Solar Installation

I plan on utilizing solar, probably about 300 amps total.  Would appreciate any advice or experience with factory install.  I did all this myself on my boat but wondering how the factory install is compared to doing after market myself or with independent contractor.  What brands are used by PC, etc.  Many thanks.

I supplied two 160 watt panels during the build for them to mount on the roof.  I was told the factory reinforced the area on the roof where the panels are located.  I also provided PC #4 cable for them to run from the panel area on the roof to the area under the sink during the build phase.   Once I took delivery of the unit I installed a Morningstar controller and a Victron power monitor I already had.

I also had them install a rotary battery disconnect switch, the power monitor shunt, and a Progressive Dynamics converter instead of their standard model to improve charging capability.

fandj,

Excellent info., just what I was hoping to find.  Many thanks.

Mike

While fandj was given some flexibility on their solar install currently the options PC allows are fewer. The factory option for solar is based upon a Samlex kit. They will no longer accept any other solar panel even if form, fit and function compatible. They will not offer a "solar ready option" the response being its "all or nothing". I have a question in whether they would  be willing to run a cable or wires between the roof and the location for the solar charger.

They have accepted my requests of installing the Trimetric Battery monitor and the related solar charger.

The Samlex panels are expensive relative to the general market and the solar controller is a fairly basic PWM controller. I couldn't find much recent internet indication of usage of Samlex panels. If the Samlex parts are acceptable you are good to go, if not there may be few other options offered by PC. 

...Mike

Heading to Tampa tomorrow.  Will inquire about this.  Thanks.

300 amps, that will be awesome!   I had them install two 150 watts panels and sent them a trimetric battery monitor with the paired solar charger.  The Samlex panels are kinda middle of the road, not bad but not cutting edge by any means and seem a little pricey compared to others.  So could you do it yourself for less?  Most likely if you are handy and I considered that.  But I wanted it done and ready to go so I had them do it.  I did ask if they would increase the wire size from the panels to the controller to cut down on line loss.  I do not know yet if they did that.

If I'm not happy with the setup I have no problem taking it apart and redoing parts, so I think I will be fine.  The biggest downside is the battery pack.  PC refuses to consider Lithium at this time and they max out at a two battery pack with I am guessing about 220 amphours.  So the storage is the limiting factor, we could add more panels but with no way to store the amps it doesn't help.

Let us know what they say down in Florida.

Based upon the battery box dimensions without the slide that PC gave me, you can fit 2 of the lifeline 6V 300Ahr batteries in. 

(This is with no battery box slide and the AGMs turned on their side)


..Mike

Based upon the battery box dimensions without the slide that PC gave me, you can fit 2 of the lifeline 6V 300Ahr batteries in.

Good to know.  I am still not certain what batteries PC puts in the coach but whatever it is I'm living with them for awhile no matter what.  I think by the time I need replacements Lithium prices will have come down to something not too unreasonable.

Or possibly I can find room for a lithium pack inside the coach.  Lots of projects, so little time.