PC Solar Panal Option

If anyone has gotten the Solar Panel Option from PC please give me the details on what came with the option ( Individual parts included ) and how you like it. I am thinking of visiting PC in Elkhart to have this option added to our coach. Thanks in advance

James,
On my 2017 they installed a Samlex solar package that included two panels, a solar charge controller and display panel. 

Pros:
It works and with care I can go with no shore connection indefinitely as long as the sun is shining.
PC installed it so no fuss and no having to get another shop to do the work.

Cons:
The display panel is in the stairwell and nearly impossible to read. 
The panels and charger are fine but definitely not cutting edge.

If your needs are simple and you are not trying to push the envelope with cutting edge panels and Lithium batteries I think the ones PC installs are just fine.  But understand they are middle of the road and a speciality shop can likely install better panels, controller and wiring that will deliver more power.  But almost certainly at a higher cost.

This assumes they are using the same package.  You would need to ask them what they are using now.

I also have a 2017 but elected not to have Phoenix add the solar at the time of the build. I was not impressed with the Samlex system and although they had built previous solar systems customized to the customer they refused to do it at the time of my build.

I went with AMSolar who specializes in RV solar. The clear downside is that they are located in Oregon but I was going to travel there anyway. They have state of the art systems and use a no drill hole method. I got a 4 panel system and the control panel is placed close to the control for the furnace/air con, which is convenient. I also like that the controller has a secondary system that keeps the truck battery charged as well. They have a strong customer service reputation.

As John said, check to see what Phoenix is doing now as it may all be completely different.

Some other things to consider with the solar controller and system: Are the charging voltages configurable? Most are designed for standard lead-acid batteries but I wanted Lifeline AGMs for the house batteries. AGMs have a different charging profile and Lifelines have a specific recommended profile. If you think you may want AGMs or even Lithiums in the future the configurability of the controller is important.

Equalizing: manually triggered, automatic, programmable? Equalizing de-sulfates the batteries.

Adding panels: does the system easily allow adding panels later?

Panel tilt: If you stay in an area for a while or camp late in the year you may want the ability to tilt the panels to optimize performance

Alarms: Some controllers have added functionality to set alarms when battery voltage drops to a level. Lead acid batteries should not be pushed below 50% charge for battery health.

When we ordered our PC we had the factory install two 160 watt monocrystaline solar panels. They ran the 4 gauge wire from the panel area to underneath the kitchen sink.  I purchased the panels and wire and had dropped shipped to the PC factory.


The factory installed reinforcing panels in the roof during layup of the roof prior to installing the roof.  The panels were installed between the aluminum roof “rafters”.  The factory attached the solar panels to the reinforcing panels.


When I got the PC home I wired the panels in parallel on the roof and installed a Morningstar MPPT solar controller under the kitchen sink.  I also installed a Victron battery monitoring system.


During the ordering process I got the feeling PC had limited experience with solar charging systems, hence the reason I went the route I did of having them install the panels and running the wire as this was essentially a mechanical task and felt they should be knowledgeable to perform this.  This was a couple of years ago and I understand they now currently insist on doing all or nothing.  I would think but don’t know they have become more knowledgeable as to the electrical reguirements for solar/battery systems.


If you intend to rely heavily on the solar system to maintain battery charge particularly during the low sun angle months of November to March the need for a properly designed system becomes more critical.  In this case I think I would at least have discussions with reputable RV solar installers.  If you have limited experience with solar I think this becomes more important.

Gandalf42, you mentioned AMSolar used a “no drill hole method”, does that mean the panels are attached to the roof with adhesive?  I used VHB adhesive tape to attach a panel a molded fiberglass camper and was very satisfied.

Gandalf42, you mentioned AMSolar used a “no drill hole method”, does that mean the panels are attached to the roof with adhesive?  I used VHB adhesive tape to attach a panel a molded fiberglass camper and was very satisfied.

Yes, they used VHB type tape on the mounting feet and have said there has been no record of any having come off. The RV has been in some pretty good wind already and no issues. 

They also gooped it with self leveling caulk...don't know the reasoning why and didn't happen to ask.