Size of Solar Panels
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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=8514
Printed Date: 25 Jun 2025 at 7:32am
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Topic: Size of Solar Panels
Posted By: jdtrotter
Subject: Size of Solar Panels
Date Posted: 03 Aug 2016 at 11:40pm
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Hi, We think we have decided to buy a 180 and have a question about solar panels. We definitely want a solar panel because we had one with our truck camper and loved it because we do a lot of dry camping. It was mounted on the roof and the controller was inside the camper. Here is the question. The parts department at the dealer suggested that we have 2- 6volt batteries instead of the 12 volt. We think we agree with that.  But then he showed us a rather large two panel 120 amp portable solar panel that has its own controller. It seems like maybe overkill? And it was about $800.00 retail. I know we will get it cheaper, but that sounds really expensive? Also, since it will be used to keep the batteries powered up, do we really need one with its own controller?We really know very little about electricity and appreciate your feedback. John and Diane |
Replies:
Posted By: JandL
Date Posted: 04 Aug 2016 at 12:11am
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I posted pictures on my removable roof mounted solar panel. I have only one panel but there is enough room to get 2 up there. Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks - List Your Mods - Posted: 02 Aug 2015 (Page 39)
Here is the link to my mounting a second panel http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8043 ------------- JandL 2013 Honda Ridgeline 2012 177 2 Paynes in a Pod |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 04 Aug 2016 at 7:27am
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Yes, a charge controller is always required on all solar applications. It's job is to regulate the power generated by the panels, and to optimize and protect your batteries. Solar panels are basically low power battery chargers. The high quality sets that are easy to use, plug and play, cost more $$$. ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: john in idaho
Date Posted: 04 Aug 2016 at 10:46am
| If you go to the Zamp website, they have a chart for sizing the panel. Probably 120. |
Posted By: Don Halas
Date Posted: 04 Aug 2016 at 11:53am
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Not to cross hairs, but I believe you meant 'two panel 120 watt', not amps.
You say you do a lot of dry camping. Bear in mind that the solar panel will charge the battery, but also supply power to your power demands during the day, which means less (no) draw on the battery when the sun is able meet your daytime demands. That of course means your battery has more charge than it would going into the night time when it's the only source of power. |
Posted By: Pod People
Date Posted: 04 Aug 2016 at 3:28pm
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We use a Renogy 100watt suitcase panel and it keeps our batteries charged. The overall system seems to be well made. We mounted the charge controller inside the pod because it is not weather proof. I would recommend this system. Vann ------------- Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179 https://postimg.cc/0zwKrfB9"> 
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Posted By: WillThrill
Date Posted: 04 Aug 2016 at 3:43pm
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A single 100 watt panel is sufficient for most folks unless you're watching a lot of TV. If you needed a bit more power than that, I would recommend just charging up your batteries using your tow vehicle, something that is easy to do but seldom recommended. ------------- "Not all those who wander are lost." Tolkien 2014 Hood River 177 2005 GMC Envoy XL |
Posted By: jdtrotter
Date Posted: 04 Aug 2016 at 10:06pm
Opps, that shows how much I know about electricity --- amp vs watts, etc.  I sure appreciate the feedback. We made the decision and signed the papers today for a 2017 180. While we know it will not take us some places, we are excited for new and different adventures. We hope it will do okay on gravel and dirt as we think we will head back to the Yukon and Northwest Territories. After traveling in our pop up slide in camper, the space in the R-Pod seems HUGE to us. :-) After checking out some suggestions here and a conversation with a friend who is in the solar business, we decided to go with two 6 volt batteries and the Zamp 120 that the dealer had. The price of the solar kit was a couple hundred dollars more than on Amazon, but we feel good about the final price of the entire package and it all will be financed. Excited. Thank you |