Quote:
Originally Posted by tek_ryter
W...It includes a control/battery monitoring panel in the stairwell and connectors on the roof. ... is it wired solely for battery upkeep?
I'd like to consider adding enough panels to power lights, etc., but not if it entails additional wiring and another control panel.
|
I would doubt any 'Solar Charge Controller' is included in this pre-wire, but check to make sure, as the battery monitor is probably just to monitor the House batteries...
Regardless, solar for RVs is basically to RECHARGE the House Batteries, not to power anything 'directly', as the sun is not consistent enough for that, and your 12v lights, fans, and appliances/controllers/thermostats will all work from your batteries already, anyway.
SOLAR is a way to keep your batteries from getting low, by using the sun's rays to harness power output to charge them. It is ultimately wired directly to your House batteries, thru the Charge Controller, which monitors the input/output, when you batteries need charging.
You can buy a simple HQST 2 - 100w panel/controller/wiring/mounting system and have basically everything you need for about 10amps of solar - which is a fair amount if you have two 12v or two 6v House batteries. I picked up our package back in 2017 for about $300. Since you have 'pre-wired' from the roof to your House batteries, you'll probably not need the wiring, but the 'Y' Parallel Combiners and Charge Controller will be very easy to install.
Thor Forums
