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Old 06-27-2018, 10:26 AM   #1
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Cheap solar on a LiteHouse



This is a work in progress. The roof of the trailer has a center stiffener that limits the width available to install a solar panel. A 21” just won’t fit. What does fit are the inexpensive Harbor Freight solar panels. I know that they are suboptimal compared to the newer panels, but they fit.

I bought the 45 watt set when our power was out at home for several weeks after a hurricane. They work good enough to charge the battery. I’m thinking of upgrading to the 100 watt system (same panel form factor) if we keep the trailer (lusting for a slightly larger one with a shower and toilet).

My mounting system was quick and dirty. It involves 12 holes in the roof. We were about to leave on an extended trip time was limited. I plan to redo the mount, and glass over the holes.


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Old 06-27-2018, 10:30 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Davie B View Post


This is a work in progress. The roof of the trailer has a center stiffener that limits the width available to install a solar panel. A 21” just won’t fit. What does fit are the inexpensive Harbor Freight solar panels. I know that they are suboptimal compared to the newer panels, but they fit.

I bought the 45 watt set when our power was out at home for several weeks after a hurricane. They work good enough to charge the battery. I’m thinking of upgrading to the 100 watt system (same panel form factor) if we keep the trailer (lusting for a slightly larger one with a shower and toilet).

My mounting system was quick and dirty. It involves 12 holes in the roof. We were about to leave on an extended trip time was limited. I plan to redo the mount, and glass over the holes.


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The left battery box holds the solar controller and some related parts. The right box contains a standard SLA marine battery.

I use a standard waterproof 12 v connector between the battery and the controller. When we’re connected to shore power, I unplug the solar and plug a charger into the battery.




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Old 06-27-2018, 10:31 AM   #3
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As per usual, please disregard the #testdirt.


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Old 07-15-2018, 08:51 PM   #4
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We used an SAE roof connector on the side of our tongue box. I suggest looking for one with 10 gauge wires though I can't find the name of the company we used. They are harder to find then the 12 ga wired units. We also purchased a few double sided SAE wires to make adapters and cable ends out of. Each double sided wire makes two ends. Stick with 10 gauge wire for best performance. Click image for larger version

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Old 07-15-2018, 08:53 PM   #5
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Sorry, not sure why the app is posting my pictures twice tonight.
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Old 07-15-2018, 09:19 PM   #6
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That's awesome. I'm off to research 10 amp SAE connectors.
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Old 07-17-2018, 01:20 PM   #7
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Look for Boat trolling motor plugs and outlets.

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/bass...or-receptacles
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Old 07-17-2018, 01:32 PM   #8
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https://www.ebay.com/itm/Pactrade-Ma...72.m2749.l2649
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