Solar/zamp questions?

[RichDesiletsJr233S]

I recently picked up a 40w solar panel at a local hardware store. The connection is the same as the ZAMP port on the side of my 233S. Can I plug it in direct (when I'm not connected to shore power)?

Any tips and tricks?


Rich in Massachusetts
2016 Roo 233S
2013 Ford Explorer XLT

Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[Rich.M]

I'm not sure about the zamp ports but my understanding is that they wire directly into the batteries. No charge controller but I may be wrong on that. If your panel plugs in then it needs to produce a voltage high enough to charge and have a blocking diode so power does not flow out of battery in low light or night. Voltage of panel should be 14.4 to low 20's volts. 40 watts even if correct votage may only give you about 10 amphours in a day. Good as a battery maintainer or extender but not enough to fully recharge most overnight uses .

[Butch Wilson]

I read somewhere that the polarity is reversed on the Zamp plug . You may want to check before you plug it in .

[Rich.M]

Found an old string that may help.
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...lug-66213.html

[Herk7769]

A 40 Watt panel will need a charge controller or you could damage your battery.

In full sun your panel could produce over 15 volts (as I have seen on mine frequently) which could overheat your electrolyte.

Additionally, without a charge controller (with internal blocking diodes) your battery will discharge back through the panel at night wrecking your good work during the day.