Introduce Yourself: Solar Power

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Solar Power

Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Introduce Yourself
Forum Discription: New Members - tell us about yourself and your r-pod
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5572
Printed Date: 19 May 2025 at 12:10am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Solar Power

Posted By: fixitmr2
Subject: Solar Power
Date Posted: 18 Nov 2014 at 9:35pm

We recently bought an RPod 179 and love it. Question I have, is do you have to purchase Zapp Solar Panel or can you use any solar system with the Zapp connection on the RPod?

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Ron and Linda
2015 R Pod 179
2015 Tacoma

Replies:

Posted By: RescapePod
Date Posted: 19 Nov 2014 at 8:05am

welcome..we have the 179 with solar and my research here on the site shows that the setup is just a direct connection to the battery to charge the battery. That is a good thing because you CAN use other brands of panels to charge the pod as long as the connector at the port is the same. Do a search on here and you will get lots of information as well as pros and cons of solar.

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2015 R-Pod 179
2013 Chevy K1500

Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 19 Nov 2014 at 8:12am

Welcome to the group!! Hope you enjoy your 179 as much as we enjoy ours!!

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Leo & Melissa Bachand
2017 Ford F150
2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk
Previously owned
2015 Rpod 179
2010 Rpod 171

Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 19 Nov 2014 at 9:11am

Greeting and Congratulations on your 179 acquisition!

Yes, this is my understanding. The "solar connection" is just a plug with 10g wires that run up to the battery. I plan to verify this some time with a simple continuity test. So yes, it would seem plausible that other systems can be used. The Zamp products are plug and play and come with a premium charge controller and fused feed lines so, of course, you will have to add those to your panel or buy a kit that includes them. Good luck!

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Cliff & Raelynn
Ranger 4.0/178
(1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity)

Posted By: kylekai
Date Posted: 19 Nov 2014 at 12:21pm

I have a 179 and purchased a Zamp 80 watt solar panel. Works great, just plug and play.

Found the best price at eBay:

http://r.ebay.com/KyHRYM

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Posted By: fixitmr2
Date Posted: 19 Nov 2014 at 7:30pm

I'd like to thank everyone for their ideas on the solar power.

When my wife, Linda first saw the Rpod 179 her eyes just lit up so I knew we were buying one.

Ron and Linda

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Ron and Linda
2015 R Pod 179
2015 Tacoma

Posted By: SiberD
Date Posted: 20 Nov 2014 at 7:26am

Eventually I would like to get solar for our's too. I was looking at this kit...

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HR8YNK6/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1JLWN8CB2QJDV&coliid=I3O4N29H1F2XQB

And then get a connection like this..

http://www.ebay.com/itm/360693403228?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

and use butt connectors and shrink tubing for a direct plug and play.

Posted By: johnmaci
Date Posted: 20 Nov 2014 at 7:40am

Great minds think alike :)
I also went with a 100W portable Renology, and it has been great!
http://www.amazon.com/Renogy-Foldable-Suitcase-Battery-Charger/dp/B00HR8YNK6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416485901&sr=8-1&keywords=portable+solar
I also purchased an adapter (another online vendor), that allows me to connect directly to the tow wiring harness and not have to use the post clamps; and extension cables in case I am parked in a shady lot, and can move the panels a good distance away to get to the sun.

If you are new to solar, there is a lot of information on the net and videos on YouTube on how to position for best performance.
1. I always use a compass, and point the panel to true (geographic) south and not magnetic south accounting for any magnetic deviation.
2. I use this calculator to find "solar noon" for any geographic position: http://www.esrl.noaa.gov/gmd/grad/solcalc/
3. Finally, I use this digital angle gauge to get the most accurate angle on my panel: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001PTGBRQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This article has a good explanation on how to also use the "shortest shadow" method instead of using an angle gauge for your location:
http://rimstar.org/renewnrg/finding_true_south_pole.htm

Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 20 Nov 2014 at 9:10am

I also purchased an adapter (another online vendor), that allows me to connect directly to the tow wiring harness and not have to use the post clamps; and extension cables in case I am parked in a shady lot, and can move the panels a good distance away to get to the sun.

Hi johnmaci. I'm just curious if you got this Go Power! 7 pin adapter?

http://gpelectric.com/products/accessories-portable-solar-kits - http://gpelectric.com/products/accessories-portable-solar-kits

Looks pretty nifty and an easy hookup for any trailer.

Thanks,

fred

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2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits
2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6
Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks!

Posted By: johnmaci
Date Posted: 20 Nov 2014 at 1:26pm

Exactly. It attached perfectly since they are also Anderson Power Pole connectors.
I would highly recommend the extension cable, since it has come in handy for me in more than one situation. The tow wiring harness adapter is convenient, but not a must have if you have easy access to your battery to use the clamps.