Solar panels to charge batteries
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6390
Printed Date: 19 Jun 2025 at 4:33pm
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Topic: Solar panels to charge batteries
Posted By: GayleWYO
Subject: Solar panels to charge batteries
Date Posted: 09 Jun 2015 at 9:44am
| Is it okay to use a solar panel other than Zamp |
Replies:
Posted By: johnmaci
Date Posted: 09 Jun 2015 at 10:02am
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I would say yes; panels are panels. What matters are the connectors.
I use a Renology Solar Suitcase. If you have a newer Pod with a built-in Zamp controller, you can get the cheaper model w/o a controller: http://www.renogy-store.com/Solar-Suitcase-s/1889.htm -or- You can go with a boat panel kit (a bit pricier) with flexible panels: http://www.renogy-store.com/Solar-Boat-Kit-s/1906.htm |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 09 Jun 2015 at 11:29am
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The "solar ready or Zamp ready" pods DO NOT include a controller. You will need a controller. They are set up to be attached directly to any of the Zamp portable panel sets, which include a controller mounted on the panel. The only "advantage" of going with a Zamp sourced kit is it's pure "plug and play". But you don't have to use a Zamp panel or controller. Amazon has several portable panel sets with built in controller for much less than Zamp wants. If you want to use the Zamp plug on the pod, you will have to add it to the wiring coming from the controller. ------------- |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 09 Jun 2015 at 12:23pm
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Don't forget to add a fuse in the Zamp line at the battery. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 09 Jun 2015 at 6:41pm
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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 Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: GayleWYO
Date Posted: 10 Jun 2015 at 9:49am
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thanks for your help
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Posted By: MurphDog
Date Posted: 10 Jun 2015 at 5:19pm
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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 |
Posted By: mikeyg2347
Date Posted: 25 Jun 2015 at 2:40pm
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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 |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 25 Jun 2015 at 5:32pm
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Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2015 at 7:46pm
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+++, 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 Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: SLO Pod
Date 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? |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 11 Aug 2015 at 8:50am
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 Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: WillThrill
Date Posted: 11 Aug 2015 at 3:27pm
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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 |