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electrical:solar:gentle_intro

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electrical:solar:gentle_intro [2025/04/10 14:26]
frater_secessus [What about flexible panels?] flex 		electrical:solar:gentle_intro [2025/06/23 15:28] (current)
frater_secessus [solar ready]
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   * you need to mount panel on a gently curved surface  (boat hull, teardrop trailer, etc)    * you need to mount panel on a gently curved surface  (boat hull, teardrop trailer, etc) 
   * you need lightest weight for portability     * you need lightest weight for portability  
 +  * you are willing to tolerate higher costs and shorter life to get the above
  
 Bad reasons to use flexible panels: Bad reasons to use flexible panels:
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 ==== solar ready ==== ==== solar ready ====
  
-RVs that are sold as "solar ready" typically have a connector and wiring from Zamp.  It is more apt to call it "Zamp solar kit ready" as normal panels cannot be attached to the Zamp port. Here is [[https://www.forestriverforums.com/forums/f221/a-frame-solar-ready-71071.html#post740529|Zamp's description of Solar Ready]], which uses panels with built-in controllers. +The "solar ready" feature in RVs is often just an external [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DC_connector#SAE_connector|SAE]] port wired directly to the house battery bank (no solar charge controller controller).  In this scenario panels with built-in solar charge controllers are required.  Check polarity before attachment; some vendors (Zamp, infamously) wire them in reverse configuration from common usage.   
 + 
 +Example:   [[https://www.forestriverforums.com/forums/f221/a-frame-solar-ready-71071.html#post740529|Zamp's description of Solar Ready]], which uses panels with built-in controllers. 
  
 It is been judged harshly by some users: It is been judged harshly by some users:
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 > “Solar Ready” doesn’t mean sh*t.   It means there is a plug wired to your battery and oh by the way  IT IS WIRED EXACTLY BACKWARDS.  The polarity on the Zamp SAE style connector is reversed.  -- John's Tech Blog((https://www.hagensieker.com/wordpress/2020/01/12/rockwood-a122-two-year-review/)) > “Solar Ready” doesn’t mean sh*t.   It means there is a plug wired to your battery and oh by the way  IT IS WIRED EXACTLY BACKWARDS.  The polarity on the Zamp SAE style connector is reversed.  -- John's Tech Blog((https://www.hagensieker.com/wordpress/2020/01/12/rockwood-a122-two-year-review/))
  
 +Normal panels could be used if a solar charge controller were spliced in between the port and bank.
  
- +Higher-end "solar ready" setup might include MC4 connectors and entry gland on the roof with appropriate wiring leading to the battery tray area. Add panels and controller of your choice. 
- +
 ===== rack mounting ===== ===== rack mounting =====
  
electrical/solar/gentle_intro.1744295169.txt.gz · Last modified: 2025/04/10 14:26 by frater_secessus

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