’s Club. When these no longer have the ability to run my fans or furnace all night, I’ll just go to Sam’s and buy another set. To date, I’m at $1 per day of use which falls with each additional day of use. I’m on my third year with these batteries and am completely satisfied with their performance.

[andysherard]

Thanks for the comment on batteries. I’m about ready to dive into this project.

[andysherard]

I’m following Airmiles template for my solar setup. Is there any reason not to use the MC4 connectors in wiring the sets of two panels in series?
Thanks

[andysherard]

I want to give a big Shout Out for Airmiles. I followed his 600 W installation for my 2018 27FB. Smooth installation with only minor issues. AM Solar also has some great videos and installation tips on their website.
Currently we’re headed to the Grand Canyon and southern Utah for a few weeks to test the install.

Thanks again Airmiles.