help trying to setup a prewired camper for solar

[mrouse2323]

im a noob and learning bare with me

heres specs
catalina 164bhx

prewired for 600 watts/ 30 amps setup for go power

I have:
Portable Solar Panel 220W 40V Monocrystalline Foldable Solar Panel
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2LQV6QN?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

i purchased this controller
30 Amp Single Bank Bluetooth®-Enabled Solar Controller
https://gopowersolar.com/products/30-amp-single-bank-bluetooth-enabled-solar-controller/


the cables coming from battery are white/black cant figure out if its 8wg or 10 awg, i believe its bigger that 10 awg...no writing on wires? this wires length is aprox 7 ft

the wires going to roof are red/black 10 awg

Im giong to be connecting portable unit directly into controller when needed instead of climbing on roof...the portable cable length is 20 ft




see attached pics

https://ibb.co/Nx7vv4J

https://ibb.co/nq2jbkf

will that controller work?

what dc breaker do i need from battery to controller?

do i need an inline fuse form controller to portable solar panel?

 

[Mr. Dan]

You seem to be struggling with posting pictures. Open your recently received Welcome PM, click on Forums 101 link, and follow the instructions in post 7 of that thread. We send a pointer to that important How-To thread to every new member.


EDIT: now we can see your two pics.

 

[Aussieguy]

I'm ASSUMING you want to put panels on the ground?

install your controller as close to battery as possible
use the largest size cable the controller can accept for the output to battery cables

Panels To Controller
a) double check the panel does NOT have a controller on the back of the panel...
I don't think it has .... but better to be safe than sorry

b) install controller in pass through or other weather proof place
keeping it as close to battery as possible ....
run the wire from controller to the outside attach to frame someplace handy
use a quality end connectors of your choice

you can then join 2 or more panels on the ground
making sure you follow the instructions for the controller for voltage and amps

breaker to battery can be just a small standard oblong shaped resetable 30 amp breaker found on most rv's
or you can buy other types marine grade etc

the controller is suppose to have builtin over current protection too
so put the breaker near the battery for insurance

the cable connector... BIG ANDERSON type will act as a panel disconnect.
try not to pull the plug when full power is being produced
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Roof install .... have a think if you can add panels to roof.

it is not too difficult to do
there are plenty of ways to do it and to seal any holes

having them on the roof gives you more opportunity to charge the battery
1/ while you drive...
2/ when stopped for lunch
3/ go for a sightseeing hike

roof panels are always ON and will not require constant setup
yes.. there is losses from laying panels flat ... but the longer charging time can outweigh that.

since your roof is small 2-3 panels on top would probably be the most
you can then use the ground panels if required?

you can have BOTH .. roof and ground mount

 

[mrouse2323]

what size breaker should i use to battery ?
will this work?

40 Amp Circuit Breaker with Manual Reset

https://ibb.co/v1x3R1G

do i need inline fuses for for cables from battery?

30A Solar Fuse Connector
https://ibb.co/dbW8V25

 

[mrouse2323]

will 8awg from battery to controller be ok?

what size dc breaker to battery? 40 amp ok?
40 Amp Circuit Breaker with Manual Reset

do i need inline fuse to panel? what size? 30 amp? 10 amp?

 

[TacomaJoe]

will 8awg from battery to controller be ok?

what size dc breaker to battery? 40 amp ok?
40 Amp Circuit Breaker with Manual Reset

do i need inline fuse to panel? what size? 30 amp? 10 amp?

The controller is rated for 30A so 8AWG will work and the 40A breaker will work.

I don't have an inline fuse on my panel wires.

Bad news: I think that your 40V panel exceeds the input voltage rating of the controller.

 

[mrouse2323]

Bad news: I think that your 40V panel exceeds the input voltage rating of the controller.

dam what controller can i use then?

on the go power website it only lists 30 amp and 10 amp controllers?

 

[Aussieguy]

will 8awg from battery to controller be ok?
consult wire gauge chart for amperage and distance to battery


what size dc breaker to battery? 40 amp ok?
40 would work... you size the breaker to the wire being installed
if you use bigger wire the breaker can be bigger
BUT maximum output of the controller is 37 amps so going much bigger in breakers etc is a waste


40 Amp Circuit Breaker with Manual Reset
manaul is fine..

do i need inline fuse to panel? what size? 30 amp? 10 amp?
small single string of panel you can get away with no fuses at the panels
your choice/preference
------------------------------------------------------
study these
https://www.google.com/search?clien...en+solar+controller+and+battery+in+a+small+RV

https://www.google.com/search?q=do+...GAZAGCJIHBjQuMTIuMaAH1UU&sclient=gws-wiz-serp

...

.

 

[Aussieguy]

dam what controller can i use then?

on the go power website it only lists 30 amp and 10 amp controllers?

Go MPPT as a better option
look for one to match what panels (include future panels)
don't go over the voltage

good pick up TacomaJoe

 

[mrouse2323]

thanks everyone for your help

what i am trying to do get a portable solar panel that i can use on the Catalina 164bhx and use the EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station DELTA 2


what would be my best bet where i could share the panels between the power station and the camper? what kit would be the best setup?

 

[TacomaJoe]

thanks everyone for your help

what i am trying to do get a portable solar panel that i can use on the Catalina 164bhx and use the EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station DELTA 2


what would be my best bet where i could share the panels between the power station and the camper? what kit would be the best setup?

The Go Power GP-RVC-MPPT-30 would work. It has 100V rating for panel input.

Wire the input with the same connector used on the DELTA 2 and you will be able to switch the panel back and forth between them.

 

[mrouse2323]

thanks! great find!!


I found one on ebay used...is there a way to test the controller when it comes in?

do i have to get the remote with that?
remote is
go power GP-RVC-R

 

[TacomaJoe]

thanks! great find!!


I found one on ebay used...is there a way to test the controller when it comes in?

do i have to get the remote with that?
remote is
go power GP-RVC-R

I'm not familiar with Go Power, mine is Epever. Not sure how you would program it without any display.

Same with testing, needs display to report what is coming from panel and what is going to battery.

 

[mrouse2323]

how close to the battery should my 40 amp fuse be going to controller?


my cable length is 7 ft max going from battery to controller?

i think its 8 awg wire from battery to controller

 

[mrouse2323]

anyone know what screws i can use to mount a waterproof fuse on the undersiding frame of my camper? whats screws are used? I assume some type of self tapping metal screw?

 

[TacomaJoe]

The fuse protects the wire and should be as close to the battery as possible. Wire between the battery and fuse is not protected.

Not a fan of frame fuses/circuit breakers. I moved mine into my enlarged battery box. Mounting to the frame can be self-tapping or I would drill and tap a couple of holes.

 

[jlankford]

The fuse protects the wire and should be as close to the battery as possible. Wire between the battery and fuse is not protected.

I'm struggling to understand the logic of this statement.

 

[Aussieguy]

any wire between the Fuse and the battery is still alive even if the fuse blows

therefore if you damage the wire before the fuse and it contacts the frame you can get a short

 

[TacomaJoe]

any wire between the Fuse and the battery is still alive even if the fuse blows

therefore if you damage the wire before the fuse and it contacts the frame you can get a short

Exactly why I like MRBF fuse on my positive terminals.

 

[mrouse2323]

What size fuse do I need from battery to controller? Controller is 30 amp 100v

Do I use a 30 amp or do I go a little higher with 40 amp?

Wire from battery to controller is like 5 ft