Bounder: Solar Panel On Air Conditioner

[clyon51]

Originally Posted by chuckbear

Thanks. I may upgrade with a larger panel, but it will have to be of a size that will mound on top for the AC cover and still allow the fasteners to be removed. I don't have any plans to mount panels on the roof. Chuck

That should be no problem, but certainly not a game stopper. When I installed my 25w panel, I just installed on the roof next to the A/C unit. The kit had everything I needed except the roof sealant. A tube of Dicor self leveling sealant is all I needed. It will be leak proof long after I'm dead :-)

[chuckbear]

Originally Posted by cb1000rider

Chuck, what voltage did the original produce? You're looking at a voltage range for charging a battery, with 5 watts, probably anything between 12-14v is probably acceptable, up to a no-load voltage of 16v. Again, tons of small panels setup for 12v batteries.

The only other thing that i'd look for is if you park it in shade, you may want a diode put in the circuit to prevent possible current leak...

Thanks. I've been installing solar panels on boats for decades. In this case I was simply looking to replace what was there. Looks like it isn't going to happen so it's time to redesign. Chuck

[golfpgb]

Originally Posted by Mike H 2002 Revolution

Attachment 103070

This is the fleetwood replacement panel mounted to original rack.

Wow Mike that is a lot smaller than the original 1999 version.

[Johnp292]

Does the red LED on the AC vent work for anyone? I have the original panel on top of my AC unit and its producing voltage but I can't tell if it actually charges the batteries or not.

[Mike H 2002 Revolution]

Originally Posted by golfpgb

Wow Mike that is a lot smaller than the original 1999 version.

Yes it is. Too small!

[Mike H 2002 Revolution]

Originally Posted by Johnp292

Does the red LED on the AC vent work for anyone? I have the original panel on top of my AC unit and its producing voltage but I can't tell if it actually charges the batteries or not.

My solar charging light works but is part of my monitor panel

[clyon51]

Originally Posted by Johnp292

Does the red LED on the AC vent work for anyone? I have the original panel on top of my AC unit and its producing voltage but I can't tell if it actually charges the batteries or not.

Mine still works on my Bounder. However, the only time it will light is when: 1. The engine is not running. 2: the charger is not charging them. 3. The battery voltage is something less than 12.5v. In other words, the rig is stored with no power source.

Is some rigs with the "salesman switch" engaged, this does not shut off the safety features. IE, there is still a power draw to monitor, smoke, propane and C02. In which case a 25w panel may still not be enough. For all intent and purposes, the factory solar panel is a useless sales point only.

[airbrushguy]

Harbor Freight has some options which may suit your needs. I actually did mine with one of their 15 watt panels. Got a small upgrade and didn't break the bank.

http://www.harborfreight.com/15-watt...nel-96418.html

[computerguy]

I am curious if anyone knows how this mini panel is wired? House or chassis battery? To the BCC?

[genesimmons]

I disconnected all of my battery's and still couldn't get power to show up on volt meter at house or chassis battery. Unless the solenoids that control battery switches disengage when no power is present is why I couldn't get any readings but the red light was on on ac vent?

[Conchasjim]

The solar panel connects to the bcc and charges the house batteries. I replaced mine with a 15 watt panel from Harbor Frieght.

[Old Bounder]

Originally Posted by computerguy

I am curious if anyone knows how this mini panel is wired? House or chassis battery? To the BCC?

I'm not sure the '16 Bounder uses the RV-CP BCC, or if they use the Intellitec BCC, but both BCCs were wired the same in the past.

The small solar panel is wired to the BCC on connector PC-4 pin-3, through a 3amp fuse (F18) on the circuit board to the house batteries.

The charging ability of this small panel is, most likely, so minute that it can't even keep up with the normal "phantom" drains on the house systems of today.

Since it is wired directly to the battery output, (within the BCC and without a solar controller), it would be extremely difficult to measure it's output and to asses just how much help it affords in maintaining the house battery charge.

It might be possible to measure the output voltage of the panel by removing F18 and measuring the difference between the input to the fuse holder (from the panel) and the house battery voltage present at the other end of the fuse holder.

[Mike H 2002 Revolution]

Originally Posted by Conchasjim

The solar panel connects to the bcc and charges the house batteries. I replaced mine with a 15 watt panel from Harbor Frieght.

Is the 15 watt enough to maintain the battery charge when in storage? My 5 watt does not provide enough to make up for the loss even with nothing on.

[evesely]

Bought mine on ebay and tied it in to existing wiring. Size was almost the same with minor mounting modifications. You should have a small red LED mounted on the AC grill inside your coach to show you that the Solar panel is working.