Connecting a 100 watt solar panel to Zamp port

Sorry for dragging this out.  I obviously did things wrong last fall when i was playing with it.  How do i properly tie into one of the open circuits?

Ok, now you've got me considering a solar set up for our 178. I really don't expect to be doing much off the grid camping, but like the idea I can keep the battery charged at home without a long extension cord from the house. Also like the idea that it makes battery consumption less tenuous when no AC is available.

So, I'm considering starting with 1 100 watt panel with the assumption I can add another panel later if required. I like this one: HQST 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Flexible Solar Panel   (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B017OMTAV6/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1OFFIBLM4EPOJ&coliid=I180JN9A4WMLPF&psc=1)
as it appears I could mount it on the top of the pod using VHB tape and possibly some caulking. Thoughts comments?

Has anyone been able to splice the charge controller into the zamp connector without a lot of hassle? I think I will probably mount the first panel on the front of the pod so I could also go right to the battery from there, but I don't see any controllers being sold as waterproof. So I'd rather not have to also buy/attach another box to the toe of the trailer if I don't have to. I like this controller Tracer MPPT Tracer1210RN Solar Charge Controller Regulator 12/24V INPUT 10A (http://www.amazon.com/Tracer-Tracer1210RN-Charge-Controller-Regulator/dp/B008KWPGS6/ref=sr_1_5?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1464264827&sr=1-5&keywords=mppt+solar+charge+controller). Apparently the MPPT controllers do a better job of maximizing the power you get from the cell and this one appears to be priced right and reviewed fairly well.

But if I go through the Zamp connector I'd like to be able to do it with the controller between the connector and battery. This will probably mean mounting the controller in the rear storage area, but that shouldn't be too difficult assuming there's some slack in the wire behind the zamp connector.

If I added a second panel, I think I'd mount it on the rear. My objective being to be able to acquire solar power without too much concern of how the trailer is positioned. I understand I'd lose some efficiency, but would not have to hassle moving panels or repositioning the trailer. I don't expect to have a big appetite for power from this.

From what I can see I would run the second panel in series which would supply (up to) 24 volts. The controller would step the voltage down to 12v as part of its purpose.

Any insight or comments would be appreciated. I think I could do the one panel 100w for about $325 with hardware.

Originally posted by Don Halas Ok, now you've got me considering a solar set up for our 178. I really don't expect to be doing much off the grid camping, but like the idea I can keep the battery charged at home without a long extension cord from the house. Also like the idea that it makes battery consumption less tenuous when no AC is available. So, I'm considering starting with 1 100 watt panel with the assumption I can add another panel later if required. I like this one: HQST 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Flexible Solar Panel   (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B017OMTAV6/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1OFFIBLM4EPOJ&coliid=I180JN9A4WMLPF&psc=1) as it appears I could mount it on the top of the pod using VHB tape and possibly some caulking. Thoughts comments? Has anyone been able to splice the charge controller into the zamp connector without a lot of hassle? I think I will probably mount the first panel on the front of the pod so I could also go right to the battery from there, but I don't see any controllers being sold as waterproof. So I'd rather not have to also buy/attach another box to the toe of the trailer if I don't have to. I like this controller Tracer MPPT Tracer1210RN Solar Charge Controller Regulator 12/24V INPUT 10A (http://www.amazon.com/Tracer-Tracer1210RN-Charge-Controller-Regulator/dp/B008KWPGS6/ref=sr_1_5?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1464264827&sr=1-5&keywords=mppt+solar+charge+controller). Apparently the MPPT controllers do a better job of maximizing the power you get from the cell and this one appears to be priced right and reviewed fairly well. But if I go through the Zamp connector I'd like to be able to do it with the controller between the connector and battery. This will probably mean mounting the controller in the rear storage area, but that shouldn't be too difficult assuming there's some slack in the wire behind the zamp connector. If I added a second panel, I think I'd mount it on the rear. My objective being to be able to acquire solar power without too much concern of how the trailer is positioned. I understand I'd lose some efficiency, but would not have to hassle moving panels or repositioning the trailer. I don't expect to have a big appetite for power from this. From what I can see I would run the second panel in series which would supply (up to) 24 volts. The controller would step the voltage down to 12v as part of its purpose. Any insight or comments would be appreciated. I think I could do the one panel 100w for about $325 with hardware.

Originally posted by Don Halas Thanks for the observation Will, but you will note a large part of the desire is to keep the battery charged at home. Positioning the panel on the front of the Pod will give it max Southern exposure when it sits in my yard. Also, I don't want something else to carry and assemble when we camp so I'm not considering movable panels. Also they'd need to be secure in bad weather and possibly stolen. I'd accept the diminished performance with something that should be pretty passive once installed.

Sailor your panels are mounted similarly to what I am considering.