Community Forums

Melorene · 07-26-2014, 12:16 PM

Don't think my 12 volt solar panel (the small one) is working .. can't find out where the wires go to check it out

Old Scout · 07-26-2014, 01:31 PM

The samll panel is so small--I doubt if it makes much of a difference anyway--have no idea where the wires go but small panels ususally dont need a controller so wires probably go straight to the chassis bats--not the house bats......in the bat compartment...

Bumps · 07-26-2014, 01:49 PM

In at least my Winnebago, the wires go from the factory 10watt solar panel to a PC board behind the OnePlace and illuminate a small LED on that panel. Then on down to the chassis battery compartment. \ken

Wil Rathke · 07-26-2014, 03:08 PM

My controller is under the bathroom lavatory sink on the left.

Old Scout · 07-26-2014, 05:18 PM

Think owner is talking about the 10 watt panel that came on some early Alpines, not the 2x50 watt panels connected to the house bats....

Renipladlo · 07-26-2014, 06:03 PM

Here is the problem; WRV installed the small panel onto the roof, and glued it down. By doing this the sun cooks it, and the bottom of the panel has no way to shed it's heat buildup. They would last about 6 months and then die. I cut the wires on mine and taped the ends so it would quit making my batteries charge all the time and fry them too. Because our coach sat on the dealers lot for 18 months after it was built, the little panel was dead, and no one thought to check the electrolyte level in the batteries very often, so when I got it, they were almost empty. I was able to get about three more years from them, but never trusted them to boondock with. Only after I replaced them with AGM's did I stay out in the desert and not have services. The AGM's work very well. Cut those wires and don't worry about that little panel, it's dead.

zinom · 07-27-2014, 01:26 PM

The "small" solar charger wire is directly connected to the engine batteries via the black fuse panel in the battery compartment. The output voltage can be measured by removing the fuse. Remember one side will show the battery's voltage and the other side, the panel's voltage.

Melorene · 07-31-2014, 06:57 AM

thanks, my rig sat in the dealers lot for a long time when I got it in 08 and they used it by taking it to RV shows but didn't service the bats also and had to replace them when I got it home. will check the wire to the fuse panel. I had the dealer service tech check the house bat solar charger before we left the lot and they found the wire to the panel in the bathroom was cut in the wall and ran a new one but didn't check the 12v solar unit. again, thanks.