Solar power added to my scamp - Fiberglass RV
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Old 03-06-2010, 04:28 PM   #1
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I just added 135 watts of solar power to my scamp, I could of mounted the panel long ways but did not like the way it stuck out at the front. The morningstar controller was mounted under the front bed for easy access to the wiring and an easy way to the battery.
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Old 03-07-2010, 09:58 AM   #2
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how stable is the panel when towing? looks like the wind could catch it and rip it off
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Old 03-07-2010, 10:29 AM   #3
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It seems pretty stable, i'll know more when we start uning it shortly. I looked at other installations on motor homes and other travel trailers and they seem to have no problems. It weighs 28 lbs and is mounted with four standrad RV flush panel mounts.
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how stable is the panel when towing? looks like the wind could catch it and rip it off
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Old 04-29-2010, 09:39 AM   #4
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I am about to install solar in my 16' Scamp. I've been advised to run the wire down the refer. race. How do I access the race from inside the trailer?
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I just added 135 watts of solar power to my scamp, I could of mounted the panel long ways but did not like the way it stuck out at the front. The morningstar controller was mounted under the front bed for easy access to the wiring and an easy way to the battery.
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Old 04-29-2010, 04:50 PM   #5
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The solar on my Scamp is not mounted so in the summer we can park in the shade and put the panels in the sun and we can reorient them during the day.
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Old 05-02-2010, 07:01 PM   #6
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I just added 135 watts of solar power to my scamp, I could of mounted the panel long ways but did not like the way it stuck out at the front. The morningstar controller was mounted under the front bed for easy access to the wiring and an easy way to the battery.
I used a 115 watt panel with a group 27 battery and found the battery charged to 100% by 10:30 AM most mornings this past winter in Texas. We run LED lights, a 15" LCD TV, AM/FM/CD, 12v water pump, furnace, and once in awhile a 90 watt crock pot for 4 hrs/ day. The crock pot was started by 10 and off by 2(only on sunny days) so the panel could charge the battery before 5 PM. This summer I intend to double the battery capacity so we should be able to survive longer without sun(up to 3 days with the extra battery). A single group 24 battery would suffice if we didn't need the furnace and got some sun each day. With your 135 watt panel and LED lights you should be able to light the entire neighborhood.
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Old 05-08-2010, 10:00 PM   #7
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That's a great idea! We've been wanting to do something like that. How much does a 115 watt panel cost - and the price of batteries? Does it have to be a special solar panel (i.e. for RV's, lightweight etc) or can you just look up solar panels and buy one?
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Old 05-09-2010, 04:31 AM   #8
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I am about to install solar in my 16' Scamp. I've been advised to run the wire down the refer. race. How do I access the race from inside the trailer?
I do not know if you can access the refer area from the inside, what I did was go through the roof in the closet area, with an strain relief box connector.
I went down the inside of the closet, then through the floor and to the front of the trailer then came into the front bed area where I mounted the controller and made all my connections.



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You can get these at most hardware stores, (I got mine at ace hardware)
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Old 05-09-2010, 04:51 AM   #9
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That's a great idea! We've been wanting to do something like that. How much does a 115 watt panel cost - and the price of batteries? Does it have to be a special solar panel (i.e. for RV's, lightweight etc) or can you just look up solar panels and buy one?
I got my 135 watt panel from Northern Arizona Wind and Sun The panel ($375), controller($51), and wire 50' with MC4 connectors ($60) came to $532 including shipping.
A group 27 battery deep cycle battery can be had for $80 to $100

This setup gives me enough charge to run lights, furnace, and CPAP machine.
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Old 05-10-2010, 09:29 AM   #10
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I got my 135 watt panel from Northern Arizona Wind and Sun The panel ($375), controller($51), and wire 50' with MC4 connectors ($60) came to $532 including shipping.
A group 27 battery deep cycle battery can be had for $80 to $100

This setup gives me enough charge to run lights, furnace, and CPAP machine.
Cool! Thanks!
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