Answered 10W Solar Panel

[AbdRahim]

Does anyone know if the 10W solar panel on the Newmars can be swapped out for a 100W panel or larger, without any other modifications?

 

[Neal]

I'm not sure why you would do that. It's meant to trickle charge your chassis batteries. Without a solar controller you're asking for trouble.

 

[AbdRahim]

Ok thanks. I don't know anything about solar.

 

[Neal]

They can put out a lot of juice and if there is nothing managing that juice you can do harm or probably even start a fire. I've been having fun here in AZ utilizing my 10 x 180W panels on the roof that's pushing upwards of 90 AMPS down the wires. It is amazing how much power they can produce.

 

[Richpatty]

Hey Neal.... very jealous... Would love to get back out there and use my panels again. Not sure when... but someday.

 

[Neal]

Hey Neal.... very jealous... Would love to get back out there and use my panels again. Not sure when... but someday.

Hope soon Rich, was fun at ABQ.

 

[Calsun]

Even your 10W panel probably has a charge controller between it and the battery. Check with the manufacturer or try to find it in the RV. It will have a Watts and an amp rating and so long as you stay within its rating you will be fine. A 100W panel will put out around 5 amps which is not a lot to worry about. The charge controller is designed to shunt off the current when the battery is at 100% SOC.

Charge controllers are cheap to buy and to install. The costly part is running the large gauge wiring from the controller to the battery as access is usually a problem post factory. There are also portable kits that include one or two panels, a charge controller, and a wire to use to connect to the RV. This 100 Watt TP-solar kit sells for $130 and includes the panel, charge controller, and cables.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07S2B2QGV/?tag=rvf01-20

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Does anyone know if the 10W solar panel on the Newmars can be swapped out for a 100W panel or larger, without any other modifications?

Hey @AbdRahim I have always been able to fish some wire behind the shower for solar.

 

[AbdRahim]

Mine is already wired for solar. I was just wondering if one could do a direct swap without adding anything else. I was looking for a cheap easy way to spare the generator on the truck stop overnights. Perhaps I can experiment with unplugging for a night at a campground or seeing how far I can get through the night running the furnace without the generator. I n the summer I will have to use the genset for A/C.

Usually for heat I run the genset all night and use electric heaters to save on propane. I guess it is all a balancing act with these things.

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

Perhaps I can experiment with unplugging for a night at a campground or seeing how far I can get through the night running the furnace without the generator.

I think you missed the fact in the earlier post by @Neal that the 10W solar panel recharges the “chassis” batteries, not the house/coach batteries. Your furnace runs off the “house/coach batteries.” The “chassis batteries” are used to start the engine and provide power for chassis-related uses; e.g. wipers, lights, etc. They are not linked to the house/coach batteries.

Am I missing something here?

TJ