TomPanning
New Member
I’m adding solar to my 16 foot travel trailer, and I’ve been using Will Prowse’s book and website to do most of the planning and gear selection. I think I've got it figured out, but would appreciate an extra set of eyes.
Main components:
Wiring:
Fuses and locations:
Besides the usual check on fuse sizes and locations, I’m curious about a solar disconnect switch. They didn’t seem to be covered in Will’s book or website, but the concept makes sense to me (being able to safely and easily turn off power from the solar panels when working on the system). If I add one, I’d prefer it to be inside the trailer, but space inside the trailer is limited. Is there an option for a relatively small DC disconnect switch?
Main components:
- 2 100 watt “mega” panels from Rich Solar, rated at 18.6V, 5.38A
- 3 100 watt “slim” panels from Rich Solar, rated at 19.5V, 5.13A
- Renogy Rover 40A solar controller
- SOK 206Ah 12V battery (maximum discharge 100A, internal cutoff at 130A)
- Victron SmartShunt 500A
- Victron Blue Smart Battery Charger 12V, 15A
Wiring:
- All solar panels will be in parallel to minimize the impacts of shading
- 10 gauge solar wire, total length from furthest panel to solar controller is 16 feet
- 10 gauge wire from solar controller to battery, 2-4 feet
- 8 gauge wire from battery charger to battery
- Existing wire from battery to existing 12V fuse block for the RV
Fuses and locations:
- MegaFuse rated for 32V 150A on positive battery lead
- 50A fuse between battery and solar controller
Besides the usual check on fuse sizes and locations, I’m curious about a solar disconnect switch. They didn’t seem to be covered in Will’s book or website, but the concept makes sense to me (being able to safely and easily turn off power from the solar panels when working on the system). If I add one, I’d prefer it to be inside the trailer, but space inside the trailer is limited. Is there an option for a relatively small DC disconnect switch?