Solar Panel
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
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=8880
Printed Date: 04 Nov 2025 at 12:38am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Solar Panel
Posted By: will910
Subject: Solar Panel
Date Posted: 07 Oct 2016 at 2:33pm
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We purchased a 2017 rpod 178 in June I would like to add a solar panel The 178 come with Go Power ,solar on the side connector. The 178 already wired in invertor. What panel would work Best for the Rpod . P. S don't need charge controller
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Thanks BillReplies:
Posted By: Chuckfsc
Date Posted: 07 Oct 2016 at 3:32pm
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Does this mean when you order any RPod with a solar panel it comes with an inverter? ------------- Chuckfsc |
Posted By: sailor323
Date Posted: 07 Oct 2016 at 4:44pm
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No, the pod does not come with an inverter. Many people incorrectly refer to the converter as an inverter. The converter changes 120V AC to 12V DC in order to charge the battery. An inverter does the opposite, it changes battery power to 120V AC. As for a solar panel, you should go with at least 100 watts. You will also need a charge controller. Some solar kits come with a controller. We do love our solar set up. We can camp off grid indefinitely. Our only limitations are water and waste. |
Posted By: Chuckfsc
Date Posted: 07 Oct 2016 at 8:04pm
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Thanks for the clarification. Do you have a inverter installed on yours for the ability to watch TV or a DVD, or to charge your cell phone or IPad on your batteries with the solar panel charging them? ------------- Chuckfsc |
Posted By: sailor323
Date Posted: 07 Oct 2016 at 9:45pm
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Yes, I do have a small 300 watt inverter for running small appliances like a coffee grinder. I do not use it to charge cell phones,laptops or tablets. I have a 12V brick for the laptop and cigarette lighter plugs for tablets and cell phones. we don't watch TV or DVD, but could do so without an inverter. Inverters are a kind of waste of energy when you can simply go DC to DC |
Posted By: Chuckfsc
Date Posted: 08 Oct 2016 at 8:14pm
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Thanks for the info. How did you mount your inverter in the RPod and run the wires? ------------- Chuckfsc |
Posted By: sailor323
Date Posted: 09 Oct 2016 at 7:51am
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I did not mount the inverter. We have several 12V outlets around the pod. We plug the inverter in whenever we need it--mostly for the coffee grinder or small food processor when we are boondocking. |
Posted By: Don Halas
Date Posted: 09 Oct 2016 at 11:47am
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Good guidance/advice from sailor 323. |
Posted By: Chuckfsc
Date Posted: 11 Oct 2016 at 10:23pm
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Thank you . You mentioned the 12 V outlets. Did you install them or the dealer? Can you also send me pictures of their locations within the RPod ? Thanks Chuck ------------- Chuckfsc |
Posted By: sailor323
Date Posted: 12 Oct 2016 at 12:07pm
  I installed the plugs. One plug is on the front of the galley cabinet below the sink, another
is on the right side of the galley cabinet. A third plug, along with
USB plug is next to the 120V outlet below the bed. The last one is
below the 120V plug on the outside. I ran a new circuit for the plugs
from the distribution panel. |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 12 Oct 2016 at 1:25pm
We used the one that combine a outlet, with two USB charge ports. Have one on the end of the dinette, and one next to the bed.  ------------- |
Posted By: Chuckfsc
Date Posted: 13 Oct 2016 at 7:37am
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Thank you so much. This is a very nice installation. Great job ------------- Chuckfsc |