{"id":1279,"date":"2019-01-13T16:04:32","date_gmt":"2019-01-14T00:04:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/?p=1279"},"modified":"2019-02-15T14:00:02","modified_gmt":"2019-02-15T22:00:02","slug":"adding-more-solar-power","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/?p=1279","title":{"rendered":"Adding more Solar Power &#8211; Last Updated Feb 15, 2019."},"content":{"rendered":"<p>My Ascape came with a 40 watt panel and associated controller. I&#8217;ve already upgraded battery to 2 x 100 AH Lithiums, located inside. Next on the list was to increase solar power to feed the batteries.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_3275.jpg\" rel=\"lightbox[1279]\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-1281 alignnone\" src=\"http:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_3275-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_3275-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_3275-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_3275.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The panels I decided to add are from <a href=\"http:\/\/www.globalsolar.com\/mobile\">Global Solar<\/a>. I ordered from the parts department at&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/safaricondo.com\/en\/\">Safari Condo<\/a>. They use them in their Alto trailers.<\/p>\n<p>In preparing for the upgrade I researched wire size, controllers, etc. and decided on 10 gauge wire, connecting all 3 panels in parallel.<\/p>\n<p>Since I had already replaced the original wiring with 12 gauge wiring I decided to leave that in place and use new #10 wiring for the 2 100 watt panels.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_3281.jpg\" rel=\"lightbox[1279]\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-1280 alignnone\" src=\"http:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_3281-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_3281-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_3281-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_3281.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Actual installation turned out to be easier that expected. Perhaps the time spent on preparation paid off at the end.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_3285.jpg\" rel=\"lightbox[1279]\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1282\" src=\"http:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_3285-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_3285-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_3285-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_3285.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Going to leave it connected with a temporary 50 foot harness to confirm all is well before drilling holes in the trailer. I see about 13-13.2 volts inside my garage when sun is bright and with fluorescents on. Currently using PVM controller but will be upgrading to Renogy MPPT controller before making the installation permanent.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Update: Jan 27\/19:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_3319.jpg\" rel=\"lightbox[1279]\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1292\" src=\"http:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_3319-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_3319-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_3319-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_3319.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Bit the bullet and drilled the holes to get the leads inside.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Taking a bit of a risk by relying mostly on cable insulation to protect going through roof. Didn&#8217;t want the normal bulky covers as it&#8217;s always in view.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Since there is no harm in shorting the panel I went this route. I can always go to the bulky\/ugly later on if it becomes necessary. I&#8217;ll be fusing each 100 watt panel separately. Since the 40 watt is original I&#8217;ll leave it as is, unfused.<\/p>\n<p>While waiting for fuses I installed the Renogy Rover MPPT controller. My first choice is to install on top of cover that encloses the power\/fuse panel and charger.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/RenogyRover.jpg\" rel=\"lightbox[1279]\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-1307 alignleft\" src=\"http:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/RenogyRover-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/RenogyRover-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/RenogyRover-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/RenogyRover.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>Not ideal spot for heat dissipation or possible noise as one sleeps right above it.<\/p>\n<p>I&#8217;ll be installing a temperature monitor to keep an eye on heat and if it looks like a problem it&#8217;ll be relocated towards the front of the compartment. Same goes if noise is a problem.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Updated Feb 14, 2019:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Changing from the Renogy controller to a Victron MPPT. It is smaller in size and will allow for a better mounting location.<\/p>\n<p>Also changing to serial connection for the 2 100 watt panels. Turned out that wiring would be a bit more simplified.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Updated Feb 15, 2019:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_3424.jpg\" rel=\"lightbox[1279]\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-1315 alignleft\" src=\"http:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_3424-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_3424-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_3424-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_3424.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Victron 30 Amp MPPT in place.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Still a work-in-progress but since we&#8217;re still in winter mode&#8230; no rush.<\/p>\n<p>Mounting plate is 1\/2 inch plywood glued to side wall using construction cement and usually 2 screws to hold it in place while glue dries.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_8317.jpg\" rel=\"lightbox[1279]\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-1313 alignleft\" src=\"http:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_8317-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_8317-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_8317-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_8317.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Countertop makes for a nice work bench.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_9400.jpg\" rel=\"lightbox[1279]\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-1314 alignleft\" src=\"http:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_9400-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_9400-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_9400.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/>&nbsp;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>In case anyone is wondering&#8230;The gadget in lower right corner is a DC&#8211;&gt;DC regulator to assure a constant 12 Volts out. I feed the TV circuit with it just in case the TV doesn&#8217;t like 14.6 Volts as batteries reach topped up.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n ","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>My Ascape came with a 40 watt panel and associated controller. I&#8217;ve already upgraded battery to 2 x 100 AH Lithiums, located inside. Next on the list was to increase solar power to feed the batteries. The panels I decided to add are from Global Solar. I ordered from the parts department at&nbsp;Safari Condo. They [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1280,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0},"categories":[13,5,14,4],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1279"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1279"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1279\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1316,"href":"https:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1279\/revisions\/1316"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1280"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1279"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1279"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smallrvs.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1279"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}