Solar Panel Set up Question - Grounding the panel?

[Anne H]

Hi Guys,

I'm trying to set up a simple solar system that I'll deploy on the ground (wherever it's sunniest) probably some distance from the trailer. My question is how to ground the panel in this situation? I can attach the grounding wire to the frame of the panel - but then what? I'm not sure I can always reach back to the frame of the trailer - if I can, I suppose I can just attach the ground to the frame of the trailer?


I've looked at some pictures of solar panel installs on the site that look like what I'm trying to do - but I don't notice any grounding wires.

FYI - cross-posted in Casita Forum as well.

TIA,

Anne

[Byron Kinnaman]

Originally Posted by Anne H

Hi Guys,

I'm trying to set up a simple solar system that I'll deploy on the ground (wherever it's sunniest) probably some distance from the trailer. My question is how to ground the panel in this situation? I can attach the grounding wire to the frame of the panel - but then what? I'm not sure I can always reach back to the frame of the trailer - if I can, I suppose I can just attach the ground to the frame of the trailer?


I've looked at some pictures of solar panel installs on the site that look like what I'm trying to do - but I don't notice any grounding wires.

FYI - cross-posted in Casita Forum as well.

TIA,

Anne

No need for a "ground".
Connect the positive and negative terminals from the solar panel to the positive and negative terminals of the solar charge controller. Connect the positive and negative terminals from batter terminals of the solar charge controller to the positive and negative terminals of the battery.

Simple as that.

I mounted my charge controller to the frame of the solar panel.

If you're going to be at the NOG in OCT I'll show you how it's all done.

[Anne H]

WOO HOO! One less thing to worry about! Thanks Byron.

Right now I have it working in the simple form you have described. I can already see the need for some quick disconnects to make it a little easier to pack and unpack quickly.

Glad to hear that you'll be at NOG - I'll be there too and looking for advice!!