Solar Questions - Coachmen Brookstone 395RL

[Kevlar]

I got this 100W Solar Panel on Amazon during a "lightning deal"
ALLPOWERS 100W 18V 12V Bendable Flexible Solar Panel Charger Lightweight SunPower Solar Charger with MC4

Now I have some questions.

1) There is a connector on the front of my 5ver that says it's a solar input (pre-wired for solar). Does this go to a charge controller inside the trailer so I can simply hook up the panel without needing to install a charge controller?
2) If I have the solar panel connected but then need more power and I turn on the generator, there will be two sources trying to charge the batteries (solar and Inverter/Charger). Is this a problem? I would think that having two charge sources connected would possibly cause damage.

If you can answer one or both of these questions, I would really appreciate it.

Thanks!

[Flybob]

Most times "solar ready" means there is wiring for solar and that is it. You will most likely still need a controller. If you are buying a controller, get one that is 2-3 times the capacity your current panel needs. That way you can always add another panel or two without having to buy a new controller.

[MattSBR]

If you can post a picture of the connector I can confirm it, habitually only one brand of controller are working with "solar ready" pre wired plug, you need to buy a Zamp one.

https://www.zampsolar.com/rv-solar-k...y-rv-kit-srrv/

[Kevlar]

I installed the panel over the weekend. The pre-wired connector was just a direct connection to the battery with an inline fuse. I just cut the wires at the connector and attached those to the solar controller. It seems to work but I was in an area with a lot of trees. I'll have to see how well it really works when parked in the open sun.

I also started our generator while I had the solar panel hooked up and it did not appear to damage anything, but I'm still curious, is this supposed to be OK?

Thanks.

[Topper Harley]

Originally Posted by Flybob

Most times "solar ready" means there is wiring for solar and that is it. You will most likely still need a controller. If you are buying a controller, get one that is 2-3 times the capacity your current panel needs. That way you can always add another panel or two without having to buy a new controller.

Good advice[emoji16]