Community Forums

glfprncs · 12-24-2007, 09:49 AM

I know, I know...but we bought the MH used and 'as is.' So here's the question:

We have a 1995 Safari Sahara. On the roof are two solar panels: One is approximately 1'x 1', and the other is approximately 2'x4'. There is no paperwork in the 'paperwork box' that came with the coach. Sooooo...how does one know if the solar panels are actually hooked up and working? We've never had a battery issue (even during the 6 months when the MH is stored...though we do start both the generator and diesel engine monthly, and allow them to run for 1 1/2-2 hours), so is it possible that these panels are working?

I know that you'll want more information...but truly, I'm clueless. Just looking for a little guidance.

glfprncs · 12-24-2007, 09:49 AM

I know, I know...but we bought the MH used and 'as is.' So here's the question:

We have a 1995 Safari Sahara. On the roof are two solar panels: One is approximately 1'x 1', and the other is approximately 2'x4'. There is no paperwork in the 'paperwork box' that came with the coach. Sooooo...how does one know if the solar panels are actually hooked up and working? We've never had a battery issue (even during the 6 months when the MH is stored...though we do start both the generator and diesel engine monthly, and allow them to run for 1 1/2-2 hours), so is it possible that these panels are working?

I know that you'll want more information...but truly, I'm clueless. Just looking for a little guidance.

RV Wizard · 12-24-2007, 05:48 PM

The easiest way to determine if hte solar panels are charging is to have all other power sources off, cover the panels and check the battery voltage. Deplete the battery voltage some. Uncover the panels and while in good sunlight check the battery voltage; it should increase if the panels are charging. I would think the smal panel is fo rthe chassis battery bank and the larger one is for the house but this does not neccessarily have to be so.

Norm Payne · 12-24-2007, 09:22 PM

I will assume a few things. The small solar panel is probably a 5 or 10 watt panel that is connected to the chassis batteries and it was probably factory installed. You may have a red light inside that glows when it is charging. The larger solar panel may have been added by the former owner and I assume it charges the house batteries. From the size I will guess it puts out about 100-120 watts or 6-7 amps in bright sunlight. It should be connected to a charge controller before going to the batteries.

As mentioned above, with the batteries slightly discharged and a sunny sky, cover the solar panels and put a meter on the batteries. Note the readings. Then uncover the solar panels and note the reading again. If the panels are charging the voltage will increase.

LVJ58 · 12-25-2007, 04:35 PM

a 2x4' panel usually kicks out 80 to 100+ watts. Most coaches equipped with solar panels have a charge controller with an LCD voltage read out, anyway ours does. If you don't have one, then RV Wizard gives the best advice to check whether they're charging. You'll need a volt meter to check voltage at battery terminals. If you find the solar panel is working it might be wise to invest in a solar charge controller which safely regulates the charge to your batteries.

Good luck, Jim

skp_member · 01-02-2008, 09:20 AM

Louie,

The small panel is connected directy to the starting batteries. It probably does not work. Safari mounted them directly to the roof and most got water in them. If not, the wiring from this panel goes to the fuse blocks under the front opening under the windshield. It is labled on the fuse block that is the chassis battery block. U-hook it and see if you have voltage on the wires from the panel.

The larger panel is a 75W panel and it goes to the controller mounted in the 3 fuse block areas. The controler is about 2 1/2"x4". It has a red LED on it and the LED lights when the panel is putting out more voltage than the house batteries are at. This panel is rated at about 4.5 amps. It will not bring your house batteries up as your battery bank is too large. Basicly it will keep your house bank up while in storage. If the sun is shining and the red LED is on, the panel is working.

Jim
'96 Safari 3540, 300 CAT, 520W Solar.