Tellaro - Solar Expansion

RonRM · 09-11-2022, 06:35 PM

Wow...who designs these things.

It's raining, so I got board and decided to take my new toy apart.

Found the solar controller, it's behind the bottom drawer in bathroom (the BMPro controller is there also). It's a cheap 10amp Go Power, (Dometic company) a unit that doesn't even show up on their discounted web page; I think even Go Power is embarrassed they built these.

I am going to add another 190W panel, so I know I need at least 20 and better off with 30amp or larger controller --- here's why.

The RV has a solar input inlet on the outside, next to the 110vAC outlets on the camp side. With a 190W on the roof, capable of 9.5amps; what do you think would happen if you plugged in a portable panel - anything that is more than .5amp would overload the controller....awesome design Thor.

Ron

LawrenceofPA · 09-11-2022, 06:47 PM

I'm going to do a deep dive and check out my solar controller. Mine is a 30 amp model by the same company that made the panel, Renogy. I'll investigate adding a portable solar panel, and since the controller can handle 30 A, it should be fine with another panel. Still need to find the right cable to put 2 in parallel.

RonRM · 09-11-2022, 07:00 PM

Glad I took stuff apart, here's pic - demonstrating the exceptional attention to detail on the assembly floor - yes, that's sarcasm!

Hard to see, took with one of those flexible snake cams. This is just to the left of the bottom drawer in the bathroom. The bundle goes to the BMPro controller.

It shows a pin nail, just about piercing the wiring harness; dodged the bullet so far. Over time, bouncing around it will probably wear through. Going to extract it, and put some wire loom on the bundle as it's a tight bend rubbing on the wood - eventual issue.

Ron

DavidEM · 09-11-2022, 07:26 PM

Actually your setup with a fixed mount 190 watt panel on the roof and a solar port on the side, would make it easy to add a portable 200 watt panel. Yes you would have to upgrade the controller to a 40A MPPT type preferably. But tying a roof top and a portable panel together at the controller should work well, and even with shade on your roof, you might be able to find a spot where the portable panel could pick up sun.

Renogy and others sell two 100 watt panels in a foldable package that would work. See https://www.amazon.com/s?k=200+watt+..._ts-doa-p_1_18 for a page of them.

David

RonRM · 09-11-2022, 07:43 PM

That's a cool idea, after the controller swap, having portable panels - could use them in other applications.

I'm not full-timing in this thing, so mounting a permanent panel is just money sitting on the roof.

Ron

LawrenceofPA · 09-11-2022, 07:59 PM

I saw a lot of portable solar panels on our recent trip. The RV was in the shade, and the portable panel was in the sun. Putting another roof mounted panel under a tree won't help much.

RonRM · 09-11-2022, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LawrenceofPA

I saw a lot of portable solar panels on our recent trip. The RV was in the shade, and the portable panel was in the sun. Putting another roof mounted panel under a tree won't help much.

Another good point! The only time the panels come into play is when parked, in my case, the alternator does the charging when engine running.

Chateau_Nomad · 09-11-2022, 10:32 PM

A 40amp MPPT is about $140. It will "future proof" your setup... if/until you decide to go hog wild investing in a massive solar setup. I went with Rich Solar. Renogy uses the same Chinese supplier and just requests their branding put on it. Same guts. Panels are "branded" the same way.

RonRM · 09-12-2022, 01:47 AM

Wife comes up with good ideas now and again. She came up with 'why not a portable generator', charges faster, in any weather and can run the A/C continuous (depending on location).

Sure, could run the engine, probably takes 30-50mins to get to full charge from 50%...just a guess, experienced it charging from 65% in 20mins of driving. We like A/C, but running the engine for hours in situations, I dunno how much I'm in love with that idea. The portable generator solves that, again, location dependent.

Would have been nice if Thor would have just left the generator on the 200amp setup. Then again, I'm betting a portable would be way cheaper, a 3000W portable will go for <$400.

First problem - where to put it, planning on the Stowaway swing hitch and a 49" tool box bolted to it. That might solve that. I don't know if I would put in a watertight box if I put gas in it, but certainly could strap it to the top or carry an extra 20lb propane bottle.

Also planning on taking the bike rack off, so the mounting bars could probably be used for an extra gas can, or a dual fuel could run off propane/gas.

Cost wise, could be near a wash panel/controller vs. generator. Going with the hitch mount box no matter.

Now I'm conflicted.

Ron

Chateau_Nomad · 09-12-2022, 01:54 AM

. Where are you finding a NEW 3,000 watt portable inverter generator under $400?

RonRM · 09-12-2022, 02:03 AM

I was dreaming...Just googled it, your are right - 350 isn't quite enough for dual fuel 2k-2.5kW closer to $500-600...that still gets it done.

Ebay actually had this thing for $199.00 FIRMAN WH02942F 3200/2900W Dual Fuel Inverter Portable Generator"...could buy 2, for sure one will break.

Jimbo56 · 09-12-2022, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RonRM

I was dreaming...Just googled it, your are right - 350 isn't quite enough for dual fuel 2k-2.5kW closer to $500-600...that still gets it done.

Ebay actually had this thing for $199.00 FIRMAN WH02942F 3200/2900W Dual Fuel Inverter Portable Generator"...could buy 2, for sure one will break.

Buy it!

RonRM · 09-12-2022, 11:44 PM

Must have been a scam, they go anywhere from 550ish to 850 on eBay...

LawrenceofPA · 09-13-2022, 04:19 PM

How much does a portable 3000W generator weigh, and where would you store it? I barely have room for food, clothing and appliances.

RonRM · 09-13-2022, 10:39 PM

The Champion dual fuel is around 40lbs.

I was thinking storing it in a 39" tool box mounted to a swing hitch mount (stowaway sells just the swing hitch). I would probably use it with propane, as not to have to worry about fumes in the box.

Ron

robertj1961 · 09-14-2022, 04:16 PM

The new model Onan 2800 watt will fit under the Tellaro and mount in the rear.
Ground clearance has not been a problem.
Thor was able to do it because that is the way mine is set up. That option went away on the 2022 model. The Onan 2800 is the most quiet generator I have ever heard and will charge the batteries very quickly and run the A/C. You would have the best of both worlds with the underhood extra alternator AND a generator in my opinion. I have considered adding the underhood alternator to mine but not sure I really need it since I have the Onan.
Thor's price for this option added $1700 to the cost but keep in mine did not get the extra alternator. The new Onan is fuel injected and simple maintenance with no oil filter to change and have had zero problems so far after about 40 hours of use and you would not have to find a place to store it. The only tricky part of installation might be tapping into the Promaster fuel tank. Not sure how that was done from the factory but could be pretty simple? If interested the specific model is QG 2800i. Was curious and just checked and seems they are available but price is around $3600.

LawrenceofPA · 09-14-2022, 05:44 PM

I just checked my solar controller. This is a 2022 Tellaro 20L. It appears that the whole controller is in the same hole as the control panel, next to the 12V Master switch.

I'm pretty sure my 2022 doesn't have a solar port,but adding a portable doesn't look like a big deal. What does the solar port look like?

I'm also going to upgrade the GoPower 30 A PWM with a Renogy 40 A MTTP controller.

robertj1961 · 09-14-2022, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LawrenceofPA

I just checked my solar controller. This is a 2022 Tellaro 20L. It appears that the whole controller is in the same hole as the control panel, next to the 12V Master switch.

I'm pretty sure my 2022 doesn't have a solar port,but adding a portable doesn't look like a big deal. What does the solar port look like?

I'm also going to upgrade the GoPower 30 A PWM with a Renogy 40 A MTTP controller.

If you decide to do this, I would be curious as to adding a solar port as well or the best way to do this? The 2022 models did not have the port added but that is one of the changes they made on the 2023 model. The portable panels would be a nice addition given the limited ability of 190 watts only providing enough power to run the refrigerator. Might even consider adding an additional panel to the roof as there should be enough room up there to do that.

DavidEM · 09-14-2022, 06:33 PM

[QUOTE=LawrenceofPA;361353]

I'm pretty sure my 2022 doesn't have a solar port,but adding a portable doesn't look like a big deal. What does the solar port look like?

[k/jQUOTE]

Go to Amazon and enter SAE outlet port 10 gauge. Go power uses the SAE standard for their ports and connectors but reverses the polarities.

David

RonRM · 09-15-2022, 12:42 AM

It's about a 1.5" rounded black covered outlet (two round prongs inside - I think they are SAE style) on the side of the van.

I found this on Amazon - pic is close.

https://www.amazon.com/iMESTOU-Weath...a-896671467249

It looks kinda like the TV antenna covered outlet on the side of the unit.

It's awesome they put it on the unit...however, they didn't put in a solar controller in that is large enough for the 190W plus an additional panel.

I found the controller, mine is only 10amps. It was buried behind the lower drawer in the bathroom. They also mounted the BMPRo controller node next to it. As expected, a total wiring nightmare. No big deal, just more stuff to keep me busy.

Ron

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