Solar power questions

[Pmixmaster]

Hi all -

Newbie here and had what yall might consider a dumb question but being my first rig i do not know. First off i just bought a 2017 apex nano and it has the solar ready port on the outside. My question is if i purchase a solar panel will i need to do any additional wiring or basically plug into the port and it will be good to go ? I would assume if it come solar ready it is already wired to the batteries for charging?

[Still Kickin]

I, don't have that port as mine is an older unit. But, to those who do contribute to this topic, can you explain if you were to install a "solar ready" port, where does it connect in regards to the battery management interface.

[5picker]

If it has the Zamp plug as most of these do, it is nothing more than a port for 12v that is hooked directly to the battery. There is no controller, switch or anything else. Just a place for 12v back to the battery. Simply provides a somewhat convenient way to get voltage to the battery without having to access the battery compartment.

[Pmixmaster]

so basically it runs direct back and if you plug your panel in its a direct feed back to trickle charge did i understand you correct i would just plug and ply so to speak?

Originally Posted by 5picker

If it has the Zamp plug as most of these do, it is nothing more than a port for 12v that is hooked directly to the battery. There is no controller, switch or anything else. Just a place for 12v back to the battery. Simply provides a somewhat convenient way to get voltage to the battery without having to access the battery compartment.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by Pmixmaster

so basically it runs direct back and if you plug your panel in its a direct feed back to trickle charge did i understand you correct i would just plug and ply so to speak?

Plug and play possibly if you purchase the Zamp solar kit.

If you buy just a panel, you have to have some kind of charge controller or at the very least a diode in the circuit to keep the panel from backfeeding during non charging times.

Think of the 'solar ready' port as nothing more than having access to the 12v battery connections without having to access the battery itself.

EDIT: Here is a link to Zamp's web site.
It will give you an indication of what to expect.
**ZAMP**