Vectra Solar Panel

[jimjr]

My 2009 Vectra has the solar charger. As we all know, the panel cannot even off set the draw on the batteries created by all the radio backlighting. My question is, can you upgrade the panel realistically so that the solar charger can keep the batteries from going dead if the only draw if the backlighting? Just wondering...

[emiddleb]

Jim,

I'm not a guru on this but I've seen similar messages before in this and other forums.

In a nutshell, the biggest concern is the capacity of the existing wiring and controller. If the panels are upgraded to supply more power then most agree that heavier wiring would need to be run as well as a upgraded controller unit.

Others with better info will probably chime in...

[ChiefJohn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by emiddleb Jim, I'm not a guru on this but I've seen similar messages before in this and other forums. In a nutshell, the biggest concern is the capacity of the existing wiring and controller. If the panels are upgraded to supply more power then most agree that heavier wiring would need to be run as well as a upgraded controller unit. Others with better info will probably chime in...

Thanks Ed -- I was hoping some other folks would 'chime' in as I've got the same concerns as Jim. This is something I wouldn't attempt to tackle on my own, but knowing the approximate labor/parts involved beforehand would be beneficial.

[jimandsue60]

The existing Vectra system will not support any additional solar panels that will maintain batteries efficiently. If you want more solar power I suggest leaving the existing panel in place and forget about it. Then add whatever supplemental sytem you need after calculating your needs. We have a 400 watt system that we bought from Welcome to AM Solar - Your RV Solar Specialists since 1987 Their web page shows prices and can give you a good idea of what to expect for installation.

Jim

[UFO Pilot]

I have a 10 watt solar panel that I wanted to upgrade. The wiring and controller are not sized for a larger panel. I had a 130 watt panel and new controller installed and they left the 10 watt panel alone.

[jimjr]

I appreciate the info. Sounds like the short story is; leave the old panel alone and add a whole new set up. Does anyone know if Camping World does this type of work? Or is this a specialty job that needs to go through a solar panel business?

[ua40j]

I downloaded the wiring spec for my 2002 Ultimate Advantage and found that the wire size used in the 10watt panel could support the current output of a 40-50watt panel.

I installed a 50watt panel and find that it keeps the batteries charged up in storage unless it's under 3 feet of snow like we've had this year. (I'm so disliking snow........)

I did make the mistake of thinking the 10watt onboard charge controller would handle the increase in amperage. It does for about a month. That cost me a 'solar charging when lit' light. So I installed a charge controller behind the OnePlace panel and continue to use the same wiring. No issues so far and the batteries are happy.

My 10watt panel is next to my refridgerator vent and uses the vent for wire access. I left the 10watt in place and used those wires for the 50watt panel. I bought a bilge vent fan from WestMarine and installed it in the top of the refridgerator vent and connected it to the 10watt panel. Helps out a bit in warm climates.

I don't know if Camping World does solar, but none of their solar products comes with a 'let us install it for you' price. That would lend me to think they don't do solar.

[John Hilley]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ua40j I downloaded the wiring spec for my 2002 Ultimate Advantage and found that the wire size used in the 10watt panel could support the current output of a 40-50watt panel. I installed a 50watt panel and find that it keeps the batteries charged up in storage unless it's under 3 feet of snow like we've had this year. (I'm so disliking snow........) I did make the mistake of thinking the 10watt onboard charge controller would handle the increase in amperage. It does for about a month. That cost me a 'solar charging when lit' light. So I installed a charge controller behind the OnePlace panel and continue to use the same wiring. No issues so far and the batteries are happy. My 10watt panel is next to my refridgerator vent and uses the vent for wire access. I left the 10watt in place and used those wires for the 50watt panel. I bought a bilge vent fan from WestMarine and installed it in the top of the refridgerator vent and connected it to the 10watt panel. Helps out a bit in warm climates. I don't know if Camping World does solar, but none of their solar products comes with a 'let us install it for you' price. That would lend me to think they don't do solar.

I agree that the existing wiring should support a 50 watt or less solar panel. Harbor Freight is selling a 45 watt system complete with controller for under $200. Here is a DC wire capacity chart