Community Forums

Foodmanim · 02-19-2018, 03:25 PM

Was wondering if anyone knows anything about the little solar panel that comes mounted on the air conditioner unit? It is tiny and I suspect doesn't do much but I can't find a light or anything that tells me if it is working or producing any wattage. Dealer doesn't seem to know. There is no read out for it in the control panel.

mrboyer · 02-19-2018, 05:10 PM

Mine has a red led on the air conditioner vent.

vsheetz · 02-19-2018, 05:42 PM

Likely connected to chassis battery as trickle charger. Had similar on a previous coach.

CWSWine · 02-19-2018, 07:00 PM

I'm surprised that 2018 has such a small solar cell. Here is a picture of my 2017 solar cell from the factory on my Discover LXE 40D

Click image for larger version

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Also, here is the picture of the controller in the passengers side rear electric compartment. Yes, it keeps the batteries charged when in storage.

lawdogg149 · 02-19-2018, 07:54 PM

I have the same as above. Question I would like to know can another panel be added to this system and how?

Finance · 02-19-2018, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lawdogg149

I have the same as above. Question I would like to know can another panel be added to this system and how?

Sure. You could add another panel; or two or three. Wire in series, that's going to produce about 16 volts per panel, or 32-70 volts approximately. Swap the controller for an MPPT that will transform it back down to 14v to charge the batteries while increasing the amperage. The reason for series MPPT is your wiring from the roof is small.

If you install larger wires to the roof, you can wire panels in parallel. No real reason to do so.

PS in series all panels must be identical. Or very close in electrical specs.

Foodmanim · 02-20-2018, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrboyer

Mine has a red led on the air conditioner vent.

That is what I have been hearing from others. Checked and no light on the air conditioner unit. I am assuming you mean inside the coach on air conditioner?

cruzbill · 02-20-2018, 03:10 PM

On top of AC shroud? Its likely a 10w panel. If so, no controller needed. A 10w panel is just a 1/2amp trickle charger. Yes, it will work, but just barely. I added 2x20w panels to the top of the AC shroud on our 5ver (since traded in on MH) and ran to a small solar controller. 40w makes about 2amps, so a bit better, but if I were you I would look at 100-400W system and upgrade your batteries to the max you can fit in your RV.