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02-18-2021, 05:46 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: California
Posts: 2
THOR #22099
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2020 Thor Windsport Solar install
My coach is prewired for solar. What do I need to do to install 200 watts of solar panels (s).
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02-18-2021, 06:01 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Hurricane 35m
State: North Carolina
Posts: 866
THOR #13505
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Solar connector junction box on the roof. Need to mount panels and plug in. I have 2020 hurricane. Works like a champ. I added 2 more batteries also.
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Retired Squid who has a Retired Squid that drives him around in a RV!
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02-18-2021, 07:34 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.1
State: Connecticut
Posts: 1,773
THOR #20289
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Quote:
Originally Posted by macdaddy1111
Solar connector junction box on the roof. Need to mount panels and plug in. I have 2020 hurricane. Works like a champ. I added 2 more batteries also.
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Yes, and no. If the solar controller is a Go Power GP-PWM-10-SQ like is on my new Axis then it is limited to 190 watts, and that is a stretch.
To use 200 watts of panels, replace the Go Power with a good MPPT controller of at least a 15 amp rating such as a Renogy or Victron. To save voltage drop wire the two panels in series to the roof top port. Also on mine the output of the solar controller goes through an ATC fuse holder that has 16-18 gauge wire which will cause a few tenths of a volt drop to the batteries. Since the rest of the wire is 10 gauge I would replace that fuse holder with one with 10 gauge wire.
David
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02-18-2021, 08:16 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Hurricane 35m
State: North Carolina
Posts: 866
THOR #13505
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So you saying my 200 watt system doesn't work????
Would you like pictures of it in action?
2020 Win and 2020 hur are sisters and come with 10amp preinstalled system, all you need to do is add panels and plug them in!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by DavidEM
Yes, and no. If the solar controller is a Go Power GP-PWM-10-SQ like is on my new Axis then it is limited to 190 watts, and that is a stretch.
To use 200 watts of panels, replace the Go Power with a good MPPT controller of at least a 15 amp rating such as a Renogy or Victron. To save voltage drop wire the two panels in series to the roof top port. Also on mine the output of the solar controller goes through an ATC fuse holder that has 16-18 gauge wire which will cause a few tenths of a volt drop to the batteries. Since the rest of the wire is 10 gauge I would replace that fuse holder with one with 10 gauge wire.
David
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Retired Squid who has a Retired Squid that drives him around in a RV!
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02-18-2021, 09:11 PM
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#5
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Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Windsport 27B
State: Tennessee
Posts: 79
THOR #14933
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From what I understand that 190watt is max in perfect conditions, since 200watt panel is not 100% efficient this should be fine.
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02-18-2021, 09:47 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.1
State: Connecticut
Posts: 1,773
THOR #20289
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All I can tell you is to quote from the Go Power manual:
"The total rated Maximum Power Current (Imp) of the PV input should not exceed 10 Amps"
Most 100 watt panels have an Imp of about 6 amps, so two panels would be 12 amps.
David
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02-19-2021, 12:48 PM
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#7
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Junior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Hurricane 32T
State: Florida
Posts: 18
THOR #20883
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DavidEM
Yes, and no. If the solar controller is a Go Power GP-PWM-10-SQ like is on my new Axis then it is limited to 190 watts, and that is a stretch.
To use 200 watts of panels, replace the Go Power with a good MPPT controller of at least a 15 amp rating such as a Renogy or Victron. To save voltage drop wire the two panels in series to the roof top port. Also on mine the output of the solar controller goes through an ATC fuse holder that has 16-18 gauge wire which will cause a few tenths of a volt drop to the batteries. Since the rest of the wire is 10 gauge I would replace that fuse holder with one with 10 gauge wire.
David
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My 2021 Hurricane also has the Go Power GP-PWM-10-SQ. I installed a 190 watt mono panel with a max 9.3 amp rating. It works fine and keeps my batteries topped off while stored.
Frank
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Lt. Frank
2018 Thor Venetian G36
2020 Chevy Spark LS (Toad)
FMCA F519509
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02-19-2021, 02:15 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.1
State: Connecticut
Posts: 1,773
THOR #20289
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fny007
My 2021 Hurricane also has the Go Power GP-PWM-10-SQ. I installed a 190 watt mono panel with a max 9.3 amp rating. It works fine and keeps my batteries topped off while stored.
Frank
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What is the Imp rating of your panel? I am surprised it is as low as 9.3 amps for a 190 watt panel. Most panels have a Vmp of 17 volts which means the Imp is 190/17 = 11.2 V.
But as someone noted above, Imps are rarely achieved, maybe only at midday on a summer's day with the sun directly above. But you are taking a risk by pushing the spec even for a few hours.
David
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02-19-2021, 02:32 PM
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#9
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Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Deposit: Chateau 28A
State: Ohio
Posts: 46
THOR #22158
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The MPPT controllers are much more efficient than the PWM controllers also. A less expensive alternative to lithium batteries are 2 6v golf cart batteries. More storage and ah.
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02-19-2021, 09:55 PM
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#10
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Junior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Hurricane 32T
State: Florida
Posts: 18
THOR #20883
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DavidEM
What is the Imp rating of your panel? I am surprised it is as low as 9.3 amps for a 190 watt panel. Most panels have a Vmp of 17 volts which means the Imp is 190/17 = 11.2 V.
But as someone noted above, Imps are rarely achieved, maybe only at midday on a summer's day with the sun directly above. But you are taking a risk by pushing the spec even for a few hours.
David
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The IMP on my 190w panel is 9.31.
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02-19-2021, 10:09 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: '17-Vegas 24.1
State: California
Posts: 2,222
THOR #13362
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dsimes
The MPPT controllers are much more efficient than the PWM controllers also. A less expensive alternative to lithium batteries are 2 6v golf cart batteries. More storage and ah.
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Golf cart batteries are too large for my stock battery compartment located under the entry steps
Even some AGM 12v require step modifications
So I will stick with Flooded Lead Acid 12v with my 200 watt solar system and PWM controller to run my 1200 watt inverter, SatelliteDish, and TVs.
I boon-docked for 4 days/3 nights this week with the inverter running noon to 9pm.
Even though the weather was clear & sunny, it was a low winter sun.
So I had to run the generator for an hour each evening to guarantee enough battery power to run the propane furnace in the middle of the night.
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'17 Vegas 24.1
Fallbrook, CA
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02-21-2021, 01:02 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Thor Tuscany 36 MQ
State: Indiana
Posts: 936
THOR #6280
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I’m installing a small nuclear reactor on the roof. It provides 12,000 watts continuously. See, mine is bigger!
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Bill & Martha more than 46 years.
Traveling with Shih Tzu's Baily, Bella and Maltese Buster. Towing, Golf Cart, Harley or Polaris RZR. 3 of our darling Shih Tzu's passed away recently and I just can't take them off of here. RIP Baxter, Baili & sweet sweet Bella. Buster is our little rock.
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02-21-2021, 02:22 AM
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#13
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Hurricane 29M
State: Texas
Posts: 2,672
THOR #11781
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DogLovers
I’m installing a small nuclear reactor on the roof. It provides 12,000 watts continuously. See, mine is bigger!
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Only 12,000 watts? Camping World has a 1.21 gigawatt fusion generator that plugs right into the solar ready wires. All you have to do is add your own flux capacitor. Camping World doesn't have them in stock, but I think I saw some Chinese knock offs at Harbor Freight the other day.
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Lt Keefer
2018 Hurricane 29M
CHF, Saf-T-Plus, SumoSprings
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02-21-2021, 05:06 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Thor Tuscany 36 MQ
State: Indiana
Posts: 936
THOR #6280
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lt Keefer
Only 12,000 watts? Camping World has a 1.21 gigawatt fusion generator that plugs right into the solar ready wires. All you have to do is add your own flux capacitor. Camping World doesn't have them in stock, but I think I saw some Chinese knock offs at Harbor Freight the other day.
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Yeah but can you still use banana peels as fuel?
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Bill & Martha more than 46 years.
Traveling with Shih Tzu's Baily, Bella and Maltese Buster. Towing, Golf Cart, Harley or Polaris RZR. 3 of our darling Shih Tzu's passed away recently and I just can't take them off of here. RIP Baxter, Baili & sweet sweet Bella. Buster is our little rock.
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02-25-2021, 02:05 AM
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#15
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Junior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2019 Windsport 27B/29M
State: California
Posts: 7
THOR #17696
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Which Solar Panels
MacDaddy111 -
I have the same RV system and planning to install 2)100W panels.
Which Solar panels did you go with?
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02-25-2021, 04:25 AM
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#16
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: California
Posts: 877
THOR #17478
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I have 500W system. I don't have to use the starter battery disconnect switch or the use/store switch. I can keep it live 100% of the time. What is common to your system is that you will have to check the battery water level often. I install new battery watering system caps with water level monitors. One glance and the check is done.
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02-28-2021, 07:11 PM
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#17
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Forest River Forester 235
State: Indiana
Posts: 4,883
THOR #6826
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MLP
I have 500W system. I don't have to use the starter battery disconnect switch or the use/store switch. I can keep it live 100% of the time. What is common to your system is that you will have to check the battery water level often. I install new battery watering system caps with water level monitors. One glance and the check is done.
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I should think so. I only have 80W and it keeps my chassis and house batteries fully charged while in storage. I have a second 80W panel but haven’t been motivated to install it yet.
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