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Topic ClosedSolar panels to charge batteries
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WillThrill View Drop Down
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Posts: 298 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Solar panels to charge batteries
    Posted: 11 Aug 2015 at 3:27pm
Below is a thread discussing this exact topic. I did it myself and provide several pictures showing how. It's very easy.

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5017&title=connecting-a-100-watt-solar-panel-to-zamp-port
"Not all those who wander are lost." Tolkien

2014 Hood River 177
2005 GMC Envoy XL
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Posts: 1108 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Aug 2015 at 8:50am
Originally posted by SLO Pod

I'm a newby, but interested in proceeding with the solar.  My 2015 178 is "solar ready" with the Zamp hookup, but I am going to get the renology 100 W suitcase.  Do you know where you can get the SAE connector for the hook up? Do you or others recommend a second battery, or do you find that one 12V battery suffices?

Usually the SAE connectors at local auto parts stores and Box box suppliers are 12 gauge or lighter. You can get good 10 gauge SAE connectors on Ebay. 

The need for a second battery is determined by how the system is used. E.g. I camp of the grid on the beach at the Gulf of Mexico. Plenty of Sunshine, not much shade so I get by with a 50w panel and one group 24 batter. If you camp up in the woods or in areas with a lot of overcast like the Pacific NW, you may want to consider having another battery. Think storage. Batteries do not generate power, they store power.  
Cliff & Raelynn
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SLO Pod View Drop Down
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Posts: 5 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Aug 2015 at 4:23pm
I'm a newby, but interested in proceeding with the solar.  My 2015 178 is "solar ready" with the Zamp hookup, but I am going to get the renology 100 W suitcase.  Do you know where you can get the SAE connector for the hook up? Do you or others recommend a second battery, or do you find that one 12V battery suffices?
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Posts: 1108 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Jun 2015 at 7:46pm
+++, I just wired two of these in the field this weekend and don't even know because like furpod said, always check the polarity with a meter and verify how they are wired and that's what I do. 
Cliff & Raelynn
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furpod View Drop Down
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Posts: 6128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Jun 2015 at 5:32pm
Originally posted by mikeyg2347

I bought a Renogy 100 watt charger and I want to attach a SAE plug. Which side of the 
Zamp plug-in is positive?
The recessed side should be, but it's ALWAYS best to use a multimeter on it to see... Bob at the factory or Dave at the dealership may have hooked them up wrong at the battery end..
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Posts: 75 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Jun 2015 at 2:40pm
I bought a Renogy 100 watt charger and I want to attach a SAE plug. Which side of the 
Zamp plug-in is positive?
Mike
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Posts: 12 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Jun 2015 at 5:19pm
I also have a Renology.  Works like a charm.  I run the Fantastic Fan all day and run LED lights at night.  My battery never dips.  I just rotate the panel a few times a day to follow the sun.
Good luck!

Dean
2010 R-Pod 172, 2010 Mazda CX9
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Posts: 2 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Jun 2015 at 9:49am
thanks for your help
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Posts: 1108 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Jun 2015 at 6:41pm
Yes, I put together a panel and charge controller and set it up to plug right into the "Zamp" plug. It's just an SAE plug connected to two #10 wires that run directly to the battery. Adding a fuse is always a good idea. 
Cliff & Raelynn
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techntrek View Drop Down
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Posts: 9059 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Jun 2015 at 12:23pm
Don't forget to add a fuse in the Zamp line at the battery. 
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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