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Old 05-05-2015, 03:10 PM   #1
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2015 Roo 23IKSS Solar Panel Question

Does anyone use the solar panels that hook up to the new Roo's and are they worth it? Also where do you get them from


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Old 05-05-2015, 03:40 PM   #2
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Wicked, I can't comment on how good it works because I cant afford to get one, But I can tell you its a really cool design and pretty compact. I looked and they are for sale in different places, Amazon was about the cheapest I found.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K1LBVKG/...I1FQ793L6TQ8D7
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Old 05-05-2015, 04:20 PM   #3
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Those Zamps are pretty cool because they are literally plug-n-play. I have heard nothing but good things about them EXCEPT price. I am sure you can put together something cheaper but I really like those. It is on my list down the road a few years.

The biggest thing is sizing it correctly to how quickly you deplete your battery.
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Old 05-05-2015, 05:10 PM   #4
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Same idea. Cheaper product. Great to have ...

RenogyⓇ 100W Foldable Solar Panel Suitcase



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Old 05-06-2015, 01:13 AM   #5
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Another option...

We have a "semi" portable set up at the moment. We use two 100W Renogy flexible panels and their 30A controller.

Purchased them on Amazon when they were $198/pc. They are a bit higher now but go one sale periodically.

Currently, we just plug the panels into the controller (using Renogy's cables) and hook the controller up to the battery using clips.

Then we set the panels wherever we like. Usually, I just place them on top of the bunkend as they only weigh 3lbs and they lay up there out of the way nicely. I've also just laid them on my truck's tonneau cover.

One of the reasons we went with this set up, is it gave us the ability to use the system as a portable while we figured out our needs (usage, capacity, etc). And now that we have a few trips under our belts with this set up, we are confident enough in our usage (and the system's performance) that I will be permanently mounting them to the roof as soon as I have time to work out the install.

But our current system is really quick and easy to set up (maybe why I haven't done the roof install as yet). Both panels fit into one thin box and that box slides under the sofa for storage and travel.

In the meantime, I might go ahead and install 12v SAE connectors to the side of the battery box to ease of set up and to cleanup the install a bit. I think these might be what Zamp uses as well but I have never seen a pic of their connector.

Whatever you do, you'll love having solar. Its great to have your batteries topped up each day and not have "power anxiety". Of course YMMV, due to power usage and system size.

Good luck!
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Old 05-06-2015, 07:15 AM   #6
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Is there a way to plug the renology into the roo charging port?


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Old 05-06-2015, 08:20 AM   #7
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Portable solar kits

This is my question exactly. We are considering an 80-100 watt system to charge 1 battery. If we get a second battery do we need another panel. I have sleep apnea and want to be able to have power in more remote places. What amp controller would be adequate? If the system is not Zamp will it still be compatible with the plug for solar ready? We would love to have the Zamp system but it is cost prohibitive.
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Old 05-06-2015, 08:33 AM   #8
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I *think* what we would need is called a SAE matching plug to connect the renology to the charging plug. I am a complete novice at solar though so hopefully the experts can chime in. I see some of those plugs for under 20 so would be a nice option if that is all we need along with a sub-200 renology.
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Old 05-06-2015, 08:47 AM   #9
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Our IKSS did not come with the Zamp solar option, but I have heard only the Zamp panels will work. (I'm not sure why, but I would imagine you could figure some mod to make it work with other panels). I have set up my own semi-portable system, where I put my two panels on the roof, run through a Renolgy charge controller, a monitor, and to the battery. Has worked great so far, and it allows me to move my panels if the roof is shaded.

Lablover--- the max amperage of the panels determines what charge controller you need. The number (and type) of batteries depends on what your energy requirements are. Not sure how much electricity your CPAP requires, but you should be able to determine how much it would take to run the CPAP for 8 hrs and determine what size battery bank you need. Remember, in almost all cases, solar is only used as a battery charger, so if you have enough power in your batteries to run a device for 8 hrs one night and it is cloudy the next day, you will be out of luck the next night.
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Old 05-06-2015, 05:48 PM   #10
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I have 2 6 volt batteries & use CPAP. I wired in a 12 volt plug back by my bed for this. I can get about 3 days before having to charge the batteries on the Roo. I also have an AGM 12 volt battery that I use. I can get 3 days on that as well before having to charge. That is just using the CPAP without being able to run the humidifier, but it is better than going without.
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Old 05-06-2015, 07:45 PM   #11
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Quote:
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I have 2 6 volt batteries & use CPAP. I wired in a 12 volt plug back by my bed for this. I can get about 3 days before having to charge the batteries on the Roo. I also have an AGM 12 volt battery that I use. I can get 3 days on that as well before having to charge. That is just using the CPAP without being able to run the humidifier, but it is better than going without.

CPAP? Sorry not familiar with this also which batteries are you using


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Old 05-06-2015, 08:09 PM   #12
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CPAP is a machine for people with sleep apnea
Continuous
Positive
Air
Pressure
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Old 05-07-2015, 03:48 AM   #13
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Quote:
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CPAP is a machine for people with sleep apnea
Continuous
Positive
Air
Pressure

Ah my cousin and best friends dad have that I remember hunting in my buddy's motor home and his dad had that mask over his head. Thanks for the explanation


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Old 05-07-2015, 11:26 AM   #14
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a Bit clumsy, but two friends just use the 100 watt kit from WindyNation.com as a portable. No fancy case and you figure out how to wire it to suit you, alligator clamps or fancy plugs. Harbor freight has a box of hook up stuff for $10. It is just like a battery charger and better than the charger in our trailer. One 100 watt angled to the sun and moved to follow the sun all day does almost as well as our 2-100's flat mounted on the roof for about $175 100 watt or $$325 for 200 watts and free shipping.
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Old 05-13-2015, 06:48 PM   #15
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What panels is are the Roo's port built to handle? I would like to charge my battery to get through the next day, if needed. I don't want to go crazy adding wiring or clip to the battery.


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Old 05-13-2015, 08:05 PM   #16
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Not sure about the ROO, but one panel on the portable that I built for my friend was run through a 16 gauge 25 ft bright orange extension cord, cut and modified to be his hook up and it has no problems. I run two panels through about 25 feet of 12 gauge wire to teh controller and then another 10 feet in 10 gauge wire to the batteries with no appreciable loss and my buddy runs 400 watts through 12 gauge with no complaints. He charges Four Gold Card Batteries and seems to run everything he and his wife require, but the AC 24/7
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Old 05-13-2015, 09:13 PM   #17
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My dealer told us you can remove the plug and almost any panel will work
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Old 05-14-2015, 07:22 AM   #18
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Quote:
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My dealer told us you can remove the plug and almost any panel will work

Zamp Solar I believe


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Old 05-17-2015, 09:31 AM   #19
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How much of a Zamp panel do I need to charge the battery to get through the the next night? If we are relying on solar for ac what will the battery charge besides lights? Hot water is propane right? How about the water pump? We pick up our Roo this week and I want to get a Zamp portable unit that plugs into the port on the side of the Roo. I want to be sure I make the right choice for wattage.


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Old 05-17-2015, 10:16 AM   #20
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You need at least 120Volts 15 amps to run AC, I am looking at the 120 Model but adding a secondary 12Volt Deep Cycle battery as a backup. I plan on running off each battery and toggle between them but have to see if I do any camping outside of a campground.


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