New to solar hookup

[trozfast]

I have a 2017 Forester 3051s. It has a built in solar panel connector made by ZAMP solar. It says only use ZAMP portable solar panels. My understanding for this statement is the Zamp plug is just that. Just a plug. There is no MTTP solar controller built in the RV. And ZAMP portable solar panels have the controller built in it. But I have 2 100 watt solar panels made by Jackery. They don't have a controller built in. My question is what size MTTP controller do I need to put in my RV to charge my 12 volt lead battery system?
Also I hear Zamp reverses their wiring on the solar plug on the RV. Is this true?

[ependydad]

The size of the MPPT depends on the specs of the panels. Can you share those details?

[PhilFromMaine]

Originally Posted by ependydad

The size of the MPPT depends on the specs of the panels. Can you share those details?

Most often, the specs are listed on the back of the panel, however, I know nothing about Jachery.

[trozfast]

right now I have 200 watt solar panel. But I thought maybe in the future I might jump to 400 watt of solar panels. I'm afraid 40 amp controller might be to big for 200 but ok for 400

[boondocking]

Originally Posted by trozfast

right now I have 200 watt solar panel. But I thought maybe in the future I might jump to 400 watt of solar panels. I'm afraid 40 amp controller might be to big for 200 but ok for 400

A 40 amp controller will work as efficiently with 200 watts as it does with 400 watts of solar. Go with the 40 amp controller.

[IPcamper]

The two important specs on the panels is the Open Voltage and the max Amps. As long as the max Voltage and the max Amps do not exceed the MPPT controller input limits, than pretty much and MPPT controller will work.



Remember when connecting multiple panels together ....
.... When connecting in Series, Add the Voltages of each panel together for the total voltage.
.... When connecting in Parallel, Add the Amperage of each panel together for total amperage.

[Scottxray]

As far as the Zamp plug. Yes, they wire their plugs backwards from most. You can buy a coupler that will fit and it will reverse the polarity so other companys panels and cables will still work.

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by Scottxray

As far as the Zamp plug. Yes, they wire their plugs backwards from most. You can buy a coupler that will fit and it will reverse the polarity so other companys panels and cables will still work.

This is not necessary if one is wiring in a new controller. If controller is going to be mounted on back of one panel like many solar suitcases have, just check polarity at plug and wire accordingly.

If solar controller is going to be mounted in RV, locate wires from side mounted plug, cut into them and splice in controller (adding enough wire to reach if necessary) and again, polarize accordingly.

I would avoid adapters at all cost. Darn things can get lost when not connected and are just another point of resistance leading to voltage drop.

[Lostcoast]

Hi Mike,

Wonder if you can help. I have a chance to buy a brand new 80 w Zamp suitcase solar pck. Has built in controller. My trailer is a 2019 Sonoma RB167, came with the already wired Power on the Go plug. Will I have to get the adapter? Or If I test the panel and trailer for power at the plug, if they match up I am good?

Thanks for my help.

[Aussieguy]

DIY
buy a 200w (or similar) panel + some cable and connectors
get 2 panels for even more watts
add some legs that can tilt the panel .... + some sort of hold down for wind


Good used panels can be found on Marketplace and Craig's list for half the price

Plus a decent priced controller wired the controller to battery

same amount of work to setup at camp.

[Scottxray]

Originally Posted by Lostcoast

Hi Mike,

Wonder if you can help. I have a chance to buy a brand new 80 w Zamp suitcase solar pck. Has built in controller. My trailer is a 2019 Sonoma RB167, came with the already wired Power on the Go plug. Will I have to get the adapter? Or If I test the panel and trailer for power at the plug, if they match up I am good?

Thanks for my help.

If the panel and trailer plugs match up in polarity you should be good. If not then the adapter will work to reverse the polarity. A little electrical tape wrapped around the adapter at the output cable to the RV generally suffices to keep the adapter from getting lost.